Proud to be Purple! NSU student volunteers get Natchitoches revved up for Fall 2025.
Proud to be Purple!NSU student volunteers get Natchitoches revved up for Fall 2025 NATCHITOCHES - The City of Natchitoches has been blanketed in purple. This week, student volunteers delivered Northwestern State University yard signs, flags, stickers and other items that show Demon pride to businesses and residences in the first wave of the Proud to be Purple campaign. "We visited over 100 businesses," said Amy Lee, director of Marketing and Branding. "We had the student athlete team members from
BPCC Welcomes Media Partners for Exclusive Look at EMPWR LA Program
Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) is inviting local media partners to its Bossier campus for interviews and coverage of the EMPWR LA program ahead of its first-ever Open House event. EMPWR LA is a fast-paced, full-service pre-employment training program designed to equip individuals with the skills, certifications, and confidence they need to enter the workforce—quickly and successfully. This is the first and only program of its kind in Louisiana, offering short-term, focused training developed in
July 2025 Cenla Economic Dashboard
Cenla Economic Dashboard - Central Louisiana Sees Steady Economic Gains in Second Quarter ALEXANDRIA, La. - Central Louisiana's economy continued to strengthen in the second quarter of 2025, with steady job growth, rising consumer activity, and stable business formation across Rapides Parish, Alexandria, Pineville, and Natchitoches. Employment in the Alexandria metropolitan statistical area rose to 61,721 in June, a gain of 707 jobs from May and 795 more than a year earlier. The quarterly average reached
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Northwestern State Drives $497 million in economic growth across region
Northwestern State Drives $497 million in economic growth across region NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University added nearly half a billion dollars to the economy in northwest and central Louisiana during the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year, according to a new study. A new economic impact report shows how Northwestern State University continues to strengthen the region through jobs, student successes and support for local businesses. Conducted by labor market analytics firm Lightcast, the study highlights
Proud to be Purple!
Proud to be Purple! NATCHITOCHES - The Northwestern State University family is proud to be purple and invites you to join the Proud to be Purple movement sweeping the community. "This initiative is all about boosting school spirit and strengthening community partnerships through visual displays of support for NSU," said Amy Lee, director of Marketing and Branding. "Our goal is to turn Natchitoches and beyond purple and celebrate our Demon pride in a way that engages students, faculty, alumni and the
NSU's ''Inside AMP'' Webinar Will Outline Fast Track to In-Demand Manufacturing Jobs
NSU's "Inside AMP" Webinar Will Outline Fast Track to In-Demand Manufacturing Jobs NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University's Department of Engineering Technology will host two webinars next week for students interested in the Advanced Manufacturing Program, a pathway for students to obtain a degree while attending classes and working hands-on in a regional manufacturing facility. The program prepares completers for high-paying in-demand jobs in north and central Louisiana by equipping them with skills
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Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Manager of Economic Development and Research
Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Manager of Economic Development & Research Natchitoches, LA, July 21, 2025 - The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the addition of Leslie Oglesby as the new Manager of Economic Development and Research. Oglesby, a Natchitoches resident since 2000, brings with her a deep understanding of the local community, paired with a strong background in analysis, strategic planning, and data-driven development initiatives. With over 24
NSU Receives $494,755 HRSA Continuation Award to Expand Behavioral Health Workforce
NSU Receives $494,755 HRSA Continuation Award to Expand Behavioral Health Workforce NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University has received $494,755 continuation award from the Health Resources and Services Administration to certify more nurses as Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNP) in rural and underserved areas of Louisiana. "The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program provides essential learning experiences to registered nurses who are interested in growing into a care
BPCC Delivers Skills, Second Chances Through TANF Program in Support of Governor’s “One-Door” Initiative
Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) has received a second-year renewal of its TANF/FITAP grant, reaffirming the College’s role as a statewide leader in education-based support services. Awarded in June through a continued partnership with the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the grant supports the only program of its kind in Louisiana, aimed at expanding access to education and workforce training for families across North Louisiana. This vital funding directly aligns
BPCC Foundation Establishes Juanita Epps Endowed Scholarship in Accounting & Finance
Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) and the BPCC Foundation are proud to announce the creation of a new endowed scholarship to support students pursuing careers in accounting and finance. The Juanita Epps Endowed Scholarship in Accounting & Finance was established by the BPCC Foundation Board of Directors in honor of Mrs. Juanita Epps and her decades of extraordinary service to the College. Mrs. Epps began her career at BPCC in 1997 as Internal Auditor and most recently served as the Accounting
NPSB Announces Free Meals for All Students in 2025-2026 School Year
NPSB Announces Free Meals for all Students in 2025-2026 School YearNATCHITOCHES, LA - Natchitoches Parish School Board is pleased to announce that all enrolled students will receive free breakfast and lunch every school day during the 2025-2026 academic year through the district's participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). The program eliminates barriers to student nutrition by removing the application process entirely. Parents and guardians are not required to complete meal benefit
NPSB Doubles State Growth in 2025 LEAP Results
NPSB Doubles State Growth in 2025 LEAP Results NATCHITOCHES, LA - The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) released LEAP results for the 2024-2025 school year today, and Natchitoches Parish Schools (NPSB) is being recognized as one of the top improving school systems in the state. This year, NPSB posted a 2% increase in overall student proficiency - double the state's average growth of just 1%. That progress places NPSB tied for third in the state for year-over-year growth, continuing an impressive
NPSB Appoints New Interim Director of Human Resources
NPSB Appoints New Interim Director of Human Resources NATCHITOCHES, LA - The Natchitoches Parish School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Ramona Wynder as the district's Interim Director of Human Resources, effective immediately. Ms. Wynder brings 30 years of experience in education to the role, with a career that reflects her unwavering commitment to student success, talent development, and educational equity. A proud graduate of Northwestern State University, she began her career in 1994
BPCC NURSING PROGRAM ACHIEVES HIGHEST NCLEX PASS RATE IN LOUISIANA Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Louisiana State Board of Nursing recognizes BPCC in second quarter edition of The Examiner Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) is proud to announce that its Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program has earned the highest NCLEX pass rate among all ASN programs in the state of Louisiana, as reported in the second quarter edition of The Examiner, published by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN). With an exceptional 98.72% pass rate, BPCC’s program is not only leading among all two-year
