


At LSUA, we are experiencing an era of growth, achievement, and transformation. As the university continues to expand, our mission remains clear: delivering an education that is both affordable and impactful—one that equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for high-demand future careers.
This year, LSUA was recognized as the fourth-best college in Louisiana by Niche and one of America’s Top Online Learning Schools in 2025 by Newsweek, a result of our rising reputation and the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students. Our enrollment has reached an all-time high of 6,904 students—an incredible 28% increase over the past year. More students than ever are choosing LSUA because they recognize the unmatched value of a rigorous and supportive education.
However, the true measure of LSUA’s success is found not just in numbers but in the lives we impact. Across campus, students are seizing opportunities to excel academically, engage in leadership roles, and prepare for their futures. From aspiring nurses and educators to budding entrepreneurs and student-athletes, LSUA cultivates an environment where ambition meets opportunity. Programs like the LSUA Makerspace and the new Bark Tank competition are helping students turn ideas into real-world innovations, while Mulder Scholars like Canaan Hoosier and Jaycie O’Conner embody the spirit of excellence and community that defines our university.
As we expand academic offerings, forge new partnerships, and increase scholarship opportunities, we remain committed to strengthening central Louisiana and beyond. Our latest healthcare initiatives, including an
evening nursing program and a new partnership for surgical technology training, address critical workforce needs while ensuring students have flexible pathways to success. Meanwhile, hands-on learning opportunities and service projects enrich students’ college experiences, reinforcing the deep connection between LSUA and the communities we serve.
This momentum extends beyond academics. LSUA’s athletic programs are making history, with our men’s basketball team reaching the #1 spot in the NAIA Top 25 rankings. At every level, our students, faculty, and staff are achieving new milestones, while our supporters—through scholarships and endowments—continue to provide life-changing opportunities that empower future generations.
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our faculty, staff, alumni, donors, legislators, community leaders, and the LSUA Foundation. Your dedication fuels our continued momentum and ensures that LSUA remains a leader in higher education. As we look ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to empower students, strengthen communities, and drive innovation. With the collective efforts of our LSUA family, there is no limit to what we can accomplish together.
Paul D. Coreil, Ph.D. LSUA Chancellor
LSUA has secured the #4 spot in Niche’s 2025 Best Colleges in Louisiana rankings, placing it among the state’s top institutions. With 17 public and 12 private four-year universities in Louisiana, LSUA stands alongside Tulane, Louisiana Tech, and LSU, underscoring its growing reputation as a premier institution in the South.
This national recognition reflects LSUA’s sustained growth and increasing appeal as a university of choice within the state. As student interest in LSUA continues to climb, the university has once again set a record-high enrollment for the Spring semester, reflecting its strong trajectory into 2025. LSUA’s enrollment has reached an all-time high of 6,904 undergraduates, marking a stunning 28% increase over the past year—the highest growth rate among all Louisiana institutions. This growth follows the university’s recent milestone of celebrating over 1,129 graduates in 2024.
A significant driver of LSUA’s growth is its thriving online programs, which have surged by 46% in just one year, now serving nearly 4,000 students. On-campus enrollment has also experienced substantial growth, rising by 9% since Spring 2024 to a total of 2,921 students. These figures highlight LSUA’s success in meeting the educational needs of modern learners in all of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, all 50 states, and 25 countries across the world.
For prospective students and families, college rankings serve as a crucial resource in the decision-making process. Niche’s methodology evaluates institutions using a combination of quantitative data from the U.S. Department of Education and qualitative insights from student and alumni reviews. A key component of the rankings is the Student Experience Score, derived from detailed surveys assessing satisfaction across academic quality, campus life, and faculty engagement.
Niche’s Best Colleges rankings incorporate rigorous academic, admissions, financial, and student life data. This year, the methodology has adapted to evolving higher education trends, introducing an Economic Mobility Index that assesses the economic advancement opportunities for low-income students while also de-emphasizing standardized test scores in admissions considerations. These updates reflect the shifting priorities of students and universities alike.
As LSUA continues its ascent as one of Louisiana’s top institutions, the university remains committed to its core mission: providing highquality, affordable, and accessible education that supports students and strengthens communities. With an emphasis on innovation and student success, LSUA is poised to maintain its upward trajectory, shaping the future of higher education in Louisiana and beyond.
for Spring 2025
In the November 15 issue of Newsweek, LSUA earned a 4-star rating and ranked 210th among “America’s Top Online Learning Schools in 2025,” marking a national achievement for its online education programs. Over the past year, the university’s online enrollment surged by 56%, rising from 2,479 students in fall 2023 to 3,870 in fall 2024, and online students now comprise 54% of its total enrollment. This rapid growth has also yielded a 71% boost in graduates from fully online programs, with 349 completing degrees this fall.
