Tag: Nicholls State

New Endowment Connects Bayou Region Students With Higher Education at Nicholls

A new endowed scholarship at Nicholls State University will provide financial support to students from four South Louisiana parishes while creating a long-term source of college funding for the Bayou Region, as per this news releasefrom Nicholls. The South Central Industrial Association (SCIA) and Bayou Industrial Group (BIG) established the Bayou Industrial Group Legacy Endowed Scholarship through a $50,000 contribution.

Managed by the Nicholls Foundation, the fund will support eligible students from Lafourche, Terrebonne, Assumptionand St. Mary parishes who attend Nicholls. Recipients will receive $500 per semester during the fall and spring, providing $1,000 in assistance each academic year. Students who continue to satisfy the scholarship’s requirements may retain the award for as many as eight consecutive semesters, potentially providing support throughout four years of undergraduate study.

For incoming freshmen, eligibility extends across academic disciplines rather than limiting the scholarship to a specific major. Applicants must attend Nicholls full time, have at least a 3.0 GPA, live within one of the four eligible parishes and have graduated from a high school or approved home-school program in the region. Students can review additional opportunities through the university’s scholarship and financial aid resources.

The program also includes a pathway for nontraditional adult learners. Adults living in Lafourche, Terrebonne, Assumption or St. Mary parishes may qualify if they have registered for classes or been accepted into a program at Nicholls. Including these students broadens the scholarship beyond the traditional route of enrolling in college immediately after high school and recognizes that higher education can begin or resume at different points in a person’s career.

According to SCIA Executive Director Hillary Charpentier, the new endowment continued a decades-long investment by the two organizations in students and workforce development. SCIA and BIG have collectively awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships over the past three decades, supporting hundreds of area students. Charpentier said the latest investment was intended to reduce some of the financial pressure facing students while encouraging local learners to pursue their education and professional goals within the Bayou Region.

That regional emphasis reflects the missions of both organizations. Bayou Industrial Group is a nonprofit organization that supports students preparing for business and industrial careers in the Bayou Region through scholarships, educational programs, fundraising and career-focused initiatives. The South Central Industrial Association represents more than 250 member companies and 200,000 workers worldwide while working on issues affecting Louisiana’s offshore energy and marine services sector, including infrastructure, workforce development, coastal preservation and levee protection.

The structure of the new scholarship is especially significant because the $50,000 contribution established an endowment rather than funding only a limited number of awards. The Nicholls Foundation explains that endowed funds are invested so that only a portion of their earnings is used for designated purposes while the principal remains invested. That approach is designed to make scholarship support available on an ongoing basis rather than ending once the original donation has been distributed.

As the fund grows through investment earnings or additional contributions, the amount available for future awards could increase. This gives the Bayou Industrial Group Legacy Endowed Scholarship the potential to serve generations of Nicholls students while creating a permanent connection between higher education and organizations involved in the region’s workforce.

Scholarships of this kind can also address college costs without restricting students to one professional pathway. Because eligible freshmen may pursue any major, the award can assist students preparing for careers ranging from business and education to science, health care, technology and other fields represented across the university.

Students interested in applying can review the complete eligibility requirements and scholarship application information through SCIA’s scholarship programs. Additional information about endowed giving and other student-support funds is available through the Nicholls Foundation.

For Nicholls and the surrounding Bayou Region, the new fund represents more than a one-time $50,000 contribution. By creating a renewable scholarship tied specifically to students from four nearby parishes, SCIA and BIG established a continuing resource designed to make higher education more attainable while supporting students who already have strong connections to South Louisiana.

For more education-related information, click here.

A Nicholls Family Expands Educational Opportunities for South Louisiana Students

For many college students, the final semesters before graduation can be the most financially demanding. Tuition, textbooks, transportation, housing, and everyday living expenses often increase just as students begin internships, student teaching experiences, research projects, or advanced graduate coursework and can limit educational opportunities.  Even students who have successfully completed most of their degree requirements can find themselves struggling to cover the costs needed to reach graduation. According to this news release from Nicholls, recognizing those challenges, two Nicholls State University alumni have made a significant investment in helping future students cross the finish line.

Through a $100,000 gift, Michael and Christine Bourgeois have established the Michael C. and Christine P. Bourgeois Endowed Upper Class/Alumni Scholarship #7 at Nicholls State University. The scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to upperclassmen and graduate students as they complete the final stages of their education, helping remove financial barriers that can delay or even prevent degree completion.

