Three months ago, James Genovese sat in a courtroom hearing cases as an Associate Justice for the Louisiana Supreme Court.
On Friday, Oct. 25, he was officially invested as the 21st president of Northwestern State University of Louisiana. “I was nervous at first not knowing exactly what I was getting into, but now that I’m into it, I’m all in,” Genovese told The Current Sauce three days before his investiture. “I’m here to do the best I can to make Northwestern the best it can possibly be.”
Since beginning in his role as president, Genovese has hyper focused on the university’s recruiting and enrollment efforts. He shared that NSU hired a recruiting consultant who will evaluate the current procedures and propose new plans to increase enrollment.
Other plans include the Beacon Society, which is composed of community leaders, alumni and staff that will meet with Genovese to give their input on how they can make NSU better.
The investiture kicked off the 2024 Homecoming weekend festivities and officially instated Genovese in his role.
“Welcome to the investiture ceremony celebrating the official commissioning of the 21st president of Northwestern State University James Genovese,” Greg Handel, NSU’s executive vice president and provost, said. Handel served as the master of ceremonies for the investiture.
On stage with Genovese were his family, former law colleagues, his presidential cabinet, members of the Board of Regents, NSU faculty, alumni and members of the University of Louisiana System.
“Students, today is a special day for all of you, it is a day for you to be surrounded by people who got their start here at Northwestern and have grown to be leaders in their fields,” Handel said. “Not too long ago, one person here today sat exactly where you are sitting and at the time likely didn’t think that one day he’d be sitting on stage under the bright lights of Fredericks Auditorium getting ready to be invested as the 21st president of his alma mater.”
Following Handel’s introduction, student body president Terrell “TJ” Woodard addressed the crowd expressing his support for