School: NSU 1996, Natchitoches Parish La
Source: The Natchitoches Times August 1966
Submitted by: 
Deep South Genealogy 
DSGenealog@aol.com



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FROM CONVENT SCHOOL TO GROWING UNIVERSITY, NSU RECOGNIZES OVER A CENTURY OF
EXCELLENCE


Northwestern State University stands on ground that has been dedicated to
learning for more than 100 years. Prior to the Civil War, a portion of the
present campus was the property of the Bullard family of Natchitoches and was
later used as a convent before a school was built on the site.

The Louisiana State Normal School for the preparation of teachers was created
by a state legislative act in 1884 and the convent was offered as a site for
the school. From 1885-1918, the Normal school offered two years of study for
the training of teachers. Baccalaureate programs were then inaugurated and the
state constitution adopted in 1921 changed the name to Louisiana State Normal
College. In 1944, the institution's excellent service in its broader role was
accorded formal recognition of the legislature which changed its name to
Northwestern State College of Louisiana.

The college maintained and strengthened its long tradition of leadership in
public service and academic endeavor and in 1954 became the first college
under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana State Board of Education to offer the
Master's degree. The Specialist in Education degree was first offered in 1966.

On June 18, 1970, Gov. John J. McKeithen signed the legislative act that
brought the school its greatest distinction by changing its title to
Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
The university celebrated its centennial in 1984 with lectures, concerts,
social events and an effective fund raising effort that established the
Centennial Development Fund. In addition to the main campus in Natchitoches,
the present university has permanent facilities in Shreveport and Leesville
and offers instruction at other centers in central Louisiana.

Northwestern is a friendly, vibrant, student-oriented institution of high
learning deeply committed to preparing students to adapt to change throughout
life. The arena for this preparation is a dynamic community of scholars,
faculty and students, dedicated to the creation, dissemination and acquisition
of knowledge. 

As an open admissions institution with the Louisiana Scholars' College
selective admissions component, NSU attracts students with a wide range of
backgrounds. Additionally with the establishment of the Louisiana School for
Math, Science and the Arts on the main campus, the university has become more
aware of its responsibility to offer unique educational opportunities to
high-achieving students.

The university's commitment to provide students a broad liberal education
grounded in the accumulated wisdom of the past is central to Northwestern's
academic mission. A strong foundation in the arts, sciences and humanities is
fundamental to preparation for life in a global society.