Newsweek’s ranking, developed through a comprehensive survey of more than 10,000 online learners and compiled by research firm Statista, placed LSUA among an elite group of 250 colleges recognized for accessibility and career-focused options. By offering 24 online degree programs, each with several concentrations, LSUA provides students with flexible pathways tailored to evolving workforce needs.
LSUA recognized 504 graduates during its Fall 2024 commencement at the Rapides Parish Coliseum, marking the largest graduating class in the university’s history. The figure represents a 17% increase over the previous record of 430 graduates from spring and a 54% rise compared to last fall. The event also celebrated 187 students who completed their degrees during the summer term.
Altogether, LSUA conferred degrees on 1,129 students in 2024, reflecting a 30% gain over the previous year. The university highlighted the graduates’ hard work, sacrifice, determination, and support from family and friends who contributed to their success. LSUA’s sustained enrollment growth signals the institution’s academic excellence and the regional community’s trust in the value of an LSUA education.
The LSUA Foundation announced the Renaud L. Holcombe Endowed Scholarship, a new award designed to support Computer Science and Cybersecurity majors in the College of Science, Technology, and Mathematics. Established by a $50,000 gift from Dr. David Holcombe and his wife, Nicole, the scholarship honors their late son, Renaud, a Brussels native who moved to Alexandria, attended Bolton High School and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, and later earned a computer science degree from Loyola University New Orleans.
A passionate data architect known for his love of cycling, glassblowing, and reading, Renaud embodied a zest for knowledge that this scholarship aims to cultivate in future innovators. Full-time LSUA students with at least a 2.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need are eligible for the annually renewable award, ensuring that it continues to foster academic success for generations. This investment reflects the family’s devotion to bridging financial gaps for aspiring STEM professionals. The Foundation appreciates the Holcombe family’s generosity, a lasting tribute to Renaud’s memory.
The LSUA Foundation received an additional $35,000 from the Doug Young Memorial Golf Tournament to bolster the Doug Young Memorial Scholarship, an endowed award established in 2015 through Marcia Young’s initial $25,000 donation. The scholarship honors Doug Young, a respected businessman, devoted family man, and dedicated community leader who began his college journey at LSUA before transferring to LSU in Baton Rouge, eventually earning a degree in economics. Young served as a social worker and probation officer for Louisiana for three decades and, in 1976, co-founded Doug Young Nursery with Marcia, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
This financial assistance supports students pursuing science degrees at LSUA, prioritizing those from the Forest Hill area continuing Young’s legacy of encouraging educational opportunities. The tournament, held annually since 2010, has become a cherished event celebrating his life and commitment to empowering future generations. The LSUA Foundation deeply appreciates Marcia Young, her family, and the broader community for their invaluable support, which drives student success and commemorates Doug Young’s enduring impact.
For me, what impressed me most about LSUA was its smaller, more intimate campus size. For some, this may be an issue, but for me, it was everything I wanted. I learn best when building close relationships. I have gotten so close with my classmates that I know every single one of them by name. While that may not sound like a big deal to a high school kid, for a college student, it is.
At most colleges, your professors will never know your name; you will just be another student filling up their hundred-person class. The experience at LSUA could not be more different by comparison. The professors here are very personable, make deep connections with you, and remember who you are. An experience like that would not happen at your typical college, but it is an aspect of LSUA that makes it truly unique.
One on-campus event that solidified my impression of life at LSUA was Fall Fest. I saw so many genuinely happy faces—not only students but also staff. At LSUA, the staff is just as involved as the students in events around campus. When I experienced this family feeling, I knew I had found my second home.
I have become involved in numerous organizations, such as the Honors Experience, Biological Sciences Organization, and the Ambassador program. These organizations are all incredible, but the Ambassador program has been the highlight of my LSUA experience. Through teamwork, dedication, and hard work, I have collaborated with my colleagues to create a fun and inviting atmosphere on campus.