The new scholarship continues the Bourgeois family’s longstanding commitment to expanding educational opportunities throughout Bayou Country. Over the years, the family has created several scholarships supporting first-generation college students, participants in the university’s Bridge to Independence Program, and local students through legacy scholarship initiatives. Their newest contribution reflects an ongoing commitment to investing in the educational success of South Louisiana students while strengthening the communities they call home.

The inspiration for the scholarship is rooted in the family’s own story. Both Michael and Christine Bourgeois are proud Nicholls alumni and lifelong members of the Chackbay community in Lafourche Parish. After graduating from Nicholls during the 1970s, Michael built a successful 36-year career with ExxonMobil, while Christine dedicated her professional life to teaching hundreds of local children at Chackbay Elementary School. Their careers took different paths, but both centered on service, hard work, and giving back to the region that helped shape them.

In discussing the scholarship, the Bourgeois family explained that their goal is to support hardworking local students who are nearing graduation while creating an endowment that will continue serving future generations of Colonels. Rather than making a one-time donation, they chose to establish a permanent fund that can grow over time, ensuring students from Ward 6 continue benefiting from the scholarship for years to come.

Endowed scholarships play a unique role in higher education because they create lasting opportunities instead of temporary assistance. Unlike annual gifts that are eventually exhausted, an endowment preserves the original investment while annual earnings provide scholarship funding. To make the scholarship immediately available, the Bourgeois family contributed $10,000 for current awards while placing the remaining $90,000 into the permanent endowment. As the fund grows, it will continue generating financial support for future Nicholls students without reducing the principal investment.

Eligible applicants must be full-time undergraduate seniors at Nicholls State University or graduate students who previously earned a degree from the university. Applicants must also be graduates of a Lafourche or Terrebonne Parish high school, maintain good academic standing, and be United States citizens registered to vote in Ward 6 of Lafourche Parish.

For regional universities like Nicholls, local philanthropy creates a ripple effect throughout South Louisiana. Many graduates remain in the area as teachers, nurses, engineers, business professionals, healthcare workers, and public servants. By helping students earn their degrees, donors strengthen local schools, businesses, healthcare systems, and communities for years to come.

The Bourgeois family’s latest gift reflects more than generosity—it demonstrates confidence in the transformative power of higher education and a deep appreciation for the university that helped launch their own careers. Their investment ensures that future students from Ward 6 will have additional support as they pursue their educational goals, continuing a legacy of community service that extends well beyond a single generation.

As Nicholls State University continues expanding educational opportunities through donor-supported scholarships, gifts like this one illustrate how alumni can make a lasting impact. For students working toward graduation, that assistance may provide exactly the encouragement—and financial support—needed to earn a degree and begin the next chapter of their lives.

For more education-related information, click here.

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.

For more education-related information, click here.

Bridge to Independence & Nicholls Foundation Celebrates Donor Gifts for Inclusive Learning

Nicholls State University recently marked a milestone in inclusive education by hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil newly renovated facilities for its Bridge to Independence program, as per this news release from the University. The project was made possible through the generosity of Colleen Hunter and Jeannette Guillory Thomason, who each contributed $500,000 to the Nicholls Foundation. Both women dedicated their donations in honor of their late husbands, ensuring the program would continue to thrive and expand opportunities for students with unique learning needs.

The renovations created two state-of-the-art learning environments where participants spend much of their academic and social time: the William Dewitt Hunter Academic Excellence Program and the H. Allen Thomason Independent Learning Lab. These spaces were designed to foster collaboration, strengthen academic skills, and provide real-world experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers and independent living. By enhancing both the academic and life-skills sides of education, Nicholls has reaffirmed its commitment to providing holistic support for every student.

The H. Allen Thomason Independent Learning Lab was named in memory of Jeannette Thomason’s late husband, Hebert “Allen” Thomason. Connected directly to a classroom, this innovative space features a full kitchen, washer, dryer, and other resources that allow students to practice household responsibilities while also building job-readiness skills. Thomason explained that she felt called to support the program after learning about its mission. She emphasized that it was invaluable to have a program that not only focused on academics but also gave certificate students essential life skills to help them thrive as productive members of society.

