Author: oursoutheastern

Earlier this month, the Southeastern Professional Sales Team traveled to Orlando for the International Collegiate Sales Competition hosted by Florida State University. Competing among 80 universities, the team placed 10th overall, cementing a back-to-back Top 10 performance at the World Cup of Sales.

“These spectacular results are a team effort from the entire group of dedicated faculty and motivated students in our premier sales program. We are so proud of their performance,” said Dean of the College of Business Tará Lopez.

Katelynn Duthu Brady, Victoria Hickey, and Hezekiah Chatelain achieved record results in the Speed Sell Competition, where they each pitched themselves to four companies. Kalynn Granier and Hezekiah Chatelain also achieved a record result in the Sales Management Case Competition, where they presented a consulting solution to a group of top executives.

Alayna Montgomery and Caleb Peppers competed in the Role-Play Competition against the top sales students in the world. Montgomery advanced to the wild card round, and Peppers advanced to the semi-final round and finished 12th out of 160 competitors. These students were coached by sales program co-coordinators April Kemp and Tim Butler, along with Graduate Assistant Coach, Gabriel Pevey.

Southeastern’s team is one of only four universities that has finished in the top 10 over the past two years in the World Cup of Sales.

“We are so pleased how our students are not just competing but thriving against the best students across the world,” Kemp said. “That is what you can expect when you join the Southeastern Professional Sales Team. Lion Up!” 

ABOVE: April Kemp, Gabriel Pevey, Caleb Peppers, Victoria Hickey, Katelynn Duthu Brady, Alayna Montgomery, Kalynn Granier, Hezekiah Chatelain, and Tim Butler.

Southeastern’s undergraduate teacher preparation program has been recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality. The program received a grade of ‘A’ in NCTQ’s new report “Teacher Prep Review: Strengthening Elementary Reading Instruction” for its rigorous preparation of future teachers in how to teach reading.

Southeastern’s program is among just 23 percent nationwide to earn an ‘A’ for meeting standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction – often called the “science of reading.”

To earn an ‘A,” programs needed to meet a standard of adequate coverage, determined in consultation with literacy experts, for all five core components of scientifically based reading instruction – phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, and teach fewer than four practices that have been found to inhibit students’ reading progress.

“National data shows that more than one-third of fourth-grade students – over 1.3 million children – cannot read at a basic level. By preparing teachers in the methods that research has shown to work best, we can change these results,” said Dean of the College of Education Paula Summers Calderon.

To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, and background reading materials.

Last fall, the NAEP or “Nation’s Report Card” data indicated that student literacy rates have fallen since the pandemic, with 37 percent of fourth-grade students nationwide scoring “below basic” in reading, and even higher, unacceptable rates of reading failure for the most historically marginalized students, said National Council on Teacher Quality President Heather Peske.

“While some small number of children will learn how to read naturally, research has found that most children require explicit, systematic instruction grounded in the science of reading to become successful readers,” Peske explained. “Ultimately, studies suggest that if all students had access to teachers who use scientifically based reading instruction, we could drastically reduce rates of reading failure, achieving literacy rates of 90 percent or higher for our children.”

Southeastern has been declared a Purple Heart School by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Southeastern is the first four-year institution in the state to receive the designation, which honors the service and sacrifice of the nation’s men and women in uniform wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect the nation’s freedoms.

Southeastern President William S. Wainwright said the university and surrounding communities have a great admiration and the utmost gratitude and respect for all the men and women who have served in the past and those who are currently serving their country and communities in the Armed Forces.

“Veterans have paid the high price of freedom by leaving their families and communities behind and placing themselves in harm’s way for the good of all,” he said. “The contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by our citizens.”

William S. Wainwright was invested as Southeastern Louisiana University’s 15th president Dec. 1 in a ceremony held in the Student Union Grand Ballroom on Southeastern’s campus.

