THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University will explore how far African-Americans have come throughout the month of February for Black History Month. Events delving into the theme of “Progression” include the performing arts series, RELATE Open Mic Night, with motivational speaker Roderick “Odd?Rod” Borisade, a cooking demo with Muriel’s Jackson Square Executive Chef Erik Veney, a concert featuring Nicholls alum George Bell and a month-long art exhibit featuring the work of Southern University Professor of Art Randell Henry. Using his photos to show the story he tells, Borisade brings the audience into an engaging and inspiring movie-like setting. Sponsored by…...

Chef Amy Sins THIBODAUX, La. — The Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University is excited to host top southern chef Amy Sins as the latest guest of the popular Empowered Women Chefs Series at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 30, in the Ledet Culinary Arts Building. Launched in 2016, the Empowered Women Chefs Series is a lecture and culinary demonstration series focused on encouraging women to pursue successful careers in the male-dominated restaurant industry. The series provides inspiration and guidance for females aspiring to work in the restaurant industry, where only 21 percent of the jobs are held…...

Cyrus Picou (Misty Leigh McElroy/Nicholls State University) THIBODAUX, La. — A Nicholls chemistry student has been invited to give a presentation at the Emerging Researchers National Conference in STEM this February in Washington, D.C. Cyrus Picou, a Montegut native, is the second Nicholls student in as many years to present at the prestigious conference, as Alexandria Aucoin presented this past year. “The faculty of Nicholls chemistry are devoted to student success, and they mentor our students to become excellent chemists, doctors, pharmacists, entrepreneurs and professionals,” said Chad Young, Nicholls Chemistry department head. “Cyrus is the result of great mentorship from…...

THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University has been ranked in the top 50 for its online master’s Applied Behavior Analysis program by Texas-based disabilities clinic  Action Behavior Centers. Nicholls offers a masters of education in curriculum and instruction with a high incidence disabilities concentration with an ABA option. The masters program aims to prepare educators to implement intervention strategies to reach students with autism spectrum disorder and other learning challenges. The ABA option prepares students to become licensed behavior analysts in Louisiana as well as achieve national certification. “This distinction identifies our program as a leader in training professionals in…...

Gene Gouaux (Misty Leigh McElroy/Nicholls State University) THIBODAUX, La. — A Nicholls State University business law professor has been recognized as one of the country’s elite academic minds by being named a Fulbright Specialist. Gene Gouaux, assistant professor of business law, was appointed to the roster this month. As a specialist, his services can be requested by international entities seeking his expertise. “I’m honored to represent the Nicholls College of Business Administration on the international stage by participating in the Fulbright program,” Gouaux said. “Our job as faculty members is to make sure our students are ready to thrive in…...

Dr. Marilyn Macik-Frey (Misty Leigh McElroy/Nicholls State University) THIBODAUX, La. — A Nicholls State University educator has been recognized for her experience in business administration and higher education with an appointment to one of the most influential organizations in southern business education. Dr. Marilyn Macik-Frey, dean of the College of Business Administration, joins the Board of Directors for the Southern Business Administration Association for a 3-year term, effective this month. Every year the SBAA elects three new board members from its member institutions to replace outgoing board members. “The board members of SBAA, primarily business school deans, are a group…...

THIBODAUX, La. — The Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University and Rouses Supermarkets have partnered to create a series of community cooking classes. Cooking with the Colonels will be offered on Saturdays throughout the year and will cover topics from baking to Cajun cuisine. Each class will be from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include an orientation, tour of the Lanny D. Ledet Culinary Arts Building, cooking lessons and a family meal. Three classes have already been scheduled. The first will be Saturday, Jan. 26 and will focus its attention on the bounty of Louisiana’s natural…...

McKenzie LeBlanc (left) and Alaina Evans (right), pose with Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune. LeBlanc,  Evans and Sarah Ledet received the Presidents Medal signifying that they completed their undergraduate degree while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. (Misty McElroy/Nicholls State University) THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University awarded 529 degrees to students during its fall commencement ceremony on Dec. 15. Sarah Ledet (left) poses with Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune. (Misty McElroy/Nicholls State University) Alaina Evans, Sarah Ledet and McKenzie LeBlanc received the President’s Medal of Honor for graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Evans graduated with a degree in culinary…...

Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune, right, and Lafourche school Superintendent Dr. Jo Ann Matthews, middle, pose for a photo with members of the Lafourche Parish School District. (Jerad David/Nicholls State University) THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University and the Lafourche Parish School Board announced the creation of a magnet school for high-performing 4th and 5th-grade students in Thibodaux that will begin next academic year. As part of the agreement, 20 4th-grade students and 20 5th-grade students will visit Nicholls campus every day for personalized instruction from Lafourche Parish and Nicholls teachers. Eligible students must be currently enrolled in a Thibodaux…...

Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune and Veterans Coordinator Gilberto Burbante pose with Nicholls veterans and members of the South Louisiana Chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. (Jacob Batte/Nicholls State University) THIBODAUX, La. — The Nicholls State University Office of Veteran Services and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association announced the creation of a new scholarship to help combat veterans returning to civilian life. The CVMA 6-4 Veteran Scholarship will award $500 to a student once per semester beginning this spring. Recipients must be an honorably discharged combat veteran who is at least a sophomore full-time student with a minimum 2.5…...