THIBODAUX, La. -- Nicholls State University has received a $155,000 gift from Lakewood Foundation Inc., to ensure that Nicholls nursing students continue to have access to state-of-the-art technology and high-quality facilities. “We are grateful for the generous gift from the Lakewood Foundation,” said Dr. Lynn Gillette, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “The funds will support our efforts to expand the number of students that we accept into our nursing program. Given the shortage of working nursing, this support will help Nicholls provide even more qualified nurses to the region.” Over the summer, Ayo Hall received more than $200,000…...

THIBODAUX, La. -- Nicholls professors will showcase their research and creativity during the first annual Faculty Expeaux research poster exhibit. Modeled after Student Expeaux held in the spring, faculty will be judged not only on the content of their research but the appearance of the display, as well. The day-long event will take place Thursday in the Cotillion Ballroom of the Bollinger Memorial Student Union. The community is invited to a free public viewing of Expeaux displays and reception from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. “For the first time ever, our students, our faculty and our community will be able…...

THIBODAUX, La. -- Nicholls assistant professor of English and poet-in-residence, Jay Udall, received the 2017 X.J. Kennedy Poetry Prize for his upcoming book, "Because a Fire in Our Heads," which will be published this spring. Started in 1998 and sponsored by the Texas Review Press at Sam Houston State University, the X.J. Kennedy Poetry Prize is named for the American poet, translator and editor, and is awarded annually for a full-length collection of poetry. David M. Parsons, former poet laureate of Texas, served as this year’s judge. Because a Fire in Our Heads, Udall’s sixth book, explores “desire in its…...

  THIBODAUX -- Dr. Bruce T. Murphy has informed the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System of his decision to transition from the presidency of the University.  Dr. Murphy, who plans to engage in other strategic initiatives in higher education, is the fifth President in the history of Nicholls State University.  Dr. Murphy expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the University and appreciation for the accomplishments made during his tenure.  Dr. Murphy has elected to transition from his presidency at end of the 2017 calendar year. Dr. Murphy, who also holds the military rank and…...

THIBODAUX, La. -- Nicholls State University will host a Louisiana physicist, astronomer and competitive barbecue chef who will grill up a discussion on the laws of brisket on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Titled “Low and slow cooking: Understanding the physics of barbecue,” Dr. Andy Hollerman, a professor of physics at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, will examine the process of how beef, pork and chicken go from cold cuts to the savory tradition associated with summer holidays. Samples will be provided. “Physicists love to explore how science describes our everyday activities,” said Dr. Chad Young, department head of physical sciences…...

THIBODAUX, La. – Nicholls State University welcomed 6,366 students to campus for the fall 2017 semester, an increase of 99 students or 1.6 percent over last year. This marks the second consecutive year enrollment has grown at Nicholls, which is up 3.4 percent since Fall 2015. Keying that growth is the largest incoming freshman class since 2013. The 1,222 freshmen make up a 7.4 percent increase from last year. The incoming freshmen class is also one of the best-prepared in university history with an average ACT score of 22.2, the second-highest ever at Nicholls. “This is a testament to the…...

THIBODAUX, La. -- The Nicholls State University Department of Music will host the Ninth Annual Monster Piano Concert at 7 p.m., September 19 in the Mary and Al Danos Theater in Talbot Hall. More than 35 pianists - including Nicholls faculty, alumni, community members and local high school students - will perform “Concerto for Four Pianos” by J.S. Bach, the “Nutcracker Suite” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, as well as works by American and European composers in various settings. This year, guest  composer and pianist, Hwaen Ch’ugi will perform his piece, “Salute From a New American.” Nicholls is the only public…...

THIBODAUX, La. -- Nicholls State University will explore issues surrounding the First Amendment and its role in society in a guest panel to celebrate the beginning of Constitution Week. Titled ‘Free Expression and the Constitution,’ the discussion is being co-sponsored by the regional chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Panelists are Nicki Boudreaux, instructor of mass communication; Dr. Linda Martin, assistant professor of mass communication; Dr. Joseph Thysell Jr., professor of government; and Mark Plaisance, a local attorney who successfully argued Miller Montgomery v. the State of Louisiana before the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015. “I think the topic…...

THIBODAUX, La. -- Stella Helluin, instructor of accounting at Nicholls State University, received the Distinguished Achievement in Accounting Education Award from the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants. Helluin is the faculty sponsor for Nicholls chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the national honor society for accounting and finance students, and co-chairs the University’s annual Honors banquet. She has worked with the LCPA for more than a decade. “This award means a lot to me and I’m very humbled to be included in a group of wonderful individuals that have dedicated many years of their lives to educating others,” she said.…...

THIBODAUX, La. -- The third annual Bayou Studies Symposium at Nicholls State University will focus on the Cajun environmental landscape then and now from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13 in the Cotillion Ballroom. Featured speakers include William Guion, founder of the Bayou Lafourche Historic Live Oak Tour, and Dr. John Doucet, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Alcee Fortier Distinguished Service Professor. Guion will discuss the process of documenting the state’s live oaks while Doucet will take a closer look at the changing ecosystem and how it was affected by the Cheniere Isle…...