Tag: Nicholls

Nicholls Tutoring Center Continues Two-Decade Tradition of Excellence

Nicholls Tutoring continues to distinguish itself as a leader in student academic support after its Tutorial and Academic Enhancement Center once again earned Level III Certification through the College Reading and Learning Association. According to this news release from Nicholls, the recognition keeps the university as the only institution within the University of Louisiana System to maintain the organization’s highest “Master Level” certification for tutor training programs.

The certification represents the top level of accreditation available through the CRLA’s International Tutor Training Program Certification, a nationally respected program designed to ensure colleges and universities provide high-quality academic support services for students. By maintaining this elite status, Nicholls continues to demonstrate a long-term commitment to student achievement, tutor preparation, and academic success initiatives that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction.

Nicholls has held the highest level of CRLA certification since 2003, successfully completing an extensive recertification process every four years. Maintaining the distinction over more than two decades reflects the university’s sustained investment in academic support programs and student retention strategies. However, university officials explained that the latest recertification process proved especially demanding because of major revisions introduced by the CRLA in 2021.

Following the release of updated standards, learning outcomes, and assessment requirements, the university’s tutoring center significantly revised its tutor training materials and operational procedures to align with evolving academic support expectations. Staff members spent months preparing documentation, redesigning instructional materials, and completing a detailed peer-review process to demonstrate that the center continued meeting international standards for tutoring excellence.

According to university leadership, the certification highlights the dedication of the tutoring center’s staff and student tutors, who work closely with students across a wide range of academic disciplines. Dr. Amy Hebert, director of Student Success and Retention at Nicholls, explained that maintaining the certification reinforces the university’s mission of helping students develop the tools and confidence needed to succeed academically and reach their educational goals.

The Level III certification also confirms that the tutoring center maintains rigorous standards for tutor preparation and evaluation. To qualify under CRLA guidelines, tutors must complete at least 30 hours of specialized training in areas such as communication, instructional strategies, ethical tutoring practices, and student engagement. In addition, tutors are required to document a minimum of 75 hours of direct tutoring experience with students before reaching the highest certification level.

These standards set by Nicholls tutoring helps ensure that students receive high-quality academic support in both foundational and advanced coursework. The Tutorial and Academic Enhancement Center provides assistance in challenging subjects including College Algebra, Trigonometry, and Business Calculus, courses that are often considered major obstacles for college students pursuing degrees in business, science, technology, and healthcare-related fields. By offering structured tutoring support, the university helps students strengthen problem-solving skills, improve academic confidence, and remain on track toward graduation.

Nicholls has also expanded access to tutoring resources through online support services. Students can utilize Tutor.com, which is integrated into the university’s course management system and provides around-the-clock academic assistance. The service offers support in multiple disciplines, including writing review services and subject-specific tutoring sessions that students can access remotely whenever help is needed. Online tutoring resources have become increasingly important in higher education as universities work to support students balancing coursework, employment, family obligations, and flexible class schedules.

By maintaining its Level III “Master Level” certification, Nicholls State University continues to position itself as a regional leader in academic support and student-centered learning. The achievement reflects not only the university’s commitment to educational quality but also its continued focus on creating a learning environment where students have access to the resources, mentorship, and support systems necessary for long-term academic success.

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Nicholls Expands Support for Instrumental Music Education Students

Nicholls State University is continuing its tradition of supporting future educators and musicians through a newly established endowed scholarship honoring two of South Louisiana’s most influential music teachers. According to this news release from the University, the family of John and Beverly Stafford recently created the John and Beverly Stafford Endowed Scholarship in Instrumental Music Education, a scholarship designed to assist senior-level Instrumental Music Education majors pursuing careers as band directors and music educators.

