Author: Emily Gautreaux

Nicholls State University Renames Two Buildings after Alumni

Recently, Nicholls State University announced that they will be officially naming two buildings on campus in honor of two alumni of Nicholls who have had a significant impact on the University, according to this news release from Nicholls. Towards the start of the Fall semester, the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System officially approved the renaming of the two Nicholls buildings, and it was announced that an official ceremony commemorating the change is set to occur later in the Fall 2022 semester.

Nicholls State University will be renaming their College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Building to Dr. O. Cleveland Hill Hall. The building will be named after Dr. O. Cleveland Hill, a Mississippi native who was initially offered a scholarship and recruited to play basketball at Nicholls in 1968. Dr. O. Cleveland Hill became the first black athlete to wear a Colonel uniform, and as a sophomore, his teammates voted him team captain. This made him the first non-senior to serve in that position in school history.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in 1973, he joined the army and then returned to Nicholls as a student assistant basketball coach while completing his Master of Education degree. Dr. Hill served as the head basketball coach and assistant football coach at East Thibodaux Junior High School before being hired on as an assistant basketball coach at Nicholls. He stayed at Nicholls State University as an Assistant Professor of Physical Education, and in 1999, he became the Dean of the College of Education.

Dr. Steven H. Kenney, Jr. is the Assistant Vice President for Human Resources, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, and Title IX Coordinator at Nicholls. Dr. Steven H. Kenney, Jr. commented on the appropriateness of naming the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Building after Dr. Hill by saying, “placing Dr. Hill’s name on the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences building, from what he represents, gives all Nicholls students the audacity to hope that if Dr. Hill can go from a student to the dean of a college, I can do this as well.”

Nicholls will also be renaming the College of Sciences and Technology Building to Dr. Marilyn B. Kilgen Hall. The building will be named after Dr. Marilyn B. Kilgen, who dedicated more than four decades of her life to Nicholls. After she had received her bachelor’s degree from the university in 1966, Kilden earned her doctorate from Auburn University before returning to Nicholls. She went on to teach Biology at Nicholls for 41 years.

Outside of teaching Biology at the university, Dr. Kilgen is also known for being a nationally renowned microbiologist and seafood safety scientist who has received more than $7.5 million in research funding. Her research has been reported in over 80 presentations and over 90 scientific publications; furthermore, she has served on committees for the United States Department of Education. Dr. Kilgen served as the head of the Nicholls Department of Biological Sciences for 12 years where her substantial impact was seen in the Department of Biological Sciences winning one of only 17 Departmental Excellence Through Faculty Enhancement awards, making Dr. Kilgen’s department the only undergraduate program in the state of Louisiana to win the coveted award.

Nicholls Dean of Sciences and Technology, Alcee Fortier Professor, and Distinguished Service Professor Dr. John P. Doucet also spoke about Dr. Kilgen’s impact by saying: “not only was Dr. Kilgen one of the foremost scientists and accomplished faculty members in the 75-year history of Nicholls; she is also the architect of the modern biology department, having renovated the undergraduate curriculum and created the graduate curriculum from scratch, both of which we still use today.

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The Best Barbecue Restaurants in the American South

The United States is a big country, and that means there are a lot of barbecue restaurants to choose from. But which ones are the best? Thanks to this excellently researched travel blog post from Southern Living that counts down the 50 best barbecue restaurants in the Southern United States, there’s never been a better time for a barbecue road trip. From Texas to Tennessee, these restaurants will satiate your cravings for slow-cooked barbecue, savory side dishes, and southern hospitality. So whether you’re looking for ribs, pulled pork, or brisket, be sure to check out this list before your next BBQ road trip.

There’s no denying that the South has some of the best barbecue food in the country. The following are just a few of the reasons why the South has the best barbecue in the United States. First, the proof is in its history. Barbecue has been a part of Southern culture for centuries, and it’s something that locals take great pride in. When it comes to barbecue, the South simply knows what they’re doing. Secondly, the flavor; southern barbecue is all about slow-cooking meats over low heat to get that perfect balance of smoke and flavor. This cooking method lets the natural flavors of the meat shine through, and results in some of the most delicious barbecue you’ll ever taste.

Thirdly, there are the excellent side dishes. No Southern BBQ meal is complete without a heaping helping of coleslaw or baked beans on the side. Lastly, the hospitality is simply unmatched. When you eat barbecue in the South, you can expect to be treated like family. Whether you’re at a casual roadside stand or a fine dining restaurant, southern hospitality will make you feel right at home.

