Author: Emily Gautreaux

Nicholls Fall Semester Reaches Highest Enrollment in Nine Years

For the first time in nearly a decade, Nicholls’ Fall semester enrollment numbers are at its highest total due to record-breaking retention rates and increase in online students, as detailed in a press release from the university.

The 2020 Nicholls’ Fall semester reportedly enrolled an impressively high 6,780 students according to the traditional class size statistic taken on the fourteenth day of classes. This enrollment number is the largest since 2011, and the year-to-year increase of 4 percent is the largest since 1990.

This statistic comes as a third consecutive year of record-breaking retention rates since this Fall semester saw 74.4 percent of first-time freshmen returning for their sophomore year. Compare this to the national average of 61 percent,and you’ll quickly see that the accolades received by Nicholls State University have been awarded dozens of times over.

Nicholls Online, the University’s online degree program that allows students to complete a degree from start to finish in an accelerated 8 week format, saw an increase of 15.7 percent in its Fall 2020 enrollment. This is partially due to the recent national pandemic, but it’s also a tribute to the program’s recent years of success, as it’s recently been expanded in the past few years, and it continues to be praised for its quality and affordability.

Overall, the enrollment record is seen as a monumental testament to the high quality of education one can attain at Nicholls State University, especially since this increase is so substantial during a time of national pandemic. The University’s Executive Vice President for Advancement and Enrollment Services, Dr. Alex Arceneax commented on the achievement in the University’s press release by stating, “even during these unprecedented, challenging times, we received an overwhelming message from our student body and the Bayou Region; they want to be at Nicholls State University.”

He went on to add that he feels that the trusts the faculty “to provide the Nicholls Experience – top-notch academics and the best student experience in the state – in a safe way. We have amazing recruiters, faculty and staff who give it their all to provide the very best for our students.”

In addition to the Nicholls’ fall semester enrollment increase, Nicholls’ top degree programs were reported with its Nursing program and Health undergraduate department seeing the largest numbers. As of the 14th day of the Fall 2020 semester, the programs’ numbers are:

  • Nursing Program: 921 students enrolled.
  • Business Administration and Computer Information Systems” 733 students enrolled.
  • Allied health with 512 students enrolled.
  • Biological sciences with 486 students enrolled.
  • Teacher education with 436 students enrolled.

In addition to this, Allied Health saw one of the largest increases in its program size when compared to other undergraduate departments, as its increase was an 18 percent growth from last year, second only to Chemistry and Physical Sciences’ 24 percent growth. Other undergraduate programs receiving recognition for their department’s growth are Social Science’s 19 percent increase and Art’s 11 percent increase.

For any interested parties, the Institutional Research Department at Nicholls annually releases its enrollment statisticsvia the University’s Office Of Institutional Research, Effectiveness, and Planning (IREP). The Director of Enrollment Services, Courtney Cassard evaluated the high retention rates, attributing it to the students being better prepared for the challenges that come with successfully passing that first year.

When interviewed by The Nicholls Worth, the school’s independent news organization, she reportedly stated, “It’s a team effort with faculty and staff, in order to progress you through your degree. So, that was a big attributing factor to the increase.”

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Downtown Thibodaux Main Street is Revitalized

The historic downtown area of Thibodaux, Louisiana has been restored, rejuvenated, and  preserved, as reported by the LaFourcheGazette this summer.

The project that entailed masonry, industrial, commercial, and community design had been spear-headed by the non-profit Downtown Thibodaux Main Street Incorporation and its Executive Director, Danielle Stein. Known as the “Wonder Woman” of Main St, Stein became the  Executive Director of Thibodaux Main Street, Inc in January of 2018, where she had a clear vision of what the Downtown hub could become in the following years.

Although Thibodaux Main Street Inc. was established back in 2002, it wasn’t until 2009 that they were recognized state-wide as an official “Louisiana Main Street,” which is a highly-regarded state coordinated program.

Prior to becoming the Executive Director of the Main Street effort, Stein had become increasingly more involved in the Thibodaux community during her time at Thibodaux’s own Donner-Peltier Distillers. That passion to be an involved, familiar face of the local community projected her forward to becoming the Ambassador of the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce and a board member.

Stein then began advocating for the needs of the smaller businesses of Thibodaux and assisting in downtown initiatives. She mentions in her profile interview, conducted by the LaFourche Gazette, that she wants the local community to not only take great pride in where they live but also understand the grander significance of supporting local small business by regularly shopping downtown. Stein added, We have to reinvest our money in the community where we live, because we want to grow and thrive.”