At the ceremony, he was presented with Southeastern’s President’s Chain, a symbol of the authority of the position, by three of the university’s former presidents: Sally Clausen, who served from 1995 – 2001; Randy Moffett, who served from 2001 – 2008; and John L. Crain, who served from 2009 to 2023. Also attending the event were representatives of the UL System Board of Supervisors and the Louisiana Board of Regents.

Gratitude, humility, and responsibility were a few of the words Wainwright used in his remarks to describe the range of emotions he was feeling as he gazed out over the audience.

“I am witnessing in real time the awesome power, value and purpose of higher education,” he said. “I see a dedicated university family; a regional and local community galvanized around our collective missions; mentors and coaches; lawmakers and locally elected officials who share our mission and vision; and my family who have loved, supported, and challenged me to fulfill my purpose in life. For this and so much more, I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I commit to dedicating my entire being to the success of Southeastern.”

In his remarks, Wainwright also recognized Clausen, Moffett, Crain, and the 11 former presidents “who built what we know and love today as our Southeastern.” He thanked them for their leadership, sacrifice, vision, and unyielding support.

Wainwright acknowledged Governor Edwards, the Greater Northshore Legislative Delegation, the UL Board of Supervisors, President of the UL System Jim Henderson, and Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed “for their tireless dedication to higher education and ensuring that all students, faculty, and staff have equal access and opportunity to prosper and thrive as a result of our mission.”

He credited the Louisiana Community and Technical College System with building him as a higher education leader. He said the system taught him how to succeed and fail with grace and humility, enabled him to lead state and national higher education strategic initiatives, and sent him across the globe to advance education access and professional development for students, faculty, and staff.

When addressing the students, Wainwright told them their success is vital to the strength of our communities, state, and nation.

“Southeastern provides a one-billion-dollar economic impact in our region. That translates to strong communities and economies built by our graduates,” he said. “Most importantly, this means that the success of our Southeastern team results in greater social mobility for our graduates, therefore sustaining generations of families through the value proposition of our mission.”

Wainwright pledged to recruit, retain, and sustain faculty excellence, continued investment in innovation through research and technology, and that facility enhancement and expansion will remain front and center.

“As a university family, we have weathered many storms and our collective resilience will carry us through anything that will try to distract us from accomplishing our mission in the future,” he added. “With a focus on our core values of excellence and caring and commitment to data-driven strategic planning and execution, Southeastern will garner historic endowments and private investment that will build a future-forward culture of excellence. And we will get there, together.”

Good Morning America Co-Anchor Robin Roberts, Gov. John Bel Edwards, representatives of Southeastern, and officials gathered together Thursday afternoon (Nov. 2) to celebrate the official ground-breaking for the construction of the Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center and the $40 million renovation of D Vickers Hall.

The Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center will add an additional 33,000 square feet to the 80,000 square foot academic building and will include three broadcast media studios – a newsroom, a film studio, and a multimedia studio.

The project will be paid for through state Capital Outlay funds and a sizeable donation from Roberts.

“This facility is greatly overdue, as our faculty and students have been operating with limited space,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “The new facility will greatly enhance the classroom and specialized lab space needed to provide modern instructional opportunities to our students.”

The finished 113,000-square-foot facility will continue to serve its existing academic programs in English, theatre, foreign language, and communication. However, the Communication and Media Studies department will include a major expansion of the curriculum for the cutting-edge broadcast/media facility. The new addition will feature not only film and TV studios, but also radio studios and foley and film audio studios and their associated control, support, and edit rooms.

The third floor will contain additional shared classroom spaces for all four departments within the building. A new reconfiguration of faculty office space will increase access to natural light and offer more opportunities for student/faculty collaboration.

In addition to the three broadcast media studios and upon completion of the renovation and construction, D Vickers will include 104 offices, 27 classrooms, two 100-seat lecture rooms, five computer labs, and four English/language labs.

Another major component of the renovation is a makeover of Vonnie Borden Theatre. The renovated theatre will seat 498 people and include scene and costume shops, a green room, and male and female dressing rooms.

