Author: Emily Gautreaux

Nicholls Ranks Top in Health Sciences

Thibodaux’s Nicholls State University’s health sciences degree program has been recognized as one of the best in the United States by a reputable healthcare degree program source. This source provides helpful information to those considering a degree in healthcare administration, including reviews on programs offered by various universities, interactive articles, and FAQ guides. On the website, they briefly share their mission:

“At Healthcare Administration Degree Programs, we provide resources to help you learn about both undergraduate and graduate degree programs in healthcare administration. We have information concerning online programs as well as traditional degree-granting institutions. Additionally, we have many articles and links that address important topics affecting healthcare administration today. Our FAQ section provides answers to common questions about healthcare administration and the degree programs that can prepare you for work in this field. We even have interactive articles to help you learn and understand the issues affecting work in healthcare today.”

Out of the twenty-five schools in the ranking, Nicholls State University ranked at Number 14. It was also the only school in Louisiana included on the list.

The website utilizes data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the federal program that gathers and analyzes education-related data in the United States and other nations. NCES is based in the United States Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences, and satisfies a Congressional mandate to collect and analyze the state of American education. The data collected from NCES is used to review factors such as post-graduation pay rates, student retention rates, and average SAT scores of students who were accepted. The website also relies on student reviews before issuing schools a score between zero and one hundred.

The website nodded to the comprehensive curriculum, intended for entry-level students and healthcare professionals, of Nicholls’ Allied health sciences. Combined with reviews from students and the program’s affordability, Nicholls was given a score of 81.8 out of 100. The lowest awarded score on the list was 77.23, issued to Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky, while the highest awarded was 100, issued to Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

In response to the ranking, Jennifer Plaisance, the allied health sciences department head at Nicholls State University, remarks:

“It’s exciting when someone from outside of our campus can recognize the accomplishments of our program. Rankings such as this one validate the hard work of our faculty, who pour a lot of time and resources into ensuring our students are successful in the classroom and the real world. We pride ourselves on our graduates having the confidence and the foundation to learn whatever skills are required to be a professional in the workforce.”

The allied health sciences department is one of the most frequented departments at Nicholls. The department is also state-known for its effective and efficient training which yields productive graduates. Degree choices include either dietetics of health sciences, and the concentration options are pre-professional, pre-athletic training, communicative disorders, or nutrition and food services. The program states that its mission is “… to prepare students to contribute to a global society and a diverse workforce as productive, responsible, and engaged citizens, and as well-educated allied health professionals to meet the healthcare needs of the Bayou Region and beyond.”

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Beef Bourguignon Anyone Can Make

Looking for the perfect hearty meal? Martha Stewart has given the perfect recipe for a filling Beef Bourguignon. The total preparation and cooking time takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes. But the preparation itself only takes 40 minutes. This meal will serve about 8 people, which is perfect for larger families or dinner parties.

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 pounds of boneless beef rump roast. They need to be cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 ounces of button mushrooms.  They need to be trimmed and quartered if they are too large
  • 4 carrots, cut and peeled into 1-inch pieces
  • 10 ounces of pearl onions.  They need to be peeled
  • 5 strips of bacon.  It needs to be cut into ½ inch pieces
  • 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon of butter, cut up
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 garlic clove.  It needs to be smashed and peeled
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Ground pepper
  • Coarse salt
  • 3 cups of dry red cooking wine

UTENSILS

DIRECTIONS

The first step to this delicious beef bourguignon is to preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Take the large dutch oven or pot and place the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in. Turn the burner on to medium-high heat. Once the oil is slightly heated, add the mushrooms to the pot. They need to be browned, which will take about 10 minutes. Once the mushrooms are done, take them out of the pot and place them onto the plate.

The next step is to season the beef. Use the salt and pepper to generously season the meat. Once you are done, add 1 tablespoon of oil to the pot that you cooked mushrooms in. Begin to brown the beef, doing it in batches. It will take about 2 to 3 minutes each batch. If the oil starts to run out add up to 1 tablespoon of oil per batch. Make sure to watch the pot to know when to add the oil.

