Tag: Nicholls

Nicholls Partners with St. Mary Industrial Group to Create Endowed Scholarship

Nicholls State University has recently received a generous donation of $250,000, allowing them to establish the prestigious St.Mary Industrial Group Endowed Scholarship. According to this news release from Nicholls, this scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to deserving students who have graduated from high schools in East St. Mary Parish, namely Central Catholic, Morgan City, Berwick, and Patterson High Schools. By creating this scholarship, Nicholls is demonstrating its commitment to supporting local students in their pursuit of higher education.

The St. Mary Industrial Group Endowed Scholarship will be awarded to incoming full-time freshmen, regardless of their chosen major. These recipients will have the opportunity to receive a significant financial boost throughout their four years at Nicholls. However, it is important to note that recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to remain eligible for this scholarship.

Mr. R.E. “Bob” Miller is the president of Major Equipment & Remediation, and he commented on the scholarship by saying, “We are happy to donate to such a fine school in our area. The scholarship being established would not be possible if not for Mr. B.A. ‘Red’ Adams, Sr. Mr. Red has always supported our entire community, and he’s been a class act since he was young and working hard, and he’s still a class act now. Mr. Red was one of the founders of S.M.I.G., and initially, members were men in the oil industry or vendors that catered to the oil industry. Over the years, S.M.I.G witnessed a growth in membership, as well as the diversity of its members. Our hopes for the scholarship are to help students in the Morgan City, Berwick, and Patterson area to continue their education, to increase their knowledge, to excel, to get involved, and make our area a better place for families to grow and thrive.”

For students who are interested in applying for the St. Mary Industrial Group Endowed Scholarship for the fall 2023 semester, the application deadline is Wednesday, July 19, 2023. It is important to submit the scholarship application by the close of business on that day or by the deadline specified in the scholarship description. To initiate the application process, aspiring students should visit the official Nicholls scholarship webpage. Website.

Scholarships are an excellent opportunity for students to alleviate the financial burden associated with pursuing higher education. They provide financial support and encouragement to students who have demonstrated academic potential and a commitment to their studies. By offering the St. Mary Industrial Group Endowed Scholarship, Nicholls State University is enabling students from East St. Mary Parish to fulfill their educational aspirations and unlock their full potential.

Scholarships like the St. Mary Industrial Group Endowed Scholarship not only provide financial assistance but also serve as a recognition of a student’s achievements and potential. They can inspire and motivate students to excel academically and make the most of their college experience.

The St. Mary Industrial Group, the generous organization behind the establishment of this scholarship, is recognized for its dedication to promoting economic growth and development in the St. Mary Parish region. By investing in education, they are contributing to the long-term prosperity of the community and empowering young individuals to become leaders in their respective fields.

In conclusion, the St. Mary Industrial Group Endowed Scholarship at Nicholls State University presents an incredible opportunity for students graduating from East St. Mary Parish high schools. With a significant financial award and ongoing support, this scholarship can make a substantial difference in the lives of deserving students. By applying for this scholarship, students can take a step closer to achieving their educational goals and building a bright future for themselves.

For more education-related information, click here.

From Devastation to Resilience: Nicholls State University Screens Hurricane Ida Documentary

Nicholls State University recently hosted an exclusive screening of its captivating documentary focusing on Hurricane Ida and the recovery progress titled “Resurgence: From Ida to Recovery.” According to this press release from Nicholls, the highly anticipated event took place on Thursday, May 25, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., unfolding in the Talbot Hall’s Mary and Al Danos Theater. Attendees were carefully selected through invitation, ensuring an intimate gathering of individuals eager to witness the remarkable film. The evening was not just about the documentary; it featured a coastal expert panel discussion and concluded with a networking reception, graciously sponsored by Entergy.

“Resurgence: From Ida to Recovery” provides a compelling narrative that chronicles the journey of Hurricane Ida through the eyes of those residing in Lafourche, Terrebonne, and Grand Isle. The documentary paints a vivid picture, offering a glimpse into the experiences of residents, government officials, community leaders, and meteorologists who weathered the storm’s fury. Nicholls State University took the helm in producing this extraordinary film, thanks to a generous grant from the Bayou Community Foundation’s Bayou Recovery Fund for Hurricane Ida Relief.

As the fifth-largest storm ever to strike the United States, Hurricane Ida made landfall on the 16th anniversary of the infamous Hurricane Katrina. With maximum wind speeds reaching a staggering 150 mph, this Category 4 hurricane unleashed devastating winds and a destructive storm surge upon Louisiana’s vulnerable coastal regions. In fact, Ida holds the unfortunate distinction of being the second most-damaging hurricane to hit Louisiana since the catastrophic events of Katrina in 2005.

