Northwestern State University of Louisiana welcomes hispanic students looking to excel in academics and have a memorable college experience.
Hispanic students make up about 5.79 % of the student body population, according to the NSU Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan released in 2022.
Taquita Bell, director of admissions, said that students who meet the necessary requirements will certainly feel at home here and treated like family. She said it is great for students to come here to not only get an education, but to share their culture.
“We have increased the number of international and Hispanic students here at NSU,” Bell said. “There are a lot of opportunities here and just getting the information out there so that future students are aware of what we have to offer, and we will do whatever we can to welcome new students.”
Isabel Juarez, junior communication major, has earned an associate degree in general studies from NSU. It’s because of NSU’s dual enrollment program that she decided to attend the university.
“I really liked it, so me and my friends decided to stay and actually attend NSU in person,” Juarez said.
Juarez shares what she thinks the school should do for Hispanic students during Hispanic Heritage Month to foster a welcoming environment.
“I think NSU could host a gathering for Hispanics just so that we can all get to know each other more,” Juarez said.
As immigrant families come to the United States and their kids grow up and make the decision to attend higher education, it’s schools that actively recruit Hispanic students that will allow Hispanics to make an informed decision.
Vanner Erikson, director of recruiting, said that the recruiting office goes the extra mile to ensure that they create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students from every walk of life.
“As it relates to Hispanic students, they are larger within the Texas geographic region, and we’ve doubled down our efforts there in order to increase our student population,” Erikson said.
He explained that the office has recently translated all their recruiting materials into Spanish to help with translation in predominantly Spanish speaking households.
“We make it our mission to go to each and every school in Louisiana. Our recruiting model has also spread over the course of the years to East Texas, DFW and Houston areas,” Erikson said.
Erikson explains that it’s one thing to recruit a student, but the main objective is to retain students here at NSU.
“NSU faculty and staff view recruiting and retention as everyone’s job, not just the office,” Erikson said. “If students want to help, come back with us to their high schools, or recommend a student to us – that goes a long way!”