During the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, when businesses in the Downtown Thibodaux area were closed due to Phase 1 restrictions, the local business leaders began to find alternative ways they could service their customer base. This resulted in the establishment of curbside pickup and delivery options, which garnered praise from the customers. While thankful for the recognition, Stein wants the community to be aware that to best support Main Street, these services will have to continue to be utilized throughout the calendar year.

Earlier this summer, as announced by Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Louisiana Main Street, 23 Louisiana communities had been designated as 2020 Accredited Main Street American programs. This status of accreditation is Main Street America’s top-tier recognition demonstrating a commitment to a comprehensive revitalization of commercial districts as well as a proven track record of successfully implementing the Main Street Approach.

Regarding the 23 communities receiving accreditation and recognition, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser was quoted by the Miden-Press Herald as saying, ““Our small business owners are the heartbeat of our Main Street communities. They give the community its sense of place and character and provide the uniqueness that sets one community apart from another.”

This recent accreditation is far from being the only accolade Thibodaux or Lafourche Parish has receive in recent years, as both have been the recipients of a USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards nomination for “Best Small Town Food Scene” for 2020, where they took 3rd place.

Stein recognizes that from a national perspective, that acknowledgement says a lot about the Thibodaux community and the parish as a whole, adding a new motivation for the Main Street restoration project.

In the 2020 summer, a beautification campaign was implemented, resulting in restoration of the Downtown Thibodaux sidewalks, an application for a mural installation grant being filed, and promotional yard signs and window decals being placed all throughout the area, promoting the Downtown Thibodaux scene’s revitalization with a new slogan: “Downtown Thibodaux – We’re Open.”

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Take in the Colorful Changing Leaves of Fall

As the summer heat begins to wind down and a colorful, brisker season approaches, many look for seasonal comfort in the forms of apple cider, warm sweaters, but most importantly- the changing of the leaves from lush summer greens to autumnal golds, oranges, and reds. Gathered by Travel + Leisure, is the following collection of the best locations in the continental United States to see the fantastic sights brought upon by the colorful changing leaves of fall .

Stowe, Vermont

Beginning the list for the best leaves of fall is a locale known as “Fall’s Color Capital,” due to its abundance of plants turning various shades of yellow, red, orange, and brown during the months of September and October. It’s suggested that visitors hike or ride through the area to take in the sights, and if the weather proves to be too chilly, a scenic drive can always be found down the Mount Mansfield Auto Toll Road.

 Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

The Columbia River Gorge is found in between Washington and Oregon states, bringing the best of what both Pacific Northwest destinations have to offer. This Gorge is home to over fifty waterfalls, with the fall months of October and November being the most optimal times to visit. During these months, Mount Hood becomes a picturesque performance of fall colors, hiking trails, and biking paths, contributing to a collection of unforgettable pictures that will never seem to leave your personal photograph archives.

 North Conway, New Hampshire

More than 26 miles of roadway lines the Kancamagus Highway that is tucked away within the White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire. Step literally into a photograph in early November as you enjoy beautiful vistas- that is when you take a break from the hiking, biking, and rock climbing that the area has to offer.

 Huntington, New York

As seen in numerous films displaying its vibrant colorscape, the Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve of New York features over 1,600 acres and 27 Trails to explore as you revel in the diverse Maple, Hickory, Sassafras, and Dogwood trees alongside your walking path.

 Eastern Shore, Maryland

Whether you find yourself walking around Elk Neck State Park taking in the colorful sights or indulging in the freshly-caught Maryland crabs, you’ll find a safe haven in Maryland’s Eastern Shore, which surrounds both Chesapeake Bay and the Delmarva Peninsula.

 The Poconos, Pennsylvania

No list of iconic American leaves of fall locations should be respected if it does not highlight the absolute majesty of the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. This vista stretches around the perimeter of gently winding roads that are absolutely perfect for those chasing the most vibrant fall foliage of the area. Take Route 507 around Lake Wallenpaupack on your relaxing, autumnal roadtrip when the leaves begin to turn in mid-September, peaking in October.

 Lenox, Massachusetts

Book a stay at the nearby Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa for pampering relaxation following your excursion to the Pleasant Valley Sanctuary in mid-October when the beautiful, unforgettably-vivid colorscape of the Massachusetts town is on full display against hiking and biking trails.