One cannot discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Ida without addressing the long-standing issue of coastal erosion. Over the years, the Barataria-Terrebonne basins have suffered the loss of approximately 600,000 acres of land. To put this into perspective, Louisiana loses an area equivalent to a football field of coastal islands and wetlands every 100 minutes. The state has experienced the highest rate of wetlands loss in the country, with a startling 80% accounting for the nation’s coastal wetland loss. More than 2,000 square miles, an area roughly the size of Delaware, has succumbed to the encroaching waters, transforming into open water.

In response to this pressing environmental crisis, Nicholls State University is taking proactive measures to preserve and protect the coastline from future storms. The university’s forthcoming Coastal Center, with construction slated to commence in the fall of 2023, represents a significant stride toward combating coastal erosion. The ambitious $21 million project will find its home on the Nicholls campus, precisely situated at the corner of Colonel Drive and Ardoyne Drive, directly across from Calecas Hall.

The Coastal Center will serve as a collaborative space, bringing together scientists from various institutions, including the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, the Water Institute of the Gulf, and Nicholls’ esteemed biological sciences and geomatics departments. This collective effort aims to advance research endeavors that will help repair and rebuild Louisiana’s receding coastline. The impact of this interdisciplinary collaboration cannot be overstated, as it signifies a united front against the challenges posed by coastal erosion.

In addition to its research initiatives, the Coastal Center at Nicholls State University will actively partner with the Bayou Region Incubator to foster the creation of jobs and small businesses that cater specifically to the coastal community. The expansive 227-acre Nicholls Farm will serve as a real-world testing ground for the center’s coastal research, providing practical applications and invaluable insights.

The documentary screening and subsequent discussions at the event shed light on the challenges faced by coastal communities and the urgent need for proactive measures to address the issue of coastal erosion. Nicholls State University’s commitment to research, innovation, and collaboration is commendable, and its efforts through the Coastal Center are poised to make a tangible difference in the restoration and preservation of Louisiana’s coastline.

For more education-related information, click here.

Nicholls Department of Accounting & Finance Dedicated to JB Falgoust

Nicholls State University recently received a generous donation of $1 million from First American Bank and Trust. This significant contribution has earned them the naming rights for the prestigious JB Falgoust Department of Accounting and Finance, according to this news release from Nicholls. The University plans to utilize this monetary gift as seed money to construct a state-of-the-art facility that will house the esteemed College of Business Administration.

J.B. Falgoust, the namesake of the department, started his career as a humble clerk for the Bank of Vacherie. Through hard work and determination, he rose through the ranks to become the vice president, president, CEO, chairman of the board, and finally, the chairman emeritus of the now renowned First American Bank and Trust. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in transforming the bank’s fortunes.

The bank’s assets witnessed impressive growth, soaring from a mere $2 million to an astounding $830 million. Not only that, but the bank expanded its presence from a single office in Vacherie to an impressive network of 24 branches across Southeast Louisiana. Moreover, the bank’s employee count skyrocketed from a mere 3 to over 200 dedicated professionals. Today, First American Bank and Trust boasts an impressive 25 branches and assets exceeding $1 billion.

Ronnie Falgoust is the President and CEO of First American Bank, and he said, “Mr. J.B. Falgoust understood the importance of Nicholls State University and the resources Nicholls provides to the business economy of Southern Louisiana. Graduates of Nicholls have played a vital role in the growth of First American Bank and Trust. The Bank is proud to honor Mr. J.B. Falgoust and support Nicholls State University.”

First American Bank and Trust is renowned for being a strong and independent community bank. It is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the communities it serves, forging strong connections with local businesses, organizations, and citizens. The bank’s board of directors consists of visionary leaders who hail from these local communities, making them uniquely positioned to understand and address the region’s needs while preserving its distinctive traditions.

Nicholls State University takes immense pride in its AACSB-accredited Accounting program, which plays a vital role in shaping the social and economic landscape of the region it serves. This program empowers students to meet the evolving workforce demands as highly educated, responsible, and engaged accounting professionals. By equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles and practices, the program contributes significantly to the social and economic vitality of the program’s service area and beyond.

The finance and financial services marketing degrees offered by Nicholls also adhere to the stringent educational requirements established by AACSB for a bachelor’s degree in finance. These programs feature a well-rounded curriculum that encompasses senior-level courses in accounting and finance, in addition to other essential business subjects. The goal is to cultivate students’ communication, technological, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making skills, enabling them to excel in the competitive world of finance.

In conclusion, Nicholls State University is grateful for the remarkable $1 million donation from First American Bank and Trust  to the Department of Accounting and Finance.  This generous contribution will not only secure the naming rights for the JB Falgoust Department of Accounting and Finance but also provide the necessary funding for the construction of a cutting-edge facility to house the esteemed College of Business Administration.

Through partnerships between educational institutions and businesses, students can acquire the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to succeed in their chosen fields. These collaborative efforts ensure that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the ever-evolving job market while making positive contributions to their communities and beyond.

