NATCHITOCHES, La. — Northwestern State University will launch a regional business-focused lunch-and-learn series Sept. 14, offering free sessions on topics including career transitions, workplace generations, artificial intelligence, sponsorships and cybersecurity.
The fall series, called “NSU Means Business: Beyond the Brick Way,” is organized through NSU’s College of Business and Technology. The sessions are aimed at business owners, professionals, community leaders and others interested in workplace and business issues.
“It is important for the NSU College of Business and Technology to engage with businesses in Natchitoches and beyond providing this type of outreach to help them succeed, which benefits the entire region,” said Dr. Scott Wysong, dean of the college.
The series will begin Monday, Sept. 14, at NSU’s Leesville/Fort Polk Campus with “Transitioning from a Military to a Business Career,” presented by Betty Armstrong, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel with the Armed Forces Community Business and Entrepreneur Network.
On Monday, Oct. 5, NSU associate professors Dr. Vianka Miranda and Dr. Beth Prejean will present “Understanding Generational Differences in the Workplace” at the Natchitoches campus.
Monty V. Chicola, president of Real Vision Software Inc., will present “How Small Businesses Can Use AI” on Monday, Oct. 12, at the NSU Cenla Campus.
The series will continue Nov. 12 in Marksville with “You Can Make Sponsorships Work as a Small Business,” presented by Heidy McWhorter Mongeon, Ragus Chair and assistant professor at NSU.
The final scheduled session will be Monday, Nov. 16, at Bossier Central Library. Dr. Jason Powell, an NSU professor, will present “Cybersecurity Essentials for Small Businesses.”
Sessions will run from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“With NSU Means Business: Beyond the Brick Way, our goal is to meet people where they are and connect our communities with practical information, expertise and resources they can use,” said Gwen Fontenot, director of Institutional Engagement and Economic Development. “By bringing these conversations to communities across our region, we are creating opportunities to build relationships, share knowledge and strengthen the connections between Northwestern State, businesses and the people we serve.”
Admission and lunch are complimentary, but registration is required. Additional information and registration are available through Northwestern State University’s business lunch-and-learn program.