In addition, the William Dewitt Hunter Academic Excellence Program now honors the legacy of William “Bill” Dewitt Hunter. His wife, Colleen, recognized the life-changing impact the Bridge to Independence program had on her son, a two-time Nicholls graduate in Interdisciplinary Studies and Geomatics. She explained that the program held a deep place in her family’s heart because of the growth and independence her son gained through his time at Nicholls. Her family was proud to support a program that had helped him prosper into adulthood and now looked forward to seeing it expand for future students.

Faculty leaders also expressed gratitude for the project. Dr. Mary Breaud, associate professor of education and one of the program’s co-founders, described the initiative’s mission as helping students achieve their greatest potential. She emphasized that the donations from the Hunter and Thomason families provided a welcoming learning environment where students could access the resources needed to succeed academically and personally.

Bridge to Independence holds a distinctive place in Louisiana higher education. It is the first dual-track program in the state to receive certification from the U.S. Department of Education. The program is specifically designed for students with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism.

Spectrum Disorder, allowing them to pursue a full college experience. While enrolled, participants build leadership, academic, and social skills that equip them for employment and self-sufficient living beyond graduation.

At Nicholls, Bridge to Independence students have access to a wide range of campus opportunities. They can attend traditional Nicholls classes, join student organizations, and take part in university events. The program offers two clear pathways: a certificate pathway focused on workforce preparation and independent living, and a support pathway that assists students who are accepted into the university while they pursue a traditional college degree. Trained peer mentors from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences provide additional guidance, ensuring that Bridge students receive both academic and social support throughout their journey.

The renovated facilities and generous donations symbolize more than just new spaces—they represent a broader vision of inclusion, independence, and opportunity. Through Bridge to Independence, Nicholls is ensuring that students of all abilities can participate fully in college life, gain the skills to thrive in adulthood, and leave campus prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

For more education-related information, click here.

Nicholls Engineering Receives Key Backing from Educational Trust Fund

Nicholls State University recently received a generous contribution that promises to strengthen one of its most distinctive academic offerings, as per this news release from the University. The Contractor’s Educational Trust Fund (LA-CETF) donated $50,000 to support both scholarships and programming in the Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering, specifically within its geomatics program. This program, long recognized for its innovation and workforce impact, has produced graduates who step directly into high-demand roles across Louisiana and beyond.

Kenn Naquin, secretary of LA-CETF, explained that the donation reflected the industry’s need to invest in its future workforce. He noted that the students trained at Nicholls State University would become tomorrow’s employees, and it was in the best interest of Louisiana contractors to ensure the university produced the most qualified graduates possible. Naquin described Nicholls students as the “product” of this educational process, and emphasized the fund’s desire to help the university create the best professionals in the field.

This $50,000 investment was not the trust’s first show of support for Nicholls. Over the years, the LA-CETF has contributed to a range of initiatives that bolstered both student opportunities and faculty development. These past donations included $100,000 toward the Endowed Geomatics Student Scholarship, $25,000 for the Jules Oreste Chustz Endowed Student Scholarship, and $50,000 in need-based scholarships designated for Nicholls students who faced hardship following Hurricane Ida. Additionally, funding has helped the School of Engineering recruit and retain talented faculty members, as well as establish endowed professorships that ensure long-term academic excellence.

Dr. Esra Tekdal Yilmaz, director of the School of Engineering and an associate professor of geomatics, expressed deep gratitude for the trust’s consistent backing. She explained that LA-CETF’s support was vital to sustaining the university’s nationally recognized geomatics program and preparing students to enter a field that required precision, technical knowledge, and adaptability. Dr. Yilmaz underscored that without such partnerships, the program could not continue its record of success in both education and job placement.

The geomatics program at Nicholls has built a reputation for excellence, boasting a 100% job placement rate for its graduates. Students are trained in the fundamentals of surveying and mapping but also gain expertise in cutting-edge technologies. Coursework and hands-on experiences expose them to Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Geographic Information Systems, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and advanced laser scanning techniques. This combination of traditional skills and modern innovation ensures graduates are highly competitive in industries ranging from construction and urban planning to environmental management.

The Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering also extends its impact through collaborative degree pathways. Nicholls students can pursue studies in civil and mechanical engineering through a partnership with the University of New Orleans. This arrangement allows students to complete UNO’s Bachelor of Science curriculum in fields such as mechanical or civil engineering while remaining on the Nicholls campus for most of their undergraduate studies. In their final year, they transition seamlessly to UNO to finish their degrees, creating a flexible and affordable route into the engineering profession.

