THIBODAUX – Social media applications and other technological outreach initiatives at Nicholls State University expanded to include several thousand users in 2010, with more users and at least one additional media service expected in 2011.
Current tools include Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Apple iPhone and the Nicholls website:
https://www.facebook.com/nicholls.state.university
In the past two years, the Nicholls fan page has attracted more than 5,600 fans, each of whom can rely on the page for up-to-date campus information, lighthearted entertainment and substantive engagement with fellow fans.
https://twitter.com/nichollsstate
Nearly 700 people follow the Nicholls account, which provides the same basic information as the Nicholls Facebook page with occasional re-Tweets from other Nicholls-oriented accounts, including Colonels athletics.
- YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/nichweb
The Nicholls channel includes nine playlists featuring original and linked videos that have been viewed nearly 35,000 times, total. Frequently updated playlists include community testimonials, television segments, musical performances, athletics and more.
- iPhone App
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nicholls/id374916929?mt=8
Released during summer 2010, this free application was designed by Nicholls students under the guidance of Dr. Kent White, associate professor of computer science. The application features campus navigation tools as well as campus news and faculty contact links.
- University Website
The campus website, from which all other media tools are easily accessible, is the hub of information-sharing for the Nicholls community. Overseen primarily by James Planck, university web manager, the website has attracted approximately 820,000 unique visitors in 2010 alone.
- Upcoming Service
University personnel plan to launch an expert database and speakers bureau on the Nicholls website in 2011. Members of the public will be able to access the user-friendly interface at no charge.
“As the world becomes more and more dependent on technological outlets such as these, it is imperative that institutions of higher education innovate and expand their communication practices for the benefit of students, faculty, staff, alumni, media personnel and the public at large,” Dr. Stephen T. Hulbert, university president, said.
“Nicholls has always been committed to keeping its constituents informed and engaged, and as technology improves and expands, we pledge to keep that commitment.”
To learn more about Nicholls social media and other technological outreach tools, go to www.nicholls.edu and scroll to the links at the bottom of the page.