If you find yourself in Texas wanting to seek out some excellent barbecue, you’re in luck. The state is home to some of the best barbecue restaurants in the country. Franklin Barbecue: Located in Austin, Franklin Barbecue is widely considered to be one of the best barbecue joints in Texas (and the country). The line to get food here can be long, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Elsewhere in Texas, be sure to check out the Pecan Lodge. A favorite restaurant of Dallas, the Pecan Lodge has won numerous awards for its delicious barbecue, and its notable brisket. Lastly, Texas has Killen’s Barbecue, which is located in Pearland (just outside of Houston). Killen’s Barbecue has been voted one of the best barbecue restaurants in Texas by multiple publications.

Mississippi has no shortage of excellent barbecue restaurants. In particular, one of the prides of the state and Ocean Springs, Mississippi is The Shed Barbecue & Blues Joint. This restaurant has been serving up some of the best barbecue in Mississippi for over 25 years. The Shed is known for their pulled pork, ribs, and chicken, and they also have a great selection of sides and desserts. Located in the Mississippi towns of Gulfport, Hattiesburg, and Ocean Springs is Murky Waters Blues and BBQ. This restaurant is also a vibrant blues club that serves up an authentic Mississippi atmosphere alongside its world-class smoker.

If you’re looking for some of the best barbecue in Arkansas, look no further than Sims Bar-B-Que in Little Rock. While the original restaurant was started in 1937, the modern-day Sims is still satisfying customers with its world-famous Sims Bar-B-Que Sauce. Check out Sim’s pork shoulder, as it’s slow-cooked to perfection and smothered in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. Another can’t-miss barbecue destination in Arkansas is Whole Hog Cafe, also located in Little Rock. As the name suggests, this restaurant specializes in whole hog roast, and it’s definitely worth trying if you’re a fan of pulled pork. The meats are smoked over hickory wood for hours until they’re perfectly tender, and the resulting sandwiches are absolutely awesome.

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A Lighter White Bean Chili Not Short on Taste

One of the best things about chili is that it tastes just as great in the fall and winter. One particular chili dish that is perfect for the colder months is this delicious and comforting recipe for a healthier white bean chili, courtesy of the Half-Baked Harvest food blog, that you’ll want to make all year long, even when the temperatures start to rise. It’s surprisingly light, considering it’s labeled as chili, but it tastes amazing!

This chili is a delightful blend of flavors that you’ll find are very different from the traditional, canned fare. Turkey that’s browned on the stovetop, smoothly textured broth, and the use of apple butter as a key ingredient truly make this recipe something special.

Ingredients For White Bean Chili:

  • 1 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 14-ounce can of white beans, drained
  • 2 pounds of ground turkey, browned
  • 2 small yellow onions, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and then minced or grated
  • 2 red peppers, seeded and chopped finely
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, finely chopped
  • 2-3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 whole bay leaves
  • ¼ cup of tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon of apple butter
  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons of chili powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoon of salt
  • ½ a cup of cheddar cheese (for serving)
  • 1 avocado, peeled (for serving)
  • ⅓ cup of green onions, chopped (for serving)
  • 3 tablespoons of cilantro (for serving)

Directions for White Bean Chili:

  1. In order to begin cooking this recipe in your slow cooker, you’ll first want to heat your extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your chopped onions and cook them for about five  minutes or until they begin to caramelize around the edges. Afterward, you’ll stir in your minced or grated garlic and then cook the caramelized onions and garlic for another minute. Then, you can add in your turkey andbrown the meat all over on all sides. As you’re browning the turkey, you’ll break up your meat and continue to cook for about five-minutes. Then, remove the skillet from the heat. This extra step may seem like a hassle, but trust that browning your meat before cooking your chili will be well worth the additional step.
  2. Next, you’ll transfer your browned turkey meat to the inner bowl of your slow cooker. Add in your chopped red bell peppers, chipotle peppers, cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir in about two cups of chicken broth, your tomatoes, the apple butter, the tomato paste, and your two bay leaves. Stir the seasoning and vegetables together in order to combine them. Cover your slow cooker pot with its lid and cook it on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or alternatively, you can cook it on the high setting for 4-5 hours. Either way, you’ll want to stir in your white beans during the last hour of cooking. If your chili is too thick for your liking, you can thin it by adding the remaining chicken broth.
  3. Once you’re ready to serve your chili, remove your two bay leaves, ladle your chili into serving bowls, and garnish the tops of your chili bowls with your preferred toppings. This recipe suggests that the perfect way to enjoy this chili is to add a sprinkling of cheddar cheese, some sliced avocado, and some bits of green onion to the top of your bowls.
  4. Enjoy!