For more education-related information, click here.

Sixth Give-N-Day helps Nicholls Foundation Reach the 1 Million Dollar Mark

The Nicholls Foundation’s sixth Give-N-Day has reportedly raised over $1 million for the University’s departments and student organizations, according to this new release from Nicholls State University. After it was all said and done, Nicholls’ 2023 Give-N-Day received the most donors, donations, and funds raised ever in the six years of the event.

Jeremy Becker, Nicholls Foundation Executive, said, “Give-N-Day is an exciting and rewarding event for the foundation and especially the university. It is special to see the University come together with this effort and to have the Nicholls community support so many specific areas on campus. The Give-N-Day team is already planning to make this an even more impactful event in the future.”

The sixth Give-N-Day, in total, raised over $265,000 with 1,587 donors and 2,188 donations. These donations will benefit 130 Nicholls organizations, all of which will receive at least one gift, which is the most ever. Out of the donors, over 25% identified as being Nicholls alumni, and 17% of all donors gave to more than one organization with gifts coming from 39 states and 11 countries, which also broke a record for the monumental event.

Give-N-Day was initially organized in 2018 as a way for the student organizations, academic programs, and athletics of Nicholls State University to raise money in a way that they couldn’t before. Give-N-Day was created as an opportunity for donors to directly benefit a specific organization, department, or athletic team of their choosing. Donations could be listed as little as $10 or as much as the donor wishes to give to one organization or to be spread across as many organizations as possible. Every cent of the donation goes directly to the donor’s organization(s) of choice.

This year, for the sixth 2023 Give-N-Day, Maritime Management received the largest amount of donations by raising $44,615. Other programs that received remarkable financial support were: CROWN with $8,770, Colonel Athletic Association Track & Field/Cross Country with $9,886, Accounting Program with $13,795, Colonel ESports with $14,005, Bridge to Independence with $17,440, and Colonel Athletic Association Soccer with $36,026.

In terms of which programs, organizations, or departments had received the most individual donations, Colonel Athletic Association Soccer reportedly received the most with 305 individual donations total. Other programs that had received a significant number of individual donations were: Colonel Athletic Association Track & Field/Cross Countrywith 56, Accounting Program with 59, Bridge to Independence with 60, Colonel Esports with 64, CROWN with 76, and Sigma Sigma Sigma with 105.

The President of the Nicholls Foundation, Chris H. Riviere says the following in his message to donors, “when making a contribution to Nicholls, the first thing that often comes to mind for many people is scholarships.  For those who attended college, we all remember our own financial struggles and we can understand the importance of ensuring that today’s students can afford to earn degrees, live in residence halls, become active in campus organizations or even travel abroad.  And now, with the yearly uncertainty surrounding TOPS and higher education funding, the need for scholarship dollars has grown even more important. While scholarships are certainly the bread and butter of the Nicholls Foundation, they are far from the only option to make a lasting impact on the lives of current and future Colonels. […]

Additionally, the Nicholls Foundation currently funds 63 faculty professorships along with two endowed chairs.  By providing the financial resources for Nicholls to recruit and retain its best faculty and fund faculty research and professional development opportunities, the Foundation’s supporters are helping to improve the academic experience for hundreds, if not thousands, of students.”

For more education-related information, click here.

Nicholls Recently Renewed its Partnership with MAX Charter School

It was recently announced that Nicholls State University and the Maxine Giardina Charter School have officially renewed their five-year affiliation, according to this news release from Nicholls. The affiliation between Nicholls and MAX Charter School is described as a way to provide both engagement and support through both the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the Nicholls Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders.

Five years ago, Nicholls’ College of Education had introduced the internally recognized Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling approach to MAX Charter’s educational curriculum. Essentially, the Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling, or CABAS, is seen as a scientifically validated approach to schooling, and because of this, it incorporates principles and tactics of the basic science of behavior in order to teach educationally significant and socially significant repertoires through continuous assessment, monitoring, and individualized interventions that are based on data.

Nicholls President Jay Clune, PhD. had spoken about the renewed partnership by saying, “for years, the affiliation between MAX Charter School and Nicholls has provided incredible opportunities for our teacher candidates to receive hands-on training in instructional delivery to students with differentiated learning styles. In turn, MAX benefits by having access to resources and ongoing support from the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences and the Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders. This is a valuable educational partnership for both organizations.”

The Chairman of MAX Charter School Board, Jake Giardina, commented on the partnership by saying, “the collaboration between MAX Charter and Nicholls leverages the education, experience, and expertise of both entities greatly benefiting all stakeholders.”

Additionally, Nicholls Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Scot Rademaker, said “MAX is a great place for our teacher candidates and future counselors to gain valuable experiences prior to their employment as professionals in the world of education. Some candidates and interns may even be employed by MAX and continue to provide quality instruction and services for students with dyslexia. Nicholls has been able to provide valuable resources, including professional development from teacher education faculty, as well as leadership and guidance through board governance for MAX. We hope that the professional connections between our two educational entities will continue for many years to come.”

Approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, the MAX Charter School is actually the first of its kind in Louisiana and it has since become a source for ongoing professional development of in-service teachers and field experience training for pre-service teachers at the University. The school is described as being dedicated to educating first through eighth-grade students with dyslexia and related learning differences.

The Nicholls Louisiana Center for Dyslexia & Related Learning Disorders describes its mission by saying that it “is to transform the lives of individuals with dyslexia through the provision of support services to college students, educational evaluations to the public, and training opportunities to teachers and parents.”

Similarly, the Nicholls College of Education and Behavioral Sciences is dedicated to the preparation of high-quality, experienced, and knowledgeable educational leaders, teachers, school counselors, psychological counselors, school psychologists, and human service professionals who are able to meet the diverse needs of Louisiana and the larger global community. They say, “this is accomplished by a faculty committed to teaching, community service, professional service, and research. Programs of study are grounded in the conceptual framework: ‘Responsible Leaders Engaging in Professional Practice.’ The college is strongly committed to service in area school systems and community agencies.”

For more education-related information, click here.

Nicholls Recognizes Recipients of Grants at Spring 2023 Convocation

Nicholls State University recently held its Spring 2023 Convocation in order to recognize grant winners, faculty, and staff for their hard work throughout the 2022 academic school year. At the  Spring 2023 Convocation, Nicholls recognized the top 10 grants award winners for the funding they had received in 2022, according to this news release from the school.

The Spring 2023 Convocation opened with opening remarks from Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune and Dr. Sue Westbrook, who is the Nicholls State University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. University President Dr. Jay Clune spoke about his outlook for the Spring 2023 semester by saying, “this semester, we look forward to not only changing the lives of the students we teach, mentor, and care for today but the lives of their children and the generations that will follow them.”

The ceremony awarded the ten faculty and staff members who received the most grant money for 2022. When collectively added together, these ten grant recipients represented over $8 million in grant awards for both programmatic support and research.

Nicholls State University awarded the following for being the top ten grant recipients for the funding they received in 2022: Dr. John Lajaunie (Bayou Region Incubator), Dr. John Doucet (Nicholls Coastal Center and College of Sciences and Technology), Zerica Washington (Nicholls Family Service Center), Dr. Jonathan Willis (Nicholls Department of Biological Sciences), Katie Lasserre (Little Colonels Academy), Dr. Balaji Ramachandran (Nicholls Department of Applied Sciences), Dr. Kimberly Reynolds (Department of Psychology and Louisiana Child Welfare Training Academy), Dr. Allyse Ferrara (Department of Biological Sciences), Dr. Darcey Wayment (Department of Chemistry), and Gina Bergeron (Nicholls Family Service Center).

Debi Benoit is the Director of Research and Sponsored Programs at Nicholls, and she spoke about the top ten grant award winners by saying, “rigorous academic research and creative scholarship is time-consuming, requires great attention to detail, strong adherence to the standards and principles of your discipline, and takes substantial persistence to complete. For that reason, Nicholls has initiated the annual Grantsmanship Award as a means to celebrate and recognize ten outstanding faculty or staff who obtained the largest funding in the past year. This year’s 10 recipients represent over $8 million in awards for both research and programmatic support.”

The grants awarded by Nicholls State University were made possible by direct support from alumni, private foundations, parents, corporations, and organizations; additionally, the grant funds are allocated by Nicholls’s Office of University Development. In order to provide financial support for Nicholls State University, The Office of University Development plans and executes annual fund campaigns, capital campaigns, endowments, planned giving initiatives, and other types of fund-raising activities.

Nicholls’s Spring 2023 Convocation also saw five professors and assistant professors awarded the Academic Affairs Award for Teaching Excellence. These five awardees were: Dr. John Lajaunie, Dr. Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson, Dr. Jason Ladd, Mrs. Jeanne Chaisson, and Dr. Himanshu Verma.

Additionally, the Student Affairs “Apple” Awards were given out to five staff members. These awards were for “Outstanding Faculty Advisor of a Student Organization,” “Outstanding Faculty Mentor,” “Outstanding Faculty Support for Student Activities,” and “Outstanding Faculty Merit Award.”

The ceremony also featured the introduction of a new program that is designed to help Nicholls State Universitysupport its students, communicate important information throughout the school year, and answer student questions. Renee Hicks, Assistant Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, Access, and Success, announced the implementation of Nicholls State University + EdSights. The program was described as being “available to students 24/7 to answer any questions about Nicholls. The program can help the university support students, answer their questions and communicate important information throughout the school year creating an avenue for student feedback and a virtual community.”

For more education-related information, click here.