Becoming a Mulder Scholar recipient has set the foundation for my success as a student here on campus. Not only has it supported me financially when I desperately needed it, but it has also served as a platform from which I have succeeded in other areas of my life. Because of the scholarship, I have been able to focus on my studies without worrying about the financial pressures of college. It has given me more time to better concentrate on my academics and chart a path for my future. My experience at LSUA has been personalized to my needs every step of the way. Whether it was class scheduling, meetings, extracurricular activities, or other needs, LSUA's incredible staff has been there to deliver an unforgettable experience. There has not been a single moment when I have felt left out. The feeling of community makes building friendships that can last a lifetime an everyday occurrence while on campus. LSUA makes college life enjoyable; that is the simple truth of it. College can be challenging, but the atmosphere doesn't have to be; my experience here has proven that to be true.
I would love to be remembered as the student who was willing to go the extra mile—the student who was committed to helping others regardless of differences. Ultimately, everyone is family at LSUA, and leaving behind a legacy of commitment and service to others would be incredible.
The LSUA Makerspace is a creative hub for hands-on learning, offering students the tools and technology needed to bring their ideas to life. With advanced resources such as 3D printers, a laser cutter, and various fabrication equipment, the Makerspace encourages innovation across multiple disciplines, helping students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. Two students, Brett Tassin and Breanna McDowell, are exploring the boundaries of what is possible through their academic projects, demonstrating how the Makerspace empowers them to experiment, create, and develop essential skills for their future careers.
"My project focuses on programming drones for implementation in our Python Coding class. Working with the Technovation Coordinator and other professionals, we're researching various drones, required skills, and licensing requirements to establish a Drone Zone on the LSUA campus. Our first step is introducing programmable drones into one of our computer science classes.
Having previously worked with Python programming, I knew I wanted to expand my knowledge in this language. When I discovered that the Codrone EDU was Python-compatible, it was a perfect opportunity to enhance my programming skills.
I work with multi-rotor CoDrone EDU drones, compact models designed for classroom use rather than heavy lifting or outdoor flight. These drones serve as valuable teaching tools in computer science, allowing students to apply their coding skills in an engaging, hands-on way. The drones can detect colors, determine direction, and sense nearby objects through their built-in sensors.
I program multiple aspects of drone flight, including navigation, obstacle avoidance, and color identification. I write code transmitted directly to the drone using "Python for Robolink," a browser-based program. Once I input and run the code, the drone executes the commands.
Autonomous drones have promising applications across multiple industries. In warehouse inventory management, drones could automatically monitor stock levels—a significant efficiency advancement. Large autonomous drones could revolutionize farming in precision agriculture by handling tasks like crop spraying independently.
The LSUA Makerspace has been instrumental in my project's development, providing both workspace and essential resources for drone testing. These resources include multiple batteries and a charging station, which are crucial since drone batteries have limited flight time.”
“My project evaluated how different 3D printing materials could function as permanent dental crowns. We tested various filaments and resins, including ABS, PLA, PETG, SLA modeling resin, and two specialized permanent crown resins: Dentatooth and Formlabs. The goal was to assess how each material would perform under realistic conditions found in the mouth.
I began by conducting staining tests using common beverages, including coffee, soda, and wine, to assess each material’s resistance to discoloration. Using a hydraulic press provided by the Technovation Center, I then measured the compression strength of each material to simulate the forces experienced by natural teeth. Through these tests, I aim to determine which material offers the best overall performance regarding stain resistance, compression strength relative to natural teeth, and the ability to detect underlying cavities through radiopacity.
Traditional resins require a two-part mixture with manual mixing and curing—a time-consuming process prone to errors due to chemical reactions. In contrast, rapid crown molding uses 3D printing technology, where a laser instantly cures the resin for faster solidification. This streamlined method increases efficiency while reducing manual labor. Unlike traditional crown creation, 3D printing produces crowns quickly and on-site. Dentists with a 3D printer can create crown models inhouse so patients can receive their crowns within one to two days. This technology reduces material waste through precise fabrication while streamlining workflow, resulting in faster turnaround times, lower treatment costs, and improved patient experience.
This research project significantly strengthened my dental school applications. The dental school admissions were particularly impressed by my hands-on experience with dental research and cutting-edge technology. In a continuously evolving field, familiarity with modern advances is crucial for dental students. None of this would have been possible without LSUA Technovation and the Makerspace.”
Scholarship has allowed me to participate in many on-campus activities as a student-athlete. Without the scholarship, I would not have had the same opportunities to engage with the campus community and build connections. I have also made friendships with other Mulder Scholars and formed meaningful bonds with them.
