Genovese praises NSU Shreveport campus as nursing program leader

SHREVEPORT - New Northwestern State University President James Genovese visited the university's Shreveport campus for the first time Tuesday, meeting with students and faculty while praising the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health's top-ranked programs. The visit marked a significant opportunity for Genovese to deepen connections with students, faculty and local healthcare partners.

"I've known since 1967 when I first came to Northwestern that the nursing program is top notch. Fifty-seven years later, it's still top notch," Genovese said.

About 1,100 students are enrolled at NSU's Shreveport campus seeking associate, bachelor's and doctoral degrees in nursing, radiology and specialized fields such as sonography and nurse anesthesia, as well as post-baccalaureate certifications in cardiovascular intervention and MRI. The NCLEX pass rate for graduates seeking Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees is 99 percent. For graduates seeking Associate of Science in Nursing degrees, the NCLEX pass rate is 98 percent. Job placement across multiple programs is 100 percent.

Next spring a new Master of Science in Allied Health program will be available, the only program of its kind in Louisiana and the third of its kind in the nation. An echocardiography program will be available in the Fall 2025 semester and alternate pathways into nursing for allied health professionals are in development. Genovese lauded the school's location and affordability as attractive to prospective students.

"You are the shining star," Genovese said. "You are what makes Northwestern great. I'm so thankful and appreciative of all that you do. I have heard and seen nothing but the progress you have done and I hope that you will continue to grow."

"They are super stars here," Genovese continued, praising faculty for maintaining high academic standards. "What an accomplishment for teachers and instructors for giving you the opportunity to come here, get an education and get an excellent job."

NSU began offering a bachelor's degree program in nursing in 1949 and will commemorate the program's 75^thanniversary this year. The radiologic science program began 55 years ago. The school is located at 1800 Line Avenue.

Dr. Aimee Badeaux, interim dean, emphasized the importance of community partnerships in the program's success.

"Many of you are aware that Northwestern State University has a long-standing history in this community," Badeaux said. "Our success is largely because of our community partners. Almost 75 years ago, you saw the need for a baccalaureate nursing program. It was your vision, your collaboration that started all of this that we have today."

For more information about NSU's College of Nursing and School of Allied Health and its programs, visit www.nsu.la/healthcare.

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