The endowment celebrates the lasting impact the Staffords have had on music education throughout the Bayou Region for more than six decades. Both John and Beverly Stafford are members of the Louisiana Music Educators AssociationHall of Fame as well as the District VII Band Directors’ Hall of Fame, honors that reflect generations of leadership, mentorship, and award-winning instruction in Louisiana schools. Their careers helped shape not only successful music programs, but also the lives of countless students who carried lessons from the band room into their personal and professional futures.

John Stafford became widely respected throughout Louisiana for his work as band director at West Thibodaux Junior High and Thibodaux High School. Under his leadership, student ensembles consistently earned Superior ratings and statewide recognition. His bands also gained national attention, including a first-place finish at the Deep South Marching Band contest held in the Louisiana Superdome. Over the course of his career, Stafford was named District VII Band Director of the Year in 1972, 1976, and 1989, distinctions that reflected both musical excellence and his commitment to student development.

Beyond directing successful school ensembles, John Stafford also contributed to higher education through his work supervising student teachers for Nicholls State University over a 14-year period. That role allowed him to mentor aspiring educators as they prepared to enter classrooms of their own, extending his influence far beyond the students he taught directly in Lafourche Parish schools. Former students and colleagues often credited him with building disciplined, high-achieving music programs while maintaining a strong focus on encouragement and personal mentorship.

Beverly Stafford also left a significant mark on music education across South Louisiana through her work at South Thibodaux Elementary. A pioneer in elementary music instruction, she spent 25 years developing students’ understanding of music theory and foundational performance skills at an early age. Her emphasis on strong fundamentals helped create a pipeline of prepared musicians who later contributed to successful junior high and high school band programs throughout the region.

Under Beverly Stafford’s direction, elementary bands consistently achieved Superior ratings at district festivals for 25 consecutive years, a remarkable accomplishment that demonstrated both consistency and instructional excellence. Her influence extended beyond the classroom as well. She served as a consultant for the Music Educators National Conference, now known as the National Association for Music Education, where she shared instructional strategies and expertise with fellow educators across the country.

To preserve the Staffords’ connection to the local community, the scholarship includes several criteria focused on supporting future music educators from Lafourche Parish. Recipients must be full-time senior students at Nicholls majoring in Instrumental Music Education while maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must also participate in an audition emphasizing sight reading and demonstrate involvement in ensembles such as band, wind ensemble, or music fraternities. Preference may be given to graduates of Thibodaux High School or E.D. White Catholic High School, reflecting the Staffords’ long history within the Thibodaux educational community.

Endowed scholarships such as this one play an important role in sustaining arts education programs by helping future teachers complete their degrees while preparing to lead music programs of their own. As schools across the country continue working to preserve arts opportunities for students, investments in music education scholarships help strengthen the pipeline of qualified educators who will continue building band, orchestra, and performance programs for future generations.

Community members and former students are invited to contribute to the scholarship endowment to help expand opportunities for future Instrumental Music Education majors at Nicholls State University. Through the scholarship, the Stafford family’s commitment to education, mentorship, and musical excellence will continue shaping South Louisiana classrooms and performance halls for years to come.

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Undergraduate Research at Nicholls Advances Affordable Biodiesel Production

Students at Nicholls State University are demonstrating how materials often dismissed as waste along Louisiana’s waterways can become part of a sustainable energy solution, as per this news release from the university. A research team in the university’s Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences explored how locally available algae and discarded oyster shells can be converted into biodiesel, showing how regional environmental challenges can also become opportunities for scientific innovation. Their work reflects a growing emphasis across higher education on undergraduate participation in applied research that addresses real-world problems while strengthening workforce preparation in environmental science and renewable energy fields.

Undergraduate researcher Samia Elashry presented the team’s findings at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society during the ACS Spring 2026 Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, highlighting how student-led research from Nicholls contributes to national conversations about sustainable fuel development. Presenting at a major scientific conference provided an opportunity to showcase how regional universities are advancing solutions that combine affordability, environmental stewardship, and community-based resource use. Participation in national professional meetings also demonstrated the value of hands-on undergraduate research experiences that prepare students for careers in chemistry, engineering, and environmental science.

