NSU uses buddy system to strengthen education

The aim of any school is simple. From kindergarten to college, educating students in an efficient way and preparing them for the future ranks supreme.

But among a vast array of institutions nationwide – even a handful in Louisiana – those goals are appearing too lofty, as budget problems continue to eat away at the effective education those schools once offered.

Those at the tip of the spear, mostly four-year colleges, have also fallen victim to the state’s fiscal struggle. As a result, academic programs have been slashed and some employees have been forced to find new jobs.

Today, officials at Nicholls State University are bypassing a few of those problems, enlisting the help of area two-year colleges like L.E. Fletcher’s Technical Community College, which will give students a chance to boost their GPA and set up career-oriented goals.

The moves will also help Nicholls attract better performing students, said the college’s President Stephen Hulbert at a South Central Industrial Association meeting last Tuesday.

Although the connection is somewhat hidden, the steps will allow Nicholls to reduce the number of students it admits each year and pool resources into programs that have proven to be most successful – among those, the culinary arts.

About 20 years after its inception, the John Folse Culinary Institute’s menu has now expanded to nearly 300 majors. While exceeding its physical capabilities, the program continues to win national awards, noted Hulbert.

By building Fletcher into a go-to college, Nicholls can help prospective students who don’t meet new admissions standards receive a meaningful education. After graduating from Fletcher, they can transfer to Nicholls – taking their academic pursuits a step further, putting them in the run for a more rewarding job.

Fortunately, that transition is made easier with a narrow focus.

“Both of our [institution’s] goals are very simple one’s: We’re here to serve the region we were created for and we’re here to serve the individual that wants an education,” said Hulbert. “No matter what level that education is, whether it’s coming in for a certificate and dropping by for a short period of time…or if they want a two-year degree, four-year degree or master’s degree, we’re here for that.”

At other institutions, students being shuffled between schools often lose credit hours, he added. For these two, it’s not a problem. In addition to classes, facilities at both campuses are open to students who attend either college – things like libraries and fitness centers.

“It works well for the students,” said Hulbert. “We work together because we want our students to be successful.”

However, by next year, the picture will look a little different, as Nicholls fights to lead the pack.

State regulations require the college to pump up admission standards by Fall 2011.

After taking a look at the incoming class of 2009, officials decided implementing the new standards in 2010 would prove beneficial, as only 30 of nearly 1,400 new students didn’t meet the added requirements.

Since introducing selective admissions at Nicholls in 2005, ACT scores have also increased, surpassing state and national averages, according to Hulbert.

“Our retention rates are better, because obviously we’re bringing in better students,” he said.

And while some might not make the cut the first go around, there’s always a second chance.

As students pass through the ranks at Fletcher, they are heavily recruited by Nicholls. “We’re in competition with every other regional and four-year institution in this state,” explained Hulbert.

With rising tuition costs, the ability of students to work through Fletcher has also helped stave off a portion of the added financial burden most students feel when juggling work, school and family life.

“The partnerships we have (Nicholls) with Fletcher, to allow students to get in and get a degree as quickly as possible, with the least cost possible, is critical,” he said. “We have to do everything we can to diminish the impact on our students.”

Both institutions will continue to walk hand-in-hand, regardless of the gritty situation that lingers in the background. The relationships that are being built today will help the generations of tomorrow succeed, said Hulbert.

Nicholls State University President Stephen Hulbert (left) sits next to Ted Falgout, executive director of Port Fourchon, and prepares his thoughts before speaking to the South Central Industrial Association. * Photo by MICHAEL DAVIS