Taos, New Mexico

Just because the New England corner of America first comes to mind when thinking of the leaves changing doesn’t mean that the south should be ignored. Consider the southwestern landscape of New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle as fall foliage canon, being that the 83-mile drive connecting the towns of Taos, Eagle Nest, Red River, and Questa is known as one of American’s most scenic drives containing spectacular views.

 Amicalola Falls State Park, Georgia

Home to Georgia’s tallest waterfall at an impressive 729 feet is Amicalola Falls State Park, where visitors can take in a beautiful landscape of Georgian plant life, including maple and oak trees basking in vibrancy.

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UL Lafayette President Announces Record R&D Milestone

A remarkable milestone was announced this year by UL Lafayette President Joseph Savoie during his annual State of the University address; the milestone being that the university had broken records with $144 million spent towards expenditures in research and development last year, as reported by KATC.

As reported, 2019 was the third year in a row in which UL Lafayette spent more than $100 million on Research and Development (R&D), according to the conducted Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey. This survey is the National Science Foundation’s annual indexing of United States colleges and university’s research spending.

Each year the University of Louisiana at Lafayette competes against other universities for both federal and state government grants as well as private sector contracts with the university acting as steward or the funds awarded to faculty and staff researchers.

The goal of increasing UL Lafayette R&D expenditures was set back seven years prior in 2013 with the accredited learning institution setting the goal of attaining $100 million in expenditures by 2020, though this might have been an undersight as the school had surpassed that expectation, achieving the goals three years sooner than expected- in 2017.

The record was broken yet again in the following year, 2018 with spending increasing to 124.7 million in the matter of a single year. This remarkable figure increase had placed UL Lafayette among the top 23 percent of the total 647 research universities included in the HERD survey.

Though this most recently announced $144 million figure has not yet been released by the National Science Foundation, the amount is the highest attained by ULL R&D to date, and it signifies an astounding achievement of the goal set in 2013.

President Savoie aptly referred to this achievement as “astonishing” when the milestone was communicated to faculty, staff, and students at the annual beginning of the semester address, which in previous years is delivered to nearly a thousand members of the University’s community in the Angelle Hall auditorium, but this year it was presented virtually as a result on the state of Louisiana’s restrictions on larger indoor gatherings.

As KATC reported from Savoie’s address, he had stated being that UL Lafayette is a public university, “in good times and in trying moments, the work we do should benefit the public. The research being done here does not stay here,” Savoie continued to say, “it is consequential and valuable to our society.”

The annual address serves as a way for the university president to set a tone for the start of the fall semester and new academic year, as classes at the four-year university officially began Thursday, August 17th. During the presentation, Savoie also reaffirmed UL Lafayette’s commitment to building a more diverse community on its campus, meeting the goals established in the Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence, a national framework adopted by multiple higher education learning institutions.

The Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence serves as a framework for enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the school’s course offerings, hiring practices, student services and recruitment, and broader community outreach. Savoie also noted that the university’s increased efforts over the past decade to recruit and retain women and students of color are paying off.

In the 2019-2020 academic school year alone, the University awarded a record 3,610 degrees, and among those recipients receiving awards, there was a historic number of women, Black, Hispanic, and Asian graduates with the Spring 2020 graduation class being the largest and most diverse in the University’s 122-year legacy.

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Convenient Recipes for the Busy Chef

Sometimes in these last-half-of-summer weeks, and/or getting back into a school routine,  leisure time is coveted and rarely interrupted- especially for dinner. Though, that temptation to not cook an 8-hour meal doesn’t automatically mean families should consult a restaurant take-out menu, but instead as presented by Pinch of Yum, families should embrace the lackadaisical atmosphere of summer with this list of tried and true “lazy person”  or busy chef recipes that are delicious without too much effort exerted.

CURRY CHICKEN SALAD OR AVOCADO EGG SALAD

At-home chefs are well-aware of the easiness of the traditional option of chicken and egg salad sandwiches, but this recipe varies the familiar with an incorporation of avocado in egg salad that is placed atop a toasted everything bagel. This gives a new life and presentation to the 5-8 ingredient meal that takes no more than 15 minutes to prepare.

INSTANT POT MAC AND CHEESE

An instant or Crock pot is a tried-and-true tool in any busy chef’s arsenal, so it’s fitting that this recipe pairs the convenience of the instant pot with that of the boxed mac and cheese, both requiring minimal effort. Though, this combination recipe is made ever more thoughtful by highlighting and building upon the texture, sauciness, and cheesy flavor found in homemade mac and cheese, giving a family flavor from a low-effort meal-saver.

