GENERALS BRIEFING
L-R: Deron Thaxton (LSUA Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration & CFO), Abbey Bain (LSUA Vice Chancellor for Enrollment & Student Engagement), Paul Coreil (LSUA Chancellor), Elizabeth Beard (LSUA Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs), Jeff Langston (Vice Chancellor for Operations & COO)
LSU System President Wade Rousse
CHANCELLOR PAUL COREIL, PH.D.
SECURING NEW GROUND
At LSUA, opportunities do not happen by accident. They are made intentionally and strategically to support our students and the communities we serve. Our university is not standing still; we are building for the workforce of tomorrow. We are expanding our physical footprint, breaking enrollment records, and, most importantly, elevating our students' success.
This year, we celebrated the grand opening of the Martin Family Student Success Center, marking the completion of a transformative new front door to campus. By uniting admissions, financial aid, advising, career development, and first-year experience under one roof, we have streamlined the student journey from their first campus visit to graduation day. The LSUA Plaza and Tower now welcome students into a campus designed around access, support, and aspiration.
Our growth continues to defy national trends. LSUA set another alltime enrollment record this spring with 7,728 students, marking 12 consecutive semesters of expansion. At a time when many institutions face shrinking enrollment and mounting financial pressure, LSUA is emerging as a national model, earning recognition for growth, academic quality, safety, and social mobility. These distinctions are not ends in themselves. They are evidence that when we focus on affordability, workforce alignment, and student support, students respond.
We are also building the infrastructure to sustain this momentum. The groundbreaking of University Pointe, new on-campus apartments developed through a public-private partnership, addresses housing demand while expanding opportunity for students and the region.
The appointment of Jeff Langston as Vice Chancellor for Operations and Chief Operating Officer strengthens our operational capacity. At the same time, the selection of new academic deans ensures that our colleges continue to innovate and grow.
Most importantly, our true pride lies in our students' achievements. This issue highlights multiple students who are pursuing their dreams, receiving national recognition, and whose talents are making impacts from our campus all the way to Capitol Hill. Whether they are capturing our campus through award-winning photography, training to become commercial pilots, or navigating the halls of Congress, these stories prove that there is no limit to what an LSUA student can achieve.
LSUA is building pathways for first-generation students, adult learners, working families, and future professionals across Louisiana and beyond. Every facility constructed, every program launched, and every partnership signed shares a common purpose: expanding access and preparing graduates to lead. None of this could be achieved without our supporters, donors, alumni, legislators, faculty, and staff. Together, we are building an institution designed not only for today's challenges, but for tomorrow's opportunities. Thank you for being a vital part of the LSUA family.
Paul D. Coreil, Ph.D. LSUA Chancellor
MARTIN FAMILY STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
On January 21, LSUA officially celebrated the grand opening of the Martin Family Student Success Center. The event marked the completion of the university's first new building since 2012 and the realization of a long-term vision to redefine the campus entrance. The opening ceremony brought together university officials, donors, and community partners to celebrate a modern environment built on a fierce belief in student success.
The new facility serves as the capstone of a physical transformation that began with the launch of the Fierce for LSUA capital campaign in 2019. Recognizing a need to unify student services, the LSUA Foundation and university leadership rallied nearly 100 donors to contribute more than $5 million in private support, securing a necessary match for state capital outlay funding.
Before construction began, the university undertook extensive infrastructure improvements to prepare the site. In 2022, LSUA completed a $6.5 million drainage and paving project that replaced a former roadway with the pedestrian-focused LSUA Plaza. This work led to the August 2025 unveiling of a new grand entrance roundabout and the LSUA Tower, a landmark serving as a gateway for students and visitors.
Construction on the Martin Center began in early 2024 and concluded in December 2025. The building is designed as a central hub, colocating essential departments such as admissions, financial aid, advising, career development, and first-year experience. By housing these resources under one roof, the university aims to streamline the student journey from recruitment through graduation.
The center is named in recognition of a foundational gift from Roy O. Martin III and Kathy Kilpatrick Martin. Through Martin Sustainable Resources LLC and Martco LLC, the family provided the critical private funding required to move the project forward, reflecting a commitment to strengthening the workforce in central Louisiana.
Newly Appointed LSU System President Wade Rousse Visits LSUA Campus
LSU System President Wade Rousse recently visited the LSUA campus to receive updates on the university's ongoing growth and momentum. This visit followed his appointment by the LSU Board of Supervisors, which approved a new organizational structure separating system leadership from the flagship administration.