The architect for the project is Holly and Smith of Hammond.

Southeastern’s campus radio station KSLU recently transformed into 90.9 The Lion, playing a format that focuses on classic rock, 80’s and 90’s music, and community-oriented programming.

Listeners have a multitude of ways to enjoy all the new programming. In addition to 90.9 on their FM radio dial, listeners can access an audio stream using either the TuneIn or MyTuner Radio smartphone apps – both of which are Apple CarPlay friendly – and on the station website at www.LionUpRadio.org.

As part of the new format, special emphasis will be placed on rock subgenres and the Louisiana artists that helped shape the sound of popular music throughout history.

Southeastern Athletics remains a key component of station programming. Student broadcasts of SLU Soccer and Volleyball join the Southeastern Sports Radio Network broadcasts of Baseball and Men’s and Women’s Basketball. Coverage of Lion Athletics also includes the weekly SSRN Podcast with Harris Beal, Robbie Rhodes, Allen Waddell, and Mark Willoughby at 5 p.m. every Friday.

The station’s weekly public affairs show, The Tangi Community Download, focuses on topics of interest to the university, Hammond, Tangipahoa Parish, and the greater Southeast Louisiana community. Tyler Thomas visits with community and campus leaders each Saturday at 7:30 a.m. discussing topics that range from community events to healthcare services. Guests interested in appearing on the show can contact Thomas, the station’s news and community affairs coordinator, by email at tyler.thomas-3@southeastern.edu.

Daily features include Today in Rock & Roll History, The Law of Rock & Roll, The Academic Minute, and STEM Radio with Rhett Allain. A Southeastern professor, Allain is a regular contributor to WIRED magazine and advises award-winning television shows that have included both MythBusters and MacGyver.

Joe Burns’ award-winning Rock School, which airs Thursday at 5 p.m. and repeats Sunday at 7 p.m., headlines several specialty shows that provide an education in rock-n-roll and music history. The Best of Rock School joins the lineup weekdays at 8 a.m.

BAM (The Best of America Music) with Davy Brooks and Dayne Sherman moves to a new timeslot at 9 a.m. on Saturdays. DJ Hoosier Mountain hosts A Bright & Blessed Morning, a two-hour gospel show airing Sundays at 8 a.m., as well as the eclectic Melted Vinyl now airing Tuesdays at 10 p.m.

The Dirt Road moves to the weekend as part of the Sunday Night Blues, a four-hour block of blues music beginning at 8 p.m. Joining the lineup is Louisiana Saturday Night, a two-hour show dedicated to Swamp Pop, Cajun and Zydeco, and the rich musical history of the Big Easy.

Other specialty shows include Stuck in the Psychedelic Era, Rockin’ in the Days of Confusion, Dead Air, BackTracking, and This Week in Rock & Roll History. A full on-air schedule is available on the station’s website.

Under athletic department management, the station returns to its rock roots as its 50th birthday approaches in November 2024. A CPB-qualified non-commercial, educational station licensed to the Hammond community, KSLU originally signed on the air Nov. 11, 1974.

For more information, contact Assistant Athletic Director for Broadcast Services Damon Sunde at (985) 549-3774 or damon.sunde@southeastern.edu.

Southeastern’s College of Business launched its third cohort of the Hispanic Leadership Program as part of the celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month and the university’s commitment to the social development of the Hispanic population. The cohort includes 57 students from high schools in Tangipahoa and Livingston parishes.

“The College of Business has a very long and rich history of Hispanic programs from study abroad programs to Costa Rica and Panama, to providing business training for economically disadvantaged populations in Latin American countries, to our present Hispanic Youth Leadership program with area high schools,” said Dean of the College of Business Tara’ Lopez. “We value the vibrant culture and resilience of the Hispanic community and our students at Southeastern.”

“Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month is not only a symbol of respect for Hispanic culture and diversity, but also a sign of Southeastern’s commitment to the progress of the Hispanic community,” said Latin American Business and Development Institute Director Aristides Baraya.