Once the beef is done cooking transfer it to the other plate. Save 1 tablespoon of fat in the pot and pour the rest of it out. This is when the bacon needs to be cooked. Add the bacon to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes or until the bacon is browned.

The tomato paste needs to be added next. Stir the bacon and tomato paste for about 30 seconds and then add the flour. Also stirring for 30 seconds to cook. Take the plate of beef and add it back to the pot. Add the wine, bay leaf, garlic, and broth. Bring the pot to a boil. Place the top on top of the pot and place the pot into the oven. This should be cooked for 1 ½ hours. Once the timer goes off, add the carrots and onions.

Continue to cook for another hour to an hour and a half (until the meat is tender). 15 minutes before the time is done, add the mushrooms to the pot. Once it is done cooking, remove the pot from the oven and stir the butter into the stew. Top it with parsley, serve and enjoy a delicious bowl of beef bourguignon.

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The Lorrain Bridge in Calcasieu Parish

Louisiana is a state with a rich history. From well known locations such as the Buckner Mansion (even more so known as the house used in American Horror Story: Coven) to people such as Odell Beckham, Jr., Louis Armstrong, and Hank Williams, Jr., Louisiana is a state with such a diverse history that it’s almost impossible to believe. Louisiana is also full of a smaller scale history that most people don’t know.

One of those cherished pieces of history is a bridge hidden in plain sight in the southwest corner of Jefferson Davis Parish.  KATC reported on the bridge and here are the details.

The Lorrain Bridge sits above the slow waters of the Bayou Lacassine and connects Jefferson Davis Parish with Calcasieu Parish. It sets the background for Lorrain Park and is used by locals to take photographs, spend time with loved ones, and, oftentimes, get married.

The original Lorrain Bridge was built during the 1800s when the Lorrain family came to Louisiana from France. Originally, the Lorrain Bridge was constructed as a drawbridge between Lacassine and Bell City- primarily used to service a local saw mill. It was also used as transportation for local farmers and as the main way to move cattle in the area. This changed at the turn of the 20th century when the bridge was damaged and replaced with a wooden span.

The wooden span remained for over a hundred years- the drawbridge portion being taken out of service during the 1950s. As time continued, the bridge took a lot of damage from wind, rain, and other natural occurrences. It was closed to the public and, eventually, announced to be completely demolished. After hearing the news, the local community came together to prevent the bridge’s destruction and save their piece of history.

Through the powers of Jefferson Davis Parish, Calcasieu Parish, and the Lorrain Bridge Association, the community, joined by descendants of the Lorrain family that built the bridge, saved the bridge. Together, the community raised upwards of $300,000. The community, however, did not stop at successfully saving the bridge. Their funds were also used to build a new one. The new Lorrain Bridge was completed and opened for traffic once again in 2004. In true Louisiana fashion, some of the old deck planks are now a part of a new visitors’ center to serve as a tribute to the old bridge.

The Lorrain Bridge is a current testament to the historic side of Louisiana. The design and construction of the bridge are so incredibly unique that the bridge is being considered for the National Historic Register. The bayou air is filled with the sounds of birds with cypress trees along the banks. Moss hangs beautifully from the trees. The sight is a testament to the classic beauty of southern Louisiana.

The Lorrain Bridge is located near Bell City, Louisiana between Jennings and Lake Charles. At the foot of the bridge is Lorrain Park. The park has an outdoor pavilion, camper and tent sites, a boat launch, and picnic tables. There are nine RV camper sites with electricity that are available for renting.

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

Beautiful College Cities Worth Considering

The United State calls itself home to approximately 5,300 colleges, most of which are located in the most beautiful cities that the country has to offer. Here is a list of the top five most beautiful college towns the U.S. has to offer in no particular order that Travel Trivia has provided, and a degree is not needed to enjoy spending time in them.