Under this arrangement, President Rousse focuses on systemwide oversight and strategic initiatives, while James Dalton serves as Executive Vice President of the LSU System and Chancellor of the flagship A&M campus in Baton Rouge. Dalton is tasked with driving research advancement and academic excellence to help LSU achieve top-50 research university status.
President Rousse, a Louisiana native and former president of McNeese State University, brings a background in economics and a record of enrollment growth to the role. The leadership changes aim to strengthen the university's agility and impact across the state while maintaining a clear focus on student success.
LSUA Breaks Ground on University Pointe, New On-Campus Apartments
LSUA recently broke ground on University Pointe, a new 176-unit apartment complex serving as the opening phase of the broader Campus Edge Project. Developed through a public-private partnership with Durand Construction LLC, the residential community is designed to accommodate the university's record-setting enrollment growth. Administrators indicated the development addresses a five-year housing waitlist and allows the institution to expand its footprint without direct financial expenditure.
University Pointe is situated at the high-traffic intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and Highway 3170. Beyond housing, the overarching Campus Edge Project aims to stimulate the local economy, with officials actively seeking additional partners to bring dining, retail, and entertainment amenities to the adjacent development zones to serve the central Louisiana community.
LSU System President Wade Rousse and LSUA Chancellor Paul Coreil with student ambassadors
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FOR GROWTH, SAFETY, & ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Against a national backdrop of shrinking enrollment and mounting financial pressure in higher education, Louisiana State University of Alexandria is emerging as a national model for regional public universities. Recent evaluations by leading educational researchers and publications highlight the institution's exceptional performance in growth, campus safety, support for women, and social mobility.
A recent analysis by the education research firm EAB named LSUA the No. 4 fastest-growing regional public university in the nation. Evaluating federal data from 2010 to 2023, the report tracked a 100% increase in the university's student body. This sustained expansion earned the university a feature in The Chronicle of Higher Education, which showcased the campus as a rural growth engine defying the odds.
Rather than chasing national prestige, the university focused on serving its immediate region, where fewer than a third of adults hold a bachelor's degree. By expanding online and hybrid learning, which saw a 560% enrollment surge since 2019, LSUA created accessible pathways for adult learners, first-generation students, and military personnel. Furthermore, aligning academic programs with regional workforce shortages yielded measurable results. Nursing completions more than doubled, health professions quadrupled, and accounting completions grew nearly sixfold since 2017.
The campus environment is equally distinguished. Niche evaluated over 2,000 institutions and named LSUA the No. 1 safest college campus in Louisiana and No. 7 in the United States. Federal data shows little to no reportable campus crime, positioning the university well below the national average of 16.9 incidents per 10,000 students. The close-knit, rural campus operates with a dedicated police department and proactive safety measures, creating an environment where the student body reports high confidence in its security day and night.
Newsweek also recognized the university in its inaugural America's Best Colleges for Women 2026 rankings. Placing No. 52 out of more than 1,300 evaluated institutions, LSUA sits in the top 4% nationwide and second in Louisiana. The methodology evaluated leadership, policies, safety, and opportunity. Women comprise 71% of the degreeseeking population, hold a significant majority of faculty positions, and lead four of the seven academic units. The university's on-campus childcare center and a 10-year record of zero reported Clery Act crimes against women significantly bolstered its standing.
Rounding out the accolades, U.S. News & World Report elevated LSUA three spots to No. 14 among Top Public Regional Colleges in the South for 2026. The publication also designated the university as a Top Performer in Social Mobility, recognizing its success in enrolling and graduating students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
These distinct honors paint a unified picture. By rejecting the narrative that rural geography limits potential, LSUA has proven that prioritizing community needs, campus safety, and accessible education yields historic success.
7,728 STUDENTS FOR 2026 SPRING ENROLLMENT
Once again, LSUA achieved a historic milestone in Spring 2026, setting an all-time enrollment record of 7,728 students. This figure represents an 11.9% increase over the previous spring semester, extending a multi-year pattern of sustained expansion.
While national data from the National Student Clearinghouse indicates only modest postsecondary gains, LSUA defied the typical spring enrollment decline observed at many four-year institutions. The university posted spring-over-fall growth for the third consecutive year, driven largely by a 20.5% surge in online enrollment and a 10.4% rise in on-campus students.