Notes:

  • If you’d like to save this recipe, cool the leftover chili and then freeze the cooled chili in freezer containers.Once you’re ready to eat them, you’ll want to partially thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, heat each through in a saucepan while stirring occasionally, and add a little broth or water to the pot if necessary.
  • A good chili deserves to have a plethora of good toppings; use all of your favorites for a flavorful finished dish. I serve my chili with jalapeno (fresh or pickled), fresh cilantro, sour cream, and/or cornbread.

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Expansion of John Deere is Expected to Create Several Jobs in Thibodaux Area

It was recently announced that the John Deere factory that’s located in Thibodaux, Louisiana will be responding to rising demand through a $29.8 million expansion, according to this article from Houma Today. This expansion of the factory will create 70 new jobs and retain the 300+ employees who are currently working locally and across the state of Louisiana.

According to Louisiana Economic Development, the expansion of the John Deere Factory is intended to shift cotton harvester production from China to Lafourche Parish. This is intended to make cotton harvesting and production more affordable for the U.S. market.

In a sign that Deere & Company is committed to the state of Louisiana, the expansion of the Thibodaux plant will be creating 70 new direct jobs with an average annual salary of $47,472. They will also be retaining 311 existing jobs in the parish with 284 of those jobs coming from the Lafourche Parish facility. According to economic projections by Louisiana Economic Development, the project will result in 110 indirect jobs, for a total of 180 new jobs.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards spoke about the $29.8 million investment by saying in a press release, “this investment by Deere & Company demonstrates not only the strength of Louisiana’s manufacturing sector but the resilience and recovery of the Bayou Region. Manufacturing has long played a vital role in Louisiana’s economy and never more so than today, supporting more than 178,000 Louisiana workers and their families through ongoing investments in every region of the state. Thanks to Deere & Company for its commitment to Lafourche Parish, and congratulations to the skilled workers whose dedication convinced this global manufacturer to expand its footprint in our state.”

The state of Louisiana offered John Deere a competitive incentive package that includes up to $1 million in performance-based retention and modernization grants. Louisiana’s competitive incentive package also included the services of LED FastStart, a nationally acclaimed workforce development program that offers recruitment and customized training. John Deere is also expected to participate in both the Industrial Tax Exemption and Enterprise Zone programs.

Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson said of the expansion, “John Deere’s expansion is a huge win for Lafourche. The addition of new manufacturing lines to John Deere Thibodaux shows how productive and efficient this facility is, which is a testament to the local workforce and management. The Thibodaux facility’s successful competition for these new cotton harvesters shows just how competitive Lafourche Parish can be.”

This announcement comes during Louisiana’s observance of Manufacturing Week, a nationwide celebration of the manufacturing industry’s success and its opportunities for America’s future. This is the 11th year that Manufacturing Week has been celebrated nationwide.

The expansion of the John Deere Factory is expected to involve the development and installation of a new production line and upgraded equipment, both of which will allow the Thibodaux facility to begin producing medium-chassis cotton harvesting models that can replace the existing models that are currently built in China.

Mike Duplantis is the factory manager at John Deere Thibodaux, and he spoke about the new cotton harvesters by saying, “the new cotton harvesters present a huge opportunity for John Deere Thibodaux to deliver innovative and technologically advanced solutions to our customers, which will increase their productivity and profitability. This expansion is possible due to the tremendous amount of hard work and resiliency of the Thibodaux team.”

The Thibodaux facility is currently seen in the industry as a design center for sugar harvesting and earth-moving scraper equipment. They also have a production facility for agricultural and construction products, which is soon expected to start manufacturing the new cotton harvesters within the next two years. John Deere Thibodaux is expected to reach full capacity by 2025.

For more Louisiana-related articles, click here.

Creamy Crawfish Fettuccine Recipe

Creamy Crawfish Fettuccine is the perfect southern dish for the fall or winter season, and this particular recipe from Louisiana Cookin’ is certainly no exception. This recipe only requires a single pound of crawfish tail meat, which might be hard to find in some areas, but you should know that the frozen alternative isn’t necessarily a step-down.