Working under the guidance of Professor Bello Makama, students also explored how crushed oyster shells could replace expensive chemical catalysts commonly used in biodiesel processing. Makama explained that the idea emerged from observing the abundance of algae in bayous and drainage systems throughout southern Louisiana and considering how these materials might be repurposed rather than discarded. By transforming oyster-shell waste into a functional catalyst, the team successfully reduced catalyst production costs by an estimated 70 to 85 percent, demonstrating how locally sourced materials can significantly improve the economic feasibility of renewable fuel technologies.

Elashry’s involvement in the project illustrated how undergraduate participation in laboratory research can deepen understanding of sustainability challenges while strengthening technical skills. Through field collection, laboratory experimentation, and data analysis, she observed how renewable resources available in Louisiana landscapes could be converted into practical energy solutions. Her experience reflected a broader educational approach at Nicholls State University that encourages students to engage directly with community-based research questions and environmental problem-solving rather than limiting research participation to advanced graduate study.

Although the project began with a focus on local resources, researchers emphasized that the underlying method has global potential. Algae grows in waterways across nearly every region of the world and contains high lipid content suitable for biodiesel production without competing with agricultural land needed for food crops. Similarly, shell-based calcium materials are widely available in coastal regions, suggesting that the approach developed at Nicholls State University could be adapted by communities seeking affordable renewable fuel strategies in a variety of environmental contexts.

The initiative also highlighted the distinctive role undergraduate research plays at regional universities. At many large research institutions, complex laboratory projects are often reserved primarily for graduate students or faculty teams. At Nicholls, however, students participate directly in every stage of investigation, from collecting raw materials in local waterways to presenting results at national conferences such as those hosted by the American Chemical Society. These opportunities demonstrate how early research engagement helps students build confidence, develop technical expertise, and contribute meaningful solutions to environmental challenges before completing their degrees.

Projects like this biodiesel study illustrate how universities can connect classroom learning with regional environmental priorities while preparing students for careers in sustainability-focused industries. By transforming algae and oyster shells into a lower-cost renewable fuel catalyst, Nicholls researchers demonstrated how scientific curiosity, community awareness, and applied experimentation can work together to create practical innovations with both local and global impact.

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StudyNPlay Partnership Expands Support for Student-Parents at Nicholls

Nicholls State University announced a new partnership with StudyNPlay to pilot a campus-based program designed to support the academic and personal success of student-parents. Through a recently signed memorandum of understanding, Nicholls State University became the founding higher education implementation site for the StudyNPlay framework, marking a significant step in expanding student support services tailored to parenting students pursuing postsecondary education, as per this news release from Nicholls.

The pilot program was structured to address the barriers that often require student-parents to choose between continuing their education and securing reliable childcare. Using the StudyNPlay framework, the initiative focused on creating an environment where students could study while their children engaged in supervised, play-based activities nearby. By offering dedicated study spaces, structured support for children, and access to holistic resources, the program aimed to strengthen retention and graduation rates among parenting students while supporting long-term workforce readiness.

University leadership emphasized that the partnership aligned with broader institutional priorities centered on student success and well-being. Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Michele Caruso noted that parenting students often face unique academic and personal challenges that require targeted support. Through collaboration with StudyNPlay, the university positioned itself to better equip student-parents with the tools needed to succeed academically while balancing family responsibilities.

As the founding campus site for the framework, Nicholls began identifying a dedicated on-campus location to house the program and integrate it into existing student success initiatives led by the Office of Student Affairs. During the pilot phase, StudyNPlay provided the operational framework, technical assistance, and staff training necessary to support implementation. Both organizations committed to collecting and evaluating data to measure the program’s impact on academic performance, student persistence, and workforce preparation outcomes.

The initiative complemented the Office of Student Affairs’ mission to support students’ academic, social, emotional, and cultural development. By embedding the StudyNPlay model within existing campus infrastructure, Nicholls expanded its capacity to serve nontraditional students and reinforced its commitment to inclusive, student-centered solutions that addressed real-life challenges affecting college completion.