University leadership attributes this upward trajectory to a focus on affordability and flexible, career-aligned degree pathways. Administrators note that the growth validates the institution's value proposition in a competitive market where families prioritize return on investment. With a student body representing all 64 Louisiana parishes, 50 states, and 28 countries, LSUA continues to broaden its reach as one of the fastest-growing undergraduate institutions in the nation.
LSUA Celebrates Over 940 Summer & Fall Graduates
LSUA awarded degrees to more than 940 students during its 2025 fall and summer commencement, marking the largest graduating class in the university's history. The ceremony, held at the Laborde Earles Coliseum, honored students receiving bachelor's, associate, and post-baccalaureate degrees across more than 30 academic programs.
Commencement speaker Warren Morris, Red River Bank Vice President, addressed the graduates, encouraging them to serve their communities while preparing for their next steps. Morris is a former Major League Baseball player known for his game-winning home run in the 1996 College World Series and is set for induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
Warren Morris (Red River Bank Vice President of Private Banking)
KYRN BAKER
AVIATION STUDENT, AMBASSADOR, & TELLY AWARD WINNER
I chose LSUA because it is my hometown university. I fell in love with the atmosphere, and it is one of the only universities in Louisiana that offers a Professional Aviation major. LSUA’s family feel and my new friendships have had a massive, positive impact on my college experience. My choice felt right from the start, and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
The absolute highlight of my time here has been flying planes and studying aviation. I am so blessed to be able to pursue my dream of flying; piloting a plane is the coolest feeling ever. If you were to tell seventeen-year-old me that I was going to be a licensed pilot in less than a year, I wouldn’t have believed it, but LSUA has made that a reality. The Professional Aviation program prepares us to become FAA-certified multi-engine commercial pilots and flight instructors, and the training includes incredible flight courses, a flight simulator, and hands-on training.
Beyond aviation, I am proud to be an LSUA Student Ambassador. We are a select group of students dedicated to exemplifying leadership, scholarship, and professionalism. After going through a rigorous interview process to don the signature purple polo, my main goal has been to guide new students through their transition to college and make their first year the best it can be.
We plan and conduct orientation for new students, teaching sessions on campus resources, how to juggle classes and work, ways to get involved, and everything in between. Throughout my tenure, I have been given numerous opportunities to expand my horizons. I have attended and presented at conferences, spoken at LSU Board of Supervisors meetings, provided campus tours, visited high schools with recruiters, and worked special events within the central Louisiana community. My mentors have provided incredible academic and professional networking opportunities.
I was also given the unexpected honor of becoming the first LSUA student to earn a Telly Award. I had the leading role in the “Are You Ready?” commercial, which was filmed and directed by Multimedia Coordinator Nathan Parish and served as the backbone of LSUA’s television marketing. The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens, and this year’s competition drew more than 13,000 entries from all 50 states and six continents. Winning in the General Education category alongside work from leading advertising agencies, production companies, and networks worldwide was an unbelievable thrill and a major highlight during my time at LSUA.
EMRIE ALBRITTON POLITICAL SCIENCE GRADUATE & CONGRESSIONAL INTERN
Growing up, I had absolutely no interest in politics. It was never something I saw myself getting involved in. In all honesty, I originally chose the political science degree because the internet said it was a good route to law school. Law school was the end goal, and the political science degree was simply the means to get there.
All of that changed when I took my first political science class with Dr. Kerry Ordes. He opened my eyes to the world of politics; I never realized how interesting and fun the behind-the-scenes of government could be. Thanks to Dr. Ordes, I entered my next chapter with a strong foundation in leadership, public service, and policymaking.
My coursework at LSUA laid the groundwork for what came next. Political science classes offered insight into how government operates and how decisions at the highest levels ripple across systems. My writing and research coursework equipped me to engage confidently and effectively in a fast-paced environment.
That preparation was put to the test when I spent several months working for Speaker of the House Mike Johnson in Washington, D.C.
The internship was unique because it allowed interns to work in both the Louisiana district office and the leadership office.
Every single day was different. Whenever I was working in his office representing Louisiana's 4th congressional district, I attended committee hearings and briefings, wrote memos, sorted mail, answered phone calls, and gave Capitol tours to Louisiana constituents. That was easily my favorite part; Louisiana constituents are uniquely passionate, endlessly entertaining, and impossible not to love.