According to the Pew Hispanic Institute, the U.S. Hispanic enrollment at postsecondary institutions in the United States has increased over the last few decades, rising from 1.5 million in 2000 to a new high of 3.8 million in 2019, partly reflecting the group’s rapid growth as a share of the overall U.S. population. In 1980, about 470,000 Latinos were enrolled at degree-granting, postsecondary institutions, accounting for four percent of all students. By 2000, Latino enrollment increased to 1.5 million or 10 percent of all students. And by 2020, 3.7 million Latinos were enrolled, accounting for a fifth of all postsecondary students.

Southeastern’s HLP is focused on supporting underserved Hispanic youth and families, emphasizing character and leadership, and generating permanent and outstanding academic progress, Baraya explained. The program also empowers young Hispanics in entrepreneurship, financial education, preparation for the workforce, and more.

“The Southeastern Young Hispanic Pre-College Preparation and Leadership program is an outstanding opportunity for Hispanic students to discover new faces in their lives and to put their leadership skills to work in practical and real-world applications,” he said.

For over 25 years, Southeastern has worked with the Latin American community through the Latin American Business and Development Initiative.

This year, parallel to the Youth Leadership program, Florida Parishes Human Services Authority, in alliance with the LABDI, will offer a workshop to educate parents about alcohol, tobacco, opioids, and drugs. The program seeks to raise awareness of these situations, Baraya said.

For more information, visit the program website at southeastern.edu/lai.

Former Southeastern President John L. Crain has been awarded the title of President Emeritus by the University of Louisiana System Board. The term “Emeritus” is a title awarded to only a few select individuals in recognition of distinguished and extraordinary service.

“The depth of service Dr. Crain has given to Southeastern over his enduring career is rare and admirable,” UL System President and CEO Jim Henderson said. “His invaluable contributions will forever be a source of inspiration to the Lions and the higher education community.”

A 45-year member of the Southeastern family, Crain obtained a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Southeastern, as well as a master of business administration, and served as a faculty member, faculty senate president, department head, and later as provost and vice president for academic affairs. He was appointed interim president of Southeastern in July 2008 and then served as president from February 2009 until June 2023.

“The Board of Supervisors extends its heartfelt congratulations to President Crain as we honor his distinguished service and exceptional leadership,” UL System Board Chair Liz Pierre said. “This prestigious title is a testament to his transformative contributions.”

“As president, with his accounting background and keen aptitude in financial matters, Dr. Crain was truly the ‘right man at the right time,’ guiding the university through many consecutive years of budget cuts by the state,” Southeastern President William S. Wainwright said. “His calm, professional demeanor helped the university and surrounding community navigate through snow storms, hurricanes, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic, not only to emerge stronger, but to thrive.”

Throughout those difficult times, Wainwright explained, Crain remained focused on strengthening the university’s position as a major regional educational resource, launching several new academic programs and new academic support and campus life initiatives.

During his tenure as president, Crain was instrumental in making significant facility and infrastructure improvements, such as completion of the new Student Union, new residential facilities, renovations and upgrades to numerous academic buildings, unprecedented successes in Lion athletics, and significant expansion in fundraising through the Southeastern Foundation.

Also under Crain’s leadership, a unified brand platform was launched with the goals of giving the university a higher profile in the region and state and of positively impacting student recruitment and retention.

“Dr. Crain fully embraced the university’s Core Values of ‘excellence and caring’ and repeatedly voiced his belief in the importance of ensuring Southeastern’s students receive the very best higher education experience,” Wainwright said. “Those beliefs and his strong leadership have positioned the university and its students to make a meaningful difference in the community, the region, and the world.”

Southeastern and Northshore Technical Community College have each received a three-year, $1.5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities initiative. Southeastern’s grant is to address the growing shortage of nurses and nurse educators in Louisiana, including increasing the number of nurses from underrepresented populations, while NTCC’s grant is to establish new programs in advanced manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, and industrial safety.