Every day, when I wake up, I am encouraged to accomplish my many goals and ultimately graduate. LSUA never fails to put students first—day in and day out, faculty, staff, and administrators prioritize our needs above all else. Throughout my first semester and a half here, I have connected with others and recognized that LSUA is truly home. By graduation, I hope to leave a lasting legacy at LSUA. I want other students to see that working hard and being involved in campus life can take you further than just staying buried in books.
LSUA is expanding its healthcare education offerings to meet the evolving needs of central Louisiana and address healthcare workforce shortages. The School of Nursing recently launched its first evening option cohort for the Associate of Science in Nursing program, providing working adults, caregivers, and nontraditional students with the flexibility to pursue professional goals. This pilot cohort of seven students meets on Monday and Tuesday evenings, with Saturday clinicals, and is expected to grow to two evening classes by fall 2025 and four clinical courses by fall 2026.
Further supporting the healthcare sector, LSUA has partnered with Louisiana State University Eunice (LSUE) to launch a Surgical Technology program in downtown Alexandria. A survey by LSUA’s Department of Allied Health identified a critical need for surgical technologists, and local healthcare providers have long struggled to recruit qualified personnel for this role. LSUE now offers its Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology at LSUA’s A.C. Buchanan Building, combining LSUE’s instructional expertise with LSUA’s financial support and facilities. Prospective students will complete prerequisite courses at LSUA and then transition into LSUE’s professional and clinical curriculum, all conducted locally through the Health Professions Collaborative Agreement.
This approach allows students to pursue specialized careers without leaving the region, filling a gap in the region’s healthcare workforce. The venture is partly funded by a Healthcare Occupations Program Grant from The Rapides Foundation, which aligns with the foundation’s goal of increasing the number of graduates in high-demand fields such as nursing, behavioral health, and allied health.
By offering flexible scheduling, new degree options, and hands-on guidance, LSUA is bolstering the future of central Louisiana’s healthcare and ensuring that students can pursue rewarding careers without sacrificing personal or family commitments.
Market research informed the program’s development, revealing that 70% of current nursing students at LSUA are married, and nearly half serve as parents or caregivers. The evening option offers a solution for individuals with daytime commitments who still wish to embark on a nursing career. Prospective students are embracing this life-changing possibility, finding that a flexible schedule supports work and family obligations. LSUA strengthens the pipeline of new registered nurses by improving access to high-quality training.
While these new programs expand academic pathways, current LSUA nursing students are also preparing for professional success. In a recent assignment for CN3 students, faculty and local healthcare leaders organized mock interviews to help participants build strong resumes and practice essential job-search skills. By engaging students in realworld experiences, the School of Nursing aims to boost confidence and improve graduates’ competitiveness in the job market.
Prospective students are receiving early exposure to nursing opportunities as well. During a recent Nursing Preview Day, LSUA hosted high school juniors and seniors on campus in collaboration with the Rapides Parish School Board and CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini. Attendees learned about the educational track for nursing and gained insight into career options. In addition, CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini has established a $1 million scholarship fund for future LSUA nursing students accepted into its cohort, which includes certification assistance and guaranteed employment for those who complete the program and pass the NCLEX.
The LSUA College of Business hosted its first-ever Bark Tank competition, an entrepreneurial event inspired by the popular TV show "Shark Tank." The event showcased the innovative ideas of LSUA’s brightest student entrepreneurs. Student groups presented their business ideas to a panel of “Top Dogs,” including Dustin Matthews, VP of Southern Heritage Bank; Kel Bonton, owner of Bonton Media; Ryan Donaghey, Director of Operations at Long’s Products; and Kellie Peyton, owner of Queen Bee Marketing. These seasoned professionals evaluated the pitches and selected the top four teams for awards and mentorship opportunities.
Projects ranged from membership-based hangout spaces for teenagers to clothing exchange programs to an app for parents to track their child’s school bus route. Another pitch involved a ticket swap app that allows event-goers to exchange seats at concerts or sports events. Some teams even effectively presented business plans with proposed profit-and-loss statements based on real-world business research.
Experiential learning opportunities like "Bark Tank" provide firstyear business students with a hands-on introduction to essential entrepreneurial skills. Business ideation requires students to identify problems, generate creative solutions, and develop feasible business models. This mirrors real-world entrepreneurial processes, fostering critical thinking and innovation. Crafting and delivering professional pitches strengthens communication, public speaking, and persuasion skills—critical for business success. National trends in business education emphasize such active learning methods to develop job-ready graduates equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Equally important is the experience of receiving constructive feedback from veteran business professionals. This interaction bridges classroom learning with real-world expectations, offering students industryrelevant insights and a better understanding of market dynamics.