Being immersed in the congressional environment gave me firsthand experience that no classroom could replicate. Writing memos on the hearings and briefings allowed me to see the processes I spent so much time studying come to life. I learned how to manage multiple priorities without losing sight of the bigger picture and gained firsthand insight into how leadership really works. Most importantly, I gained confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully, even in high-stakes situations, and to approach challenges with curiosity and resilience.
Moving from Alexandria, Louisiana, to Washington, D.C. was a transition I genuinely loved. Alexandria will always be home, and I still adore its slow, easy rhythm. But I've been dreaming about big-city life for as long as I can remember, which is why I now live in Washington, D.C. full-time.
If I could share one piece of advice, it would be this: there is a spot on the Hill for everyone. No matter your political affiliation, there is an opportunity waiting for you. Almost every member and committee offers internships. If you're even thinking about applying for an internship, just go for it. You never know what doors might open, what skills you'll gain, or what incredible stories you'll end up telling.
L-R: Emrie Albritton and Mike Johnson (Speaker of the United States House of Representatives)
LSUA TOWER PHOTO CONTEST
LSUA Student Engagement Hosts Tower Photo Competition
The LSUA Division of Enrollment and Student Engagement recently invited the campus community to capture the beauty of the university's new iconic landmark through a photo contest. The competition encouraged participants to demonstrate their photographic talents, offering prizes and the opportunity to have their work showcased on campus.
The contest featured two distinct categories to allow for broad participation: one for the student body and another for faculty and staff members. Judges selected top honorees in each division based on their artistic depictions of the LSUA Tower.
In the student category, Austin Gaspard secured first place, followed by Ryan L. in second place and Haven B. in third. The faculty and staff competition saw Dailey Burkett take home top honors. Sgt. Mechelle Williams earned second place, while Sarah Blazek rounded out the winners in third place.
Photo by Dailey Burkett (Faculty/Staff 1st Place Winner)
Photo by Austin Gaspard (Student 1st Place Winner)
AUSTIN GASPARD COMMUNICATIONS STUDENT & 1ST PLACE WINNER
My journey with the LSUA Media Team started with my interest in social media content. I would see car edits that looked incredible, and I wanted to learn how to create that same kind of work myself. Once I started working with the team, I was given the opportunity to use a wide variety of equipment, which allowed me to explore the creative side of media and express my vision through photos and videos.
It still amazes me how multiple people can photograph the same event and end up with completely different results. That is when I realized how much of an art form this is.
Working with the LSUA Media Team and local videographer Kel Bonton has been a blessing. From the very first day, I have learned something new every time we go out to shoot. Even when I feel like I have done something almost perfectly, my mentors find a way to push me to make it even better.
The most important lesson I have learned is the importance of always being prepared for obstacles. Things do not always go as planned on set, and what matters most is knowing how to adapt and find solutions, even if that means going out of your way. That adaptability was crucial for the documentary "Alexandria Football: Road to the Dome," the most rewarding project I have worked on so far. Seeing how the project came together and the positive feedback it received made all the hard work feel truly worth it.
Recently, placing first in the inaugural campus photo contest showed me that my effort and creativity are being recognized, which motivates me to keep improving. When I am behind the camera, I want people to feel a connection with the pictures I take. I like to give people memories to look back on and be amazed every time.
My advice to other students would be to take every opportunity that comes your way. Personally, I never imagined I would be working for a multi-award-winning company, but taking small chances helped me grow and led to bigger opportunities. You never know where those experiences might take you. Looking ahead, I plan to continue developing my skills and, ultimately, build my own media company that produces high-quality content for clients.
LSUA Appoints Jeff Langston as Vice Chancellor for Operations &
Chief Operating Officer
LSUA has promoted Jeff Langston to serve as the institution’s first Vice Chancellor for Operations and Chief Operating Officer. Designed to support LSUA’s unprecedented enrollment and campus expansion, this new senior leadership position focuses on aligning operational strategy with long-term institutional goals.
Langston, who has served as Dean of the College of Health & Human Services since 2023, will now oversee a broad range of critical functions, including facilities, risk management, campus safety, and information technology. His portfolio also extends to key student support services such as financial aid, scholarships, and procurement. Additionally, he is tasked with spearheading innovation through artificial intelligence initiatives and managing governmental relations to secure vital resources.
