Tag: Nicholls State University

Science, Nursing and MBA Programs Help Drive Enrollment Growth at Nicholls

A larger freshman class, improved student retention and strong growth in several academic programs helped shape the fall 2026 semester at Nicholls State University, even as lower dual-enrollment participation contributed to a modest decline in the university’s overall headcount, according to this news release from the university.

Official fall enrollment figures showed 5,795 students enrolled at Nicholls on the 14th class day. Among them were 1,088 first-time freshmen, representing a 1.4% increase from the previous year. Graduate enrollment also climbed 4.1%, adding to signs of growth in both new undergraduate enrollment and advanced degree programs. Detailed figures are available through the university’s Office of Institutional Research, Effectiveness and Planning, which publishes enrollment reports for the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Nicholls’ overall enrollment decreased by approximately 1.7%, but university officials attributed much of that decline to fewer local high school students participating in dual enrollment. Dual-enrollment programs allow students to take college-level courses while still enrolled in high school, meaning changes in participation can affect a university’s total enrollment without necessarily reflecting a similar shift in its traditional undergraduate population. Once dual-enrollment students were excluded, Nicholls’ year-over-year enrollment remained approximately even.

Another significant measure came from student retention. Nicholls reported a 74.93% first-time freshman retention rate, an increase of 1.5%. Retention generally measures the percentage of first-year students who return for their second year, making it an important indicator for colleges because enrollment growth depends not only on attracting new students but also on supporting those already on campus.

Nicholls President Jay Clune said the combination of freshman growth and improved retention suggested that the university was seeing progress both in recruiting students and keeping them enrolled. He connected the figures to Nicholls’ broader goal of providing students with a strong collegiate experience in Louisiana.

The number of students receiving Taylor Opportunity Program for Students, or TOPS, awards also increased by 3.9%. TOPS is Louisiana’s state scholarship program for qualifying high school graduates and includes several award levels based on academic requirements. For Louisiana institutions such as Nicholls, changes in the number of TOPS recipients can provide another indication of the composition of the incoming and continuing student population.

Growth was especially noticeable within the College of Sciences and Technology, where enrollment rose 5.2%. The college includes programs in areas such as applied sciences, biological sciences, mathematics, petroleum engineering technology and safety management, all of which contributed to the increase. The college offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs along with pre-professional pathways in scientific and technical fields.

Enrollment at the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing increased 1.1%. Additional growth could follow the completion of expanded nursing facilities scheduled for later in fall 2026. Nicholls offers several nursing pathways, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and graduate-level options designed to prepare students for clinical practice and advanced roles in health care.

One of the university’s largest percentage increases occurred at the graduate level. The Master of Business Administration program recorded a 65.5% enrollment increase. Nicholls offers both evening and online MBA pathways through the Al Danos College of Business, providing options for recent graduates as well as working professionals seeking an advanced business degree.

Taken together, the fall 2026 figures present a more detailed picture than the university’s overall enrollment change alone. While total headcount declined slightly because of lower dual enrollment, gains among first-time freshmen, returning students, graduate students and several academic programs showed areas of continued growth as Nicholls entered the new academic year.

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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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A Global Legacy Inspires Local Opportunity at Nicholls

Nicholls State University recently strengthened its support for future accounting professionals through a new endowed scholarship honoring alumnus Barry Melancon, as per this news release from the school. A $50,000 contribution from the CohnReznick Foundation created the Barry Melancon Accounting Endowed Scholarship, recognizing Melancon’s extraordinary leadership in the global accounting profession while expanding opportunities for students in the university’s business programs. The initiative reflected both the lasting influence of Nicholls State University graduates and the growing importance of strategic partnerships between higher education institutions and national professional organizations.

The scholarship announcement took place during a reception hosted by the J.B. Falgoust Department of Accounting and Finance, where faculty members, students, alumni, and community leaders gathered to celebrate Melancon’s career and legacy. During the event, the Society of Louisiana CPAs presented Melancon with its Lifetime Award, an honor that underscored his influence across the accounting profession at both state and international levels. The recognition reflected decades of leadership that helped shape professional standards and expand global collaboration among accountants.

Melancon remained one of the most distinguished graduates of the Al Danos College of Business, earning his accounting degree in 1978 and completing his MBA in 1983 at Nicholls State University. His professional trajectory advanced rapidly, as he became a partner in a CPA firm at just 25 years old and later rose to serve as the youngest chief executive officer in the history of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA & CIMA). Over time, he also became the longest-serving leader in the organization’s 129-year history before retiring in 2024.

Throughout his tenure as a global leader in accounting, Melancon guided major structural changes that reshaped the profession. He helped lead the unification of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, forming a worldwide professional organization representing more than 650,000 accounting professionals. He also played a central role in establishing the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation, now held by roughly 150,000 professionals across the world. In addition, he contributed to national and international policy conversations through service on the boards of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness, the International Federation of Accountants, and the Government Transformation Initiative.