Ingredients Crawfish Fettuccine:

Directions Crawfish Fettuccine:

  1. To begin this recipe, you’ll use a medium-sized pot. Fill it with water, bring it to a rolling boil, and cook the fettuccine pasta according to the fettuccine packaging directions. After it’s cooked, set it aside.
  2. Next, take a large pot or a Dutch oven, set it to medium heat, and melt your 1 ½ cups of butter in the Dutch oven. Once the butter is fully melted, add in your onions and cook them for about 7 minutes or just until the onion pieces are translucent. Once they are, stir in your chopped celery, bell peppers, garlic, parsley, and green onion. After all of these ingredients are stirred into the pot, cook the contents for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are all equally softened.
  3. The next step is to stir in your all-purpose flour until it’s well incorporated. You’ll cook the flour for about five minutes or until the Dutch oven develops and emits a nutty fragrance. At this point, you’ll lower the heat to medium-low and slowly stir in your half-and-half. Bring the contents of the pot to a full boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook this for about 4 minutes or until it’s slightly thickened.
  4. Slowly stir in your American cheese about ¼ cup at a time. You’ll want to let each addition of American cheese melt fully before adding the next portion. After integrating all of the American cheese, you’ll stir in the Monterey Jack cheese using the same process until it’s fully incorporated. Stir in your salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper afterward.
  5. Then, add your pound of freshly cooked crawfish tail meat to the Dutch oven. Cook this for a minimum of 5 minutes or until the meat is heated through. At this point, you’ll want to combine your cooked fettuccine noodles with the crawfish sauce and top it with your grated Parmesan cheese.
  6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes:

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Places to Check out in Franklin, Tennessee this Season

Franklin, Tennessee is a beautiful southern city that offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, and according to this travel blog post by Southern Living, the fall season is the perfect time to visit Franklin with the cooler temperatures and the leaves changing color.

Although the city is small, you’ll still find plenty of variety when it comes to entertainment. With an incredibly eclectic 16-block historic downtown district, this town is sure to keep you entertained for hours on end this autumn. Consider taking a stroll around Main Street to learn more about the businesses along the way, experience the best of Southern hospitality with a stay at one of the city’s quaint bed and breakfasts, or attend a festival celebrating the state’s rich cultural heritage, such as the Heritage Foundation’s Fall Festival.

Simply stated, the fall season is the best time to visit Franklin, TN, because the weather is cooling down, the leaves are changing colors, and there are plenty of fun events happening around Franklin, TN. Be sure to check out events such as Franklin’s Pumpkinfest Fall Festival or the Main Street Festival if you’re looking for a great time within a great community. Additionally, fall is the perfect time of year for you to go on a hayride or to visit a pumpkin patch. There’s nothing more quintessentially fall than going on a hayride or picking out your perfect pumpkin at a local farm; luckily, Franklin has no shortage of both!

When visiting Franklin, Tennessee in the Fall, there are many great places to stay. For those looking for a luxurious experience, The Hermitage Hotel is a great option. This hotel is located in the heart of downtown and offers stunning views of the city. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, The Marriott Franklin Cool Springs is a great choice. This hotel is located just outside of downtown and offers easy access to all of the city’s attractions.

If you’re looking to see the beautiful sights of Franklin while in nature, you’re in luck because Franklin is surrounded by nature trails that are perfect for hiking. Take one of the city’s hiking trails to get some fresh air and take in the autumn scenery while getting some exercise. Specifically, Franklin, Tennessee is home to many beautiful parks that are perfect for a nature-filled day, such as Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. This park is perfect for those who want to learn more about the state’s history and natural beauty.

You can also check out Harpeth River State Park, which is ideal for those who love being outdoors and enjoying nature. With over 10 miles of trails, visitors can hike, bike, or paddle their way through the park while enjoying the scenic views of the Harpeth River. Lastly, you can check out Radnor Lake State Natural Area, as this park is perfect for those who want to experience wildlife up close. The park offers many opportunities to see deer, otters, beavers, and other animals in their natural habitat.

When visiting Franklin, Tennessee in the Fall, there are plenty of great places to eat such as Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant or The Bootlegger Bistro. Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant is a local favorite that’s known for its down-home cooking, live music, and famous fried chicken. The Bootlegger Bistro, on the other hand, is an upscale restaurant that offers a menu full of delicious Southern comfort food with a modern twist; be sure to check out the shrimp and grits! Lastly, it’s simply not a successful trip to Franklin without a stop in Merridee’s Breadbasket. This cozy bakery is perfect for grabbing a quick bite or picking up some treats to take home with you. Their breads and pastries are all made from scratch using traditional baking techniques, making them a delicious addition to any trip.

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