CASHEW CRUNCH SALAD

While the salad is an important go-to meal for those lacking time, sometimes the variety of ingredients can pose as an obstacle, impeding preparation. This recipe builds on that convenience with ease, as this is more of a production of assembly rather than cooking. The dressing poured atop a bed of edamame, cashews, and cabbage is unusually creamy and sweet, and it can even be shaken up in a jar with the crunchy chow mein noodle sticks that give this meal a much-desired texture.

SHEET PAN FAJITAS OR SHEET PAN PITAS

Few kitchenware compliments the low-effort style of a busy chef other than the sheet pan, and with this recipe, you won’t need prep time. Resulting in a “food hack” pan pita, stuffing chicken and peppers with store-bought sauces and extras like tzatziki, hummus, or pitas, all of which can be home-made or conveniently store-bought.

Salmon Burgers

Reject the idea of eating salmon from a can unless it’s through the lens of this savory, good, and hearty meal that can be ready in fifteen minutes. Once made into a patty and quickly fried, a can of salmon quickly turns into a burger situation once placed atop a bun or bed of saucy cabbage slaw. Readers might be adverse to the ingredient, but it’s a favorite recipe for the at-home chef in a rush.

The Actual Easiest Fish Tacos

When you’re all ready to give up on dinner at home and ready to just grab your keys and leave to get takeout, this recipe comes in at the last second as a saving grace. The simple recipe included merely has a chef placing fish, butter, and spices in a hot pan to be baked, flaked, and consumed. It can also be made better by pairing the tacos with a garlic cilantro sauce that compliments the meal deliciously well.

CARNITAS

Following along in the conveniently easy tradition of south-of-the-border recipes is this dinner-time favorite: the carnitas, or crispy pork that is loaded with flavor and asks very little of its preparer. You are able to make this pile of savory meat in a slow-cooker or instant pot, and the recipe can be multiplied to feed large crowds who will relish in how “great” of a cook their host is.

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Staying in a Rented Cabin Must-Haves

Oftentimes during a particularly testy summer, a family takes refuge in nature all while not forgetting the amenities of home that they’ve come to treasure so deeply, thus a cottage or cabin is booked. A “staycation” in a cabin that straddles the line between domesticity and nature, MidwestWeekends provides vacationers with a packing list so that you can ensure that your cabin getaway is as idyllic as it can be.

Depending on the cabin, you may find that your rented home is overly-equipped or found lacking, therefore, you should plan to bring your favorite daily-use items. There’s a classic, time-tested rule of thumb observed when renting houses: anything you really need but do not bring with you is exactly what the house will not have.

For instance, while a rented cottage or cabin may have plenty of cups and even a coffee pot, many are without coffee filters, and those on vacation don’t want to be straining coffee grounds for a 7am brew through cheesecloth, if it can be avoided. So, please organize your packing list (aside from clothes and toiletries) according to the following criteria.

Kitchens

When staying at a home away from home, you’ll want to be able to have the often-used, never-forgotten items and amenities that allow you and your family to use the most out of the house-supplied kitchen. While most rentals have a refrigerator, stovetop, and a decent amount of utensils, platings, and cutlery, some are without dish soap and a scour pad.

Other must-haves for morning caffeine lovers is a bag of coffee, (though many cabins are known to have one within the pantry) pack of coffee filters, paper towels, and a corkscrew. Also, pack a gallon of drinking water, especially if you’re wanting to make coffee, as well water may be full of minerals or otherwise unpleasant.

For the kitchen or the bath, it is often a great idea to bring your own pair of towels, unless told that they are supplied by the rental, as nothing is worse than being soaking wet and left to your own imagination and suitcase when needing to get dry.

Bedding

Despite booking a home-away-from home with multiple beds, please never take it as a given that will have enough, adequate, or any pillows and bedding. If renting from a state park, most typically don’t supply those.  It’s always a great idea to supply your own.

Fireplaces

Lastly, many book a cabin hoping to enjoy a night by the fire whenever a  rain-shower hits, but no one wants to be inside a peaceful, cozy cabin with a wood-burning fireplace and no kindling, so call ahead to see if firewood is provided. Whether or not it is, it’s always a good idea to pack along plenty of newspaper, kindling, and matches to enjoy the most of your cozy abode.

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