Boone, North Carolina

Boone, North Carolina calls itself home to Appalachian State University. Boone is an ideal location for relaxation and also offers an incomparable dining scene. Home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, a hike is an option at a moment’s notice. Another prime hiking destination is Howard Knob directly in the center of the city. If there is a desire for something more intense, there is a semi-difficult path to Grandfather’s Bridge. Grandfather’s Bridge is a mile-high suspension bridge surrounded by gorgeous views of the mountains. For someone looking to shop, King Street is a prime shopping destination. After working up an appetite, head on over to Porper or Vidalia for a modern southern meal.

Annapolis, Maryland

Annapolis, Maryland is a gorgeous town full of history, beautifully located on Chesapeake Bay. Home to the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis possesses a calm unmatched by most college towns. A must-do is taking a peaceful walk along the water and shopping at the boutiques nearby. For the water lovers, there are options to take a sailing cruise around the harbor or taking a water taxi. If on a walk through the Naval Academy, there might even be a wedding party outside of the chapel, swords in the air to celebrate the newly married couple. When visiting Chesapeake Bay, eating crabs is a must, and there is no shortage of options around Annapolis.

 Burlington, Vermont

Vermont is a hidden gem in terms of vacation destinations, and Burlington is no exception. Standing high and proud on the hill looking down onto the city is the University of Vermont. It is only a mile from Lake Champlain, providing an amazing view of both the city and the calmness of the lake. During the summer months, it is almost mandatory to rent a paddleboard and explore the shoreline. For the people looking for a different type of adventure, there is the option of hiking in the Green Mountains at Mount Philo. During the winter, Burlington is full of contentment and comfort. Skiing is definitely a huge option. Burlington is 25 minutes from Bolton Valley and less than an hour from Stowe. A big thing to remember is that Vermont is home to Ben and Jerry’s, and there is no inappropriate time for ice cream.

Madison, Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin is not only the state capital but also the location of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The town is magnificently located between two lakes. The summer is the perfect time to rent a kayak and paddle to the waterfront restaurants. During the winter, grab a pair of snowshoes and travel along the lake for the perfect winter picnic. From April to November, locals spend time at the Dane County Farmers Market on Saturdays for local produce and flowers. For the history buffs, there are also tours are the state capitol building. For those looking for something more outdoorsy, the botanical gardens are a prime vacation destination.

Boulder, Colorado

Boulder is one of the blissful cities in the United States, making it a prime location for a college- the University of Colorado- Boulder. The air is clean and crisp and surrounded by mountains that create a peaceful environment that unparalleled. For an ideal college and vacation experience, a football game would be perfect as the football stadium has a breathtaking view of the Flatirons. For those looking for a nature adventure, the prime destinations are a hiking Chautauqua or a kayaking trip along Boulder Creek. Many of the college students take advantage of how easily accessible it is to ski and snowboard in the area.

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Nicholls State Education Degree Ranks High

Nicholls State University is one of the top schools in the nation for those looking to make an impact in the classroom by pursuing a degree in education by online educational resource Study.com.

Study.com listed Thibodaux’s Nicholls State University at number 45 on their list. They took into account statistics from the United States Department of Education, evaluated reviews by students. The list takes into account accessibility, affordability, and the quality of education. They did this by looking at each individual school’s tuition cost, financial aid, admittance rates, educational support and resources, retention rates, graduation rates, student-faculty ratio, career resources and job placement.

Nicholls was the only college in Louisiana to make the list.

The website emphasized the faculty in the Nicholls Department of Education and Behavioral Science and their desire to not only inspire their students but also encourage student engagement. The professors are not only committed to teaching their students, but also emphasizing community service, professional service, and student research.

Study.com also shone a spotlight on the many extracurricular activities for education majors, shining a spotlight on NEAT- the Nicholls Education Association of Teachers. NEAT describes itself as “a university organization that provides opportunities for candidates in the College of Education to serve the university as well as the community.”