The Contractor’s Educational Trust Fund itself plays a unique role in Louisiana’s educational and professional landscape. Established as a nonprofit, the fund provides resources to universities across the state that offer programs tied to construction and contracting. Its financing comes from violation fines collected by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. These reinvested funds ensure that penalties for noncompliance are transformed into opportunities for students, scholarships, and academic advancement.

Taken together, the consistent partnership between LA-CETF and Nicholls demonstrates a forward-looking vision for Louisiana’s workforce. By channeling resources into student scholarships, faculty development, and program innovation, the fund is helping to guarantee that the next generation of geomatics and engineering professionals are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. In doing so, it underscores the importance of collaboration between higher education and industry to secure both academic excellence and economic growth.

For more education-related information, click here.

Give N Day Brought in Donors from Across 7 Countries and 40 States

Nicholls State University recently marked a major milestone with its 2025 Give N Day, setting a new record for the annual fundraising event. Now in its eighth year, Give-N-Day generated over $270,000 in just 24 hours, making it the most successful one to date, as per this news release from the school. A total of 1,750 donors contributed through 2,309 separate gifts, pushing the total raised across all eight years to over $1.4 million.

Organized by the Nicholls Foundation, Give-N-Day serves as a campus-wide initiative to raise funds for university programs, departments, athletics, and student organizations. This year, 117 different groups benefited from at least one donation. In fact, many donors opted to support multiple organizations—16% gave to more than one cause. Contributions poured in not only from across the United States (40 states in total), but also from donors representing seven countries, emphasizing the broad support for Nicholls’ mission and community.

Jeremy Becker, Executive Director of the Nicholls Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the outcome. He credited the remarkable results to the coordinated effort across campus. According to Becker, the success was a reflection of widespread involvement—from the participating groups who strategized and contacted supporters, to the university’s marketing team who helped spread the word far and wide.

On the Give N Day fundraising leaderboard, Colonel Athletic Association Soccer stood out as the highest earner, collecting an impressive $38,991. St. Thomas Aquinas Colonel Catholics followed with $15,950 in donations, whileColonel Athletic Association Track & Field/Cross Country brought in $15,520. Scholarships at Nicholls State Universityreceived $13,740, and the Accounting Program was close behind with $12,170. The Bridge to Independence program garnered $11,960 in support, while Colonel ESports raised $11,115. Colonel Athletic Association Beach Volleyball also had a strong showing with $10,226 raised.

In terms of the number of individual gifts, Colonel Soccer once again led the pack with a total of 300 donations. The Xi Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. secured 101 donors, making it the second-most supported organization by individual count. Colonel Athletic Association Indoor Volleyball followed with 98 donors, and Colonel Athletic Association Beach Volleyball wasn’t far behind with 89. Colonel ESports received 79 donations, Bridge to Independence had 73, Sigma Alpha Epsilon gathered support from 67 individuals, and the CROWN organization (Cultivating Respect, Opportunity, and Wellness through Networking) earned the support of 54 donors.

Launched in 2018, Give N Day was designed to open new fundraising opportunities for campus-based organizations that previously lacked the infrastructure to conduct their own campaigns. Since its inception, the event has allowed donors to designate funds directly to the group or program of their choosing, ensuring transparency and targeted support. Every dollar raised goes straight to the designated recipient with no administrative fees deducted, a feature that has helped boost donor confidence and participation year after year.

The Nicholls Foundation, which organizes the event, is an independent nonprofit entity classified as a 501(c)(3) organization. Its mission is to support Nicholls State University by securing financial gifts and grants, managing those resources responsibly, and enhancing the institution through scholarships, endowed faculty positions, and other academic advancements.

Given N Day reflects not only the generosity of Nicholls supporters but also the deep connection between the university and its extended community. From athletics to academics to student life, the funding generated will help ensure that these programs continue to grow, thrive, and meet student needs for years to come.

Events like Give-N-Day highlight a broader trend in higher education: participatory philanthropy. Rather than relying solely on large institutional donors, schools like Nicholls are creating avenues for grassroots support, empowering alumni, students, families, and faculty to give directly to the causes they care about most. This approach encourages a sense of ownership and community investment, both of which are vital for sustaining vibrant and responsive educational environments.

For more education-related information, click here.