"Bark Tank was an invaluable experience that provided an opportunity to collaborate with my peers and navigate the entire process of developing and refining a business idea. It allowed me to gain hands-on experience and take an idea from conception to execution, allowing for both creativity and strategic thinking."
- Connor M., LSUA Business Major. Bark Tank Contestant
Ethan Lipsey, Director of First Year Experience at LSUA, has been named among the 2024 “4 Under 40” award winners by the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Young Professionals Group of Cenla. This recognition is part of the CENLA 4Ward program, which celebrates emerging leaders under 40 who demonstrate significant community involvement, industry impact, leadership excellence, and enduring commitment to personal and professional growth. Lipsey’s work includes leadership on university committees, collaboration with various national organizations, and volunteer service supporting local causes such as The Food Bank and the Central Louisiana Community Foundation. He consistently implements strategies to boost student retention, promote higher education initiatives, and create broader regional engagement.
LSUA recently hosted the 7th Annual Educators Rising Regional Conference, welcoming nearly 450 aspiring middle and high school educators. The program allows students to explore the teaching profession through guidance and resources supporting their educational journey. Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley, Ed.D., delivered an inspiring keynote address, encouraging participants to pursue educational excellence. Students participated in competitions, hands-on activities, and learning sessions led by LSUA faculty and students. Through these experiences, Educators Rising continues to shape the next generation of teachers, supporting their path from high school through college and into their future careers.
LSUA Athletics proudly inducted its second Hall of Fame class on February 15, recognizing three outstanding athletes whose contributions left a lasting impression on their programs. The LSUA Athletics Hall of Fame celebrates these athletes for their achievements on the field and the legacy they have left behind.
DeAngelo Coleman was a key player in LSUA’s early basketball success (2014-2016), appearing in 58 games and averaging 13.6 points. During his two seasons at LSUA, he lead the Generals to back-to-back Red River Athletic Conference Regular Season Championships. Coleman was an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention in 2014-15 before earning First Team NAIA All-American honors the following season.
Brooke Thomas impacted LSUA Softball during her two seasons in 2014 and 2015. She compiled a career batting average of .471 and an on-base percentage of .528 over 91 games. She was named the Association of Independent Institutions’ Player of the Year in 2014 and the Red River Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2015. A two-time All-American, Thomas earned Second Team honors in 2014 before securing a First Team selection in 2015.
Brandon Goyne was a member of the LSUA Baseball team from 20122013. He appeared in 27 games for the Generals during the 2012 season, driving in six runs on 11 hits. Tragically, at 20 years old, Brandon collapsed on the field during baseball practice on January 18, 2013, and passed away. In his memory, the Goyne family established the Brandon Goyne Foundation, which provides affordable heart testing to help prevent sudden cardiac events. His remembrance continues to make a profound impact at LSUA and beyond.
2025 LSUA Athletic Hall of Fame Class
DeAngelo Coleman (Men’s Basketball) Brooke Thomas (Softball) Brandon Goyne (Baseball)
The LSUA Men’s Basketball team has once again proven its dominance, securing its second consecutive Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) Tournament Championship with a hard-fought 88-79 victory over the University of the Southwest (NM) in the tournament final. This win caps off a stellar season for the Generals, who were also crowned RRAC Regular Season Champions for the second straight year in February. With the tournament title secured, the Generals will now compete at the NAIA Men’s Basketball Championship. LSUA will serve as the host site for the first and second rounds, ensuring the Generals will have a home-court advantage as they continue their pursuit of a national title.
LSUA Men’s Basketball ascended from No. 12 in the preseason to the top spot in the February NAIA Coaches’ Poll, securing its place as the No. 1 team in the nation. With a 25-2 overall record and 22-2 mark in the Red River Athletic Conference, the Generals clinched back-to-back regular season conference titles after an 81-62 triumph over Xavier University of Louisiana. That victory avenged an early season loss and extended its winning streak to 17 games, a run launched in December against Louisiana Christian University. Senior forward Kashie Natt has anchored the offense, averaging 19.0 points and 9.9 rebounds per contest, while sophomore guard E.J. McQuillan contributes 12.7 points per game and an impressive 40.3 percent clip from beyond the arc. LSUA booked an automatic NAIA postseason bid and looks to sustain its momentum in national postseason play.