Education majors at Nicholls are also often recipients of various scholarships, most notably the Camille Hebert Memorial Scholarship In Education and the Braxton Hebert Memorial Scholarship In Education. Those are only two of the fifteen scholarships offered for students pursuing teacher education.

In addition to students having the opportunity to grow professionally through organizations and offering numerous ways to increase affordability, Nicholls also offers numerous undergraduate programs and certifications including Art Education, Elementary Education (grades 1-5), Music Education, and more. The college also has graduate programs including Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Educational Leadership.

Study.com was founded in 2004 with a mission of offering a quality education that is as accessible as possible. They reach approximately 15 million students a month and is self-funded. They offer a video-based curriculum that consists of over 10,000 lessons.

Nicholls alumni comprise approximately 80 percent of the teachers in the Bayou Region and 90 percent of teachers names Lafourche Parish Teacher of the Year within the last five years.

The Nicholls College of Education and Behavioral Sciences operates under the phrase “Responsible Leaders Engaging in Professional Practice”. They are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation for Teacher Education, the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, and the Nation Association of School Psychologists.

The College of Education and Behavioral Science states their mission as follows:

The College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is dedicated to preparing high quality teachers, educational leaders, school and psychological counselors, school psychologists and human service professionals who effectively meet the diverse needs of Louisiana and the global community.

With the amount of alumni that go back into the community and not only teach, but also direct after school programs, work for the school district, and work for local community centers, it is safe to say that they not only succeed but exceed and shine in their fields.

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Louisiana State Park Stays

Louisiana’s wildlife gives its visitors and locals a great opportunity for adventure. However, in order to start that adventure you have to find a place to stay. Look no further than Louisiana’s own state parks. Usually around $3 dollars per person to enter, Louisiana State parks are more than just parks. They are an outlet for adventure.

Many of the cabins are large enough to sleep six to eight people; lower prices ranging from $120-$175 make these cabins a great option for families who want a little get away. Or just for those looking to experience Louisiana’s wildlife in a different way. Check out the different amenities for the different parks, some even offer wifi!

Check out the reservation website for Louisiana State Parks to book your trip.

We are here to give you some more details about a few of the options from Louisiana Travel’s list of Louisiana State parks that offer cabins.

Chicot, Ville Platte

In 1939, Chicot was added to the Louisiana State Park system. Three boathouses, boat rental facilities, and a boathouse. Fishing is highly encouraged due to the waters being filled with red-ear sunfish, largemouth bass and more. There are also trails that fill the park, one trail being 22 miles long.

There are multiple different landings that include different areas. The East includes a barbecue pavillon and a meeting room. The South includes a water playground, picnic areas, and cabins. The north includes a primitive group camping area, campsites, and lodges.

Click here for more details.

Cypremort Point, Cypremort Point

Coming from the term “dead cypress”, Cypremort Point is located on Vermilion Bay and is a 185-acre park. It contains half a mile of beach that was man made. There are 6 cabins that are available to rent. Wildlife wont be hard to find due to the location of the park.

There is a 100 foot fishing pier that is available for guests to use. The boat launch is literally only a few miles off from the Gulf of Mexico. Redfish and flounder are common catches in the area. The beach also includes picnic sites which means pack your lunch and spend the day!

Click here for more details.

North Toledo Bend, Zwolle

Located in the town of Zwolle, the North Toledo Bend State Park is one of the two state parks that can be found on the Toledo Bend Reservoir. This reservoir is one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the country. Paddle Boats and canoes can be rented at boat launch; feel free to bring your own! The park includes 67 campsites and 10 cabins. Two trails can also be found, one being 1.5 miles and the other being 4 miles.

The park also includes a visitors center that houses an olympic size swimming pool. There is also a group camp that is available. This included a full size cafeteria kitchen, serving line, and cooking implements. This group camp also has 5 dorms and it can sleep 50 people in each bunk.

Click here for more details.

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