NATCHITOCHES, La. — Northwestern State University is reporting gains in student retention, workforce-focused academic programs, private support and athletics as President James T. Genovese completes his second year leading the university, though overall enrollment and degree completion remain areas of focus.
Genovese, who took office in 2024, has organized the university’s efforts around the student experience, academic excellence, market responsiveness, community enrichment and athletic prominence.
Overall enrollment declined from 8,523 in fall 2024 to 8,402 in fall 2025. Freshman enrollment, however, increased to 1,065, and preliminary fall 2026 figures show about 1,120 entering freshmen. If finalized, that would represent NSU’s largest freshman class in three years.
The university’s first-to-third semester retention rate reached 70%, compared with a Louisiana average of about 64%. NSU has focused on early intervention, financial aid communication, academic planning and efforts to bring back students who stopped attending.
Among graduates responding to the university’s First Destination Survey, 93.3% reported employment, continued education or military service. The university also approved 1,610 new employers through the Handshake career platform during the 2025-26 academic year.
Academic expansion has focused heavily on programs tied to workforce demand, particularly healthcare. The College of Nursing and School of Allied Health, which serves nearly 2,500 students, added nursing pathways and launched a Master of Science in Allied Health.
Allied Health enrollment increased 19%, from 412 to 491 students. Radiography enrollment rose from 100 to 182, while Diagnostic Medical Sonography increased from 86 to 115.
Healthcare programs also received a $4 million Louisiana Department of Health award and a $2.597 million federal Health Resources and Services Administration award for rural healthcare education, clinical training, student assistance and workforce expansion. More than $1.3 million in scholarships, stipends and traineeships supported 239 students during 2025-26.
The Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development received nearly $8 million in grants during fiscal 2025-26 for programs including education, behavioral health, child welfare, early childhood development and workforce preparation.
NSU also expanded programs in technology and other high-demand fields. New computer science and sport analytics concentrations within the mathematics degree program helped increase mathematics enrollment by more than 400% since 2024, according to university data. Other programs launched or advanced during Genovese’s first two years include a Master of Social Work, an online Master of Music in Music Education and expanded options in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and hospitality.
Across the university, 78.1% of academic programs have been created or updated within the past five years, and NSU offers 37 certificate programs.
Facility and technology investments also continued. The university opened the $45 million Alost Hall, featuring classrooms, laboratories, simulation spaces, faculty offices and a cafe. Iberville Dining Hall underwent a $2 million renovation, while other investments included classroom, laboratory and instructional technology upgrades.
NSU also established a continuously monitored Security Operations Center with the Louisiana Optical Network Infrastructure and other state agencies and made upgrades to network, data center and disaster-recovery systems.
State support approved during the 2026 legislative session included about $2.54 million in additional operating funding. Capital outlay legislation included $6.9 million in Priority 1 funding for Innovation Park and $7 million for Warrington Hall in Shreveport.
Private financial support increased as well. The NSU Foundation reported $8.04 million in fiscal 2026 revenue, an increase of 6.9%, while restricted endowment assets grew to $87.26 million universitywide. A $1.5 million private gift is supporting the David and Sherry Morgan Health Performance Center, scheduled to open Oct. 23.
Athletics reported gains in academics and facilities. Student-athletes maintained an overall GPA above 3.2 during both reporting years, and the department’s multiyear Academic Progress Rate increased for a third consecutive year to 970. Athletic facility projects included about $1.9 million for artificial turf at baseball and softball facilities, $593,000 in scoreboard upgrades and $1.7 million for a new track surface and lighting.
Eligible faculty and staff received a 3% cost-of-living adjustment Jan. 1, following a 2.5% adjustment in January 2025.
Genovese said the university’s next priorities include enrollment growth, degree completion, flexible and high-demand credentials, emerging technology, experiential learning, faculty investment and additional private and industry partnerships.
“We have built momentum, but we are not finished,” Genovese said. “Our responsibility is to honor Northwestern’s history, respond to the needs of the present and prepare Louisiana for the future.”