“The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities initiative is an essential element to strengthening local workforce ecosystems and economic vitality throughout our region,” said Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Corey Wiggins. “Delta Regional Authority’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor ensures that residents receive industry-driven skills training for high-demand jobs in their communities, helping to create pathways to high-quality careers and economic mobility in some of the most persistently impoverished areas of the United States.”

NTCC and Southeastern represent two of only three higher education institutions in Louisiana to receive Delta Regional Authority awards totaling a $3 million combined investment on the Northshore. The parishes to be served by the grant include Ascension, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Point Coupee, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.

“The strategic partnership between Tangipahoa Economic Development, Southeastern, and NTCC has been an integral part of the economic growth and prosperity of Tangipahoa parish over the last several decades,” said Executive Director of Tangipahoa Economic Development Ginger B. Cangelosi. “With this grant, both institutions will be able to continue supporting local industry by providing advanced educational opportunities to our residents that will help build wealth and provide financial stability for our citizens. In turn, we will all continue to reap the benefits of a relationship that has vastly improved the economic landscape of Tangipahoa Parish, as well as the entire Northshore region, and we are pleased to support them in their efforts.”

“Southeastern and NTCC are our closest partners in higher education and workforce training in our region, and this investment into some of our key industry sectors on the Northshore—healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and logistics—will strengthen economic competitiveness, career advancement, and job creation opportunities for the entire region,” said Chris Masingill, CEO of St. Tammany Corporation, the economic development organization for St. Tammany. “Workforce development, talent retention, and talent recruitment are at the top of the list of considerations for businesses when making investment decisions, and Southeastern and NTCC are both cultivating a strong pipeline of talent in these important industry sectors for Southeastern Louisiana.”

Southeastern’s Louisiana Education Advancement Program for Nurses will achieve four goals over the three-year grant period. First, LEAP for Nurses will assist Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN) in increasing skills, attaining good jobs, and increasing wages. Second, it will provide access to workforce development programs for veterans and individuals from historically marginalized and underserved communities. Third, it will also increase the number of nurse educators prepared at the graduate level. Last, LEAP for Nurses will promote economic transformation through increased employment and retention in RN positions within the care economy of the region served.

LEAP for Nurses will target newly graduated or incumbent nurses (LPNs and RNs) who are residents of one of the 10 rural DRA parishes. Priority will be given to nurses who are veterans or eligible spouses of veterans, followed by those from historically underserved groups adversely affected by persistent poverty, discrimination, or inequality, including but not limited to, black, indigenous, people of color; LGBTQ+ individuals; women; and individuals with disabilities.

“We are thrilled to have received this grant, as it will not only help us provide programs for underserved and marginalized communities, but for veterans as well,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “As an economic driver for our surrounding communities, Southeastern prioritizes workforce development opportunities and seeks to provide them whenever possible. We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with Hood Memorial Hospital, Lakeview Regional Medical Center, Lallie Kemp Medical Center, North Oaks Health System, and St. Tammany Health System that serve as training grounds and educational resources for our students.”

As part of Southeastern’s grant, NTCC will receive sub-awards to provide assistance with tuition and fees. In return, NTCC will provide an LPN-to-RN (ADN) education program, promote the program to LPN and RN students, and participate in advisory council and strategic planning meetings.

NTCC’s grant will help establish new programs in advanced manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, and industrial safety programs. NTCC Interim Chancellor Jim Carlson said it will significantly enhance the educational opportunities and workforce training capabilities at NTCC, ensuring that students are well prepared for the demands of today’s rapidly evolving job market.

In partnership with Greater New Orleans, Inc. and St. Tammany Corporation, these new programs will serve as an onramp into high-wage, high-demand careers, he explained.

“This grant represents a significant milestone for NTCC and the local community,” Carlson said. “It will not only strengthen the college’s educational offerings, but it will also contribute to the economic development of the region by producing a skilled workforce that meets the needs of our local industries.”