StudyNPlay operates as a social enterprise wholly owned by the Generation Upward Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing educational and economic mobility. Structured as a low-profit limited liability company, StudyNPlay focused on community-driven strategies that supported student-parents as they worked toward improved outcomes for themselves and their families. Through partnerships with institutions like Nicholls, the organization advanced scalable models designed to reduce systemic barriers and strengthen pathways to degree completion.

By serving as the launch site for the StudyNPlay framework in a higher education setting, Nicholls State Universitypositioned itself at the forefront of innovative student-parent support initiatives. This partnership represented a meaningful shift toward recognizing and addressing the realities faced by student-parents, a population that often navigates competing academic, professional, and family responsibilities. By intentionally designing campus-based support that integrated childcare-adjacent study spaces, holistic resources, and academic infrastructure, Nicholls demonstrated a commitment to reducing systemic barriers that can delay or derail degree completion. The pilot program also underscored the university’s broader efforts to promote equity, improve retention and graduation outcomes, and strengthen workforce readiness by ensuring that student-parents were not forced to choose between educational advancement and family stability.

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Fishing Rodeo Funds Fuel Nicholls’ Energy Education

The Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo and Golf Scramble once again demonstrated its deep commitment to education and community development in South Louisiana, donating $10,400 to the Nicholls State University Department of Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management (PETSM) and an additional $2,600 to Nicholls Veterans Services. According to this news release from the University, these funds continue a longstanding partnership that bridges the energy industry with higher education and local veteran support.

The donations are being used to renovate and modernize classrooms, enhance technology, and expand the department’s state-of-the-art well-control simulation lab, which provides hands-on training for students pursuing careers in the energy sector. The contribution to Nicholls Veterans Services is earmarked to support student veterans—many of whom are enrolled in PETSM—whose federal education benefits have expired. A university panel will select recipients based on academic performance and other eligibility criteria, ensuring that those who have served the nation can continue to advance their education and career goals.

Since its inception, the Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo (MCOFR) has become synonymous with generosity and community spirit. Now in its thirteenth year, the event has donated an impressive $124,500 in total to Nicholls’ PETSM program and Veterans Services. As Joey Cannata, vice president of Tanks-A-Lot, explained, the rodeo’s mission extends beyond sport—it’s about investing in the future of Louisiana’s workforce. He emphasized that the PETSM program remains a vital resource for the energy industry both locally and internationally, helping graduates secure high-paying, stable jobs while supporting national energy needs.

Founded in 2013 by Tanks-A-Lot, a deepwater container specialist headquartered in Morgan City, MCOFR was created to strengthen ties within the oil and gas community while promoting charitable giving. The organization’s goal has always been to provide a family-friendly environment where participants can enjoy fishing and golf while supporting local causes that shape the region’s future. Each year, the event grows in popularity, reinforcing its reputation as one of the Morgan City area’s most celebrated community gatherings.

The 2025 Morgan City Open Fishing Rodeo took place in June, drawing anglers and golfers from across the tri-parish area. Proceeds from the event were donated to Nicholls PETSM as well as other local charities that promote education, community development, and economic opportunity. To date, MCOFR has contributed over $200,000 to the tri-parish region and shows no signs of slowing down. Its organizers continue to champion causes that align with their mission of enriching the lives of residents and fostering pathways to higher education. Those interested in learning more about the rodeo’s impact or upcoming events can visit the MCOFR official page for details.

The Department of Petroleum Engineering Technology and Safety Management at Nicholls stands out as one of the university’s most distinctive programs. Designed for nontraditional and working students, it accommodates the demanding schedules of professionals employed in the Gulf of Mexico energy sector and beyond. With flexible course offerings and rotations that mirror industry schedules—such as seven-days-on/seven-days-off or fourteen-days-on/fourteen-days-off—the PETSM program empowers students to continue their education without interrupting their careers. This model has become a benchmark for accessible, workforce-aligned education across Louisiana.