NEW ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP
LSUA has appointed three new academic deans to lead its Colleges of Business, Social Sciences, and Health & Human Services. These strategic leadership changes aim to support the institution’s trajectory as the fastest-growing four-year university in Louisiana.
Rafael Romero, LL.M., M.A., has been named Dean of the College of Business following a national search. A Fulbright Scholar with an interdisciplinary background in law and international strategy, Romero has served the university for more than a decade. He is credited with shaping the College of Business into a hub for entrepreneurship through initiatives such as the Bark Tank pitch competition and was recognized with the 2025 CTE Teaching Innovation Award.
Leading the College of Social Sciences is Beth Whittington , M.A., who transitions from the interim role to permanent dean. Whittington, the university’s first full-time criminal justice professor, has dedicated 30 years to LSUA. Her professional background includes 15 years with the
Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office and service as a forensic interviewer. Whittington has been instrumental in expanding academic partnerships with justice agencies and coordinating specialized training for law enforcement.
Ryan Riche , DPT, assumes the role of Dean of the College of Health & Human Services. A licensed physical therapist with more than 12 years of leadership experience at Rapides Regional Medical Center, Riche brings a clinical perspective to the college. His appointment focuses on addressing regional healthcare workforce shortages and expanding clinical education within the School of Nursing, the Department of Allied Health, and the School of Education.
These appointments round out the university's full complement of academic deans, including Nate Sammons, Ph.D. (Dean of the College of Science, Technology, & Mathematics) and Brenda Ellington, Ph.D. (Dean of the College of Liberal Arts).
LSUA and Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Sign Partnership Agreement to Advance Education
and Workforce Development
LSUA and the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana recently signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a five-year partnership centered on education and workforce development. This agreement aims to expand research opportunities and training pathways for students across central Louisiana. The collaboration supports the tribe's mission to bolster economic growth for its more than 1,700 citizens while furthering the university's community engagement. Under the terms of the agreement, the institutions will launch initiatives focused on workforce readiness, leadership development, and cultural preservation. Specific plans include the creation of firstgeneration scholarships and increased educational access for tribal members.
LSUA Foundation & Generals Athletic Association Host Fifth Annual Shrimp Jam
The LSUA Foundation and Generals Athletic Association welcomed a record-breaking crowd of more than 500 supporters to the Randolph Riverfront Center in Alexandria for the fifth annual Shrimp Jam. The event brought the central Louisiana community together in support of the university, marking the start of the new academic year with record-breaking fundraising. The proceeds from the event support the university's athletic teams and the foundation's ongoing initiatives to improve campus quality of life.
LSU assistant women's basketball coach Seimone Augustus headlined the evening as the keynote speaker. Augustus, a highly decorated athlete, is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and the first overall pick in the 2006 WNBA draft. She also holds the honor of being the first female athlete in LSU history to have her jersey number retired.
L-R: James Craig (TBTL Council Member), Paul Coreil (LSUA Chancellor), Marshall Pierite (TBTL Chairman), Elizabeth Beard (LSUA Provost)
L-R: Seimone Augustus and Mark Hamblen (Former KALB Sports Director)
HONORING THE FUTURE: THE LSUA FOUNDATION LEGACY SOCIETY
At LSUA, every gift tells a story. Some gifts support today's students through scholarships, research opportunities, and innovative programs. Others are designed to last a lifetime, carefully planned by donors who want to ensure that LSUA's mission of academic excellence thrives for generations to come.
The LSUA Foundation Legacy Society honors those individuals and families who have made a planned gift to the university through their estate, will, trust, life insurance policy, or other charitable arrangement. By joining the Legacy Society, these supporters become part of a lasting tradition.
"Planned gifts are about more than financial planning—they are about belief in the power of education to change lives," said Foundation President Kelly Pepper. "Legacy Society members remind us that true generosity is forward-looking, and their commitment will shape LSUA's future in profound ways."
Membership in the Legacy Society is open to anyone who includes the LSUA Foundation in their estate plans. Gifts can be directed to scholarships, endowed professorships, academic programs, or other areas of personal passion.
The LSUA Foundation invites alumni, friends, and community members to consider the Legacy Society as a meaningful way to make a difference. Planned giving offers a powerful opportunity to align personal values with long-term impact, creating a legacy that both honors the past and builds a stronger future for central Louisiana.
For more information about the LSUA Foundation Legacy Society and how to join, please contact (318) 619-2916.