During the scholarship announcement, Melancon emphasized that his global success remained closely connected to the mentorship and educational environment he experienced at Nicholls State University. He explained that the university’s accessibility, supportive faculty culture, and opportunities for student involvement played a critical role in shaping his professional development and leadership trajectory. His remarks highlighted how regional universities can prepare students for international careers while maintaining strong ties to their local communities. Additional student pathways and admissions information are available through the university’s Office of Admissions, while alumni engagement initiatives are coordinated through the Nicholls Alumni Federation.

The Barry Melancon Accounting Endowed Scholarship will support accounting majors enrolled in the Al Danos College of Business who maintain strong academic standing while pursuing professional careers. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens enrolled full time at Nicholls and classified as sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students with at least a 3.0 grade point average. Two awards of $1,250 may be distributed each academic year, with funds divided between the fall and spring semesters. Additional scholarship information is available through the university’s Scholarships and Financial Aid page, while prospective students can explore application steps at Apply to Nicholls.

Endowed scholarships play an important role in higher education because they provide sustainable, long-term funding that supports generations of students rather than offering only temporary assistance. In fields such as accounting, where professional certification pathways often require additional coursework and preparation, scholarships like the Barry Melancon Accounting Endowed Scholarship help students remain focused on academic achievement while preparing for careers that influence businesses, governments, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. Through initiatives like this one, Nicholls State University continued to strengthen its reputation for preparing graduates to succeed in both regional industries and international professional networks.

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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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“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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Nicholls Hosts Hybrid Environmental Summit with Global Partners

Nicholls State University recently took center stage in an international dialogue about environmental issues. On July 17, the university hosted “The Global Conversation,” a hybrid environmental summit that focuses on urgent ecological challenges, cultural preservation, and collaborative conservation, as per this news release from Nicholls. The free event was open to the public and was accessible both in person at Powell Hall Room 208 and virtually via Zoom, with a livestream provided by the United Nations. Scheduled to run from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., the summit invited participants from across the globe to contribute to a growing discourse about environmental responsibility.

Kellie Daniels, founder of Students Against Species Extinction and lecturer at Newcastle University, emphasized the importance of youth engagement in environmental activism. She noted that young people worldwide are stepping up to safeguard biodiversity and preserve their cultural heritage. Daniels added that by uniting students, scientists, and storytellers from various nations, the summit underscores the power of global collaboration. The issues discussed, she explained, are deeply interwoven and affect everyone, making it essential that we work together to create solutions.

The summit explored four central themes: global connections, effective communication strategies, conservation practices, and cultural exchange. A diverse slate of speakers from both Louisiana and the United Kingdom will lend their expertise, including Windell Curole, former director of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program; Dr. Gary LaFleur, professor and director of the Center for Bayou Studies at Nicholls; Laci Melancon, executive director of the Coastal Center at Nicholls; and Dr. Alisha Renfro, lead scientist for the Mississippi River Delta coalition with the National Wildlife Federation.

Beyond the summit itself, Nicholls welcomed the visiting Newcastle academics on an environmental road trip across south Louisiana. Their itinerary included visits to the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, the unique Chauvin Sculpture Garden, the coastal village of Cocodrie, and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium. This hands-on tour will give participants a deeper understanding of the Bayou Region’s environmental and cultural richness.

Dr. James Stewart, chair of the Nicholls Mass Communication Department, expressed pride in hosting the event. He credited ongoing partnerships with Newcastle and financial support from the Matherne family, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Restore the Mississippi River Delta initiative as essential to making the summit a reality. Stewart noted that these international collaborations have helped students at Nicholls expand their worldview and realize that the environmental challenges they face in Louisiana echo those experienced in communities around the globe.

Laci Melancon, who leads the Coastal Center at Nicholls, highlighted the local-to-global significance of the university’s environmental work. She explained that south Louisiana is on the frontlines of climate change, with rising sea levels, land erosion, and cultural displacement threatening the region. Melancon emphasized that through collaboration with local, state, federal, and international partners, Nicholls students and researchers are generating knowledge that not only strengthens the Louisiana coast but also contributes to the global conversation on sustainability and resilience.

Nicholls continues to grow as a leader in environmental research and coastal protection. The Coastal Center serves as a hub for collaborative scientific efforts, inviting researchers from agencies such as the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, the Water Institute of the Gulf, and various departments within Nicholls itself to work together on forward-thinking strategies to combat coastal degradation.

The success of this international event has been supported by the Nancy Sanderson Matherne Institute for Global Communication within the Mass Communication Department. Through the institute’s programming, Nicholls students are learning how environmental communication can bridge geographic and cultural divides, helping to protect ecosystems and heritage around the world.

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