Nicholls’ commitment to serving veterans and the energy workforce reflects the university’s broader mission to drive regional progress. The partnership between Nicholls and MCOFR demonstrates how collaboration between higher education and industry can lead to tangible benefits for students, veterans, and the local economy alike. As MCOFR looks toward future events, its growing contributions stand as a testament to the enduring connection between community engagement and educational advancement.

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“Career Ready Colonels” to Define Nicholls’ Next Decade

As part of its commitment to academic excellence and community impact, Nicholls State University is preparing to roll out a new initiative called “Career Ready Colonels”. This program, set to begin in 2026, is being developed as part of the university’s 10-year reaffirmation process with its accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Every decade, institutions such as Nicholls undergo this process to ensure they are continuing to meet standards of quality, accountability, and innovation, as per this news release from Nicholls.

The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which must be created as part of reaffirmation, is deeply connected to Nicholls’ new Strategic Plan. This alignment ensures that the university’s vision for the future remains cohesive, intentional, and student-focused. University leaders have emphasized that “Career Ready Colonels” will serve as the cornerstone of that vision, building on Nicholls’ history of cultivating graduates who are prepared to succeed in an evolving job market.

Although the university experienced a slight decline in overall enrollment for Fall 2025—reporting 5,893 total students—certain programs showed remarkable growth. For example, Management, Marketing, and Business Administrationincreased by 9.4%, while Applied Sciences soared by 37.4%. Graduate Studies also demonstrated significant progress, with programs in Sciences and Technology growing by 36.4% and Nursing by 9.2%. Social Sciences registered a steady rise of 5.5%.

These upward trends highlight areas of academic strength and market demand, demonstrating Nicholls’ ability to adapt to workforce needs. The university also reported that over 75% of students hail from the eight-parish region of south Louisiana, with an impressive 12% increase specifically from Assumption Parish. Additionally, more than half of first-time freshmen—52%—identified as first-generation college students, underscoring Nicholls’ mission to expand access to higher education for families who have not previously pursued college degrees.

The “Career Ready Colonels” QEP will focus on building career competencies across all disciplines. Students will be engaged in curriculum-based, practical experiences designed to sharpen skills in critical and creative thinking, communication, and professionalism. By embedding these proficiencies into academic programs, Nicholls aims to prepare graduates not only for employment but also for leadership roles in their communities.

University officials explained that this plan is designed to bridge the gap between higher education and workforce readiness, ensuring that Nicholls students stand out to employers upon graduation. In today’s competitive market, employers are increasingly seeking graduates who bring not only technical knowledge but also adaptability, problem-solving ability, and strong interpersonal communication. Nicholls’ QEP directly responds to those needs.

Alongside programmatic initiatives, the university is investing in state-of-the-art facilities to support academic growth. Construction is underway for the expansion of the Thibodaux Regional School of Nursing, along with the renovation ofGouaux Hall. Plans are also moving forward to build a new complex housing both the Al Danos College of Business Administration and the Louisiana Maritime Academy.

One of the most innovative programs launched this year is the Student Early Acceptance Track (S.E.A.T.) in Nursing. Introduced in Fall 2025, this initiative allows high school seniors to secure a spot in Nicholls’ competitive Bachelor of Science in Nursing program before graduation. Students who qualify are guaranteed a clinical seat, avoiding the stress of competing for limited spots after enrollment.

With the launch of “Career Ready Colonels,” new construction projects, and innovative recruitment programs like S.E.A.T., Nicholls State University is positioning itself for long-term success. While enrollment numbers fluctuate, the university’s clear focus on academic quality, career readiness, and student opportunity demonstrates its enduring commitment to the region it serves. By equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive beyond campus, Nicholls continues to solidify its role as a driving force for educational and economic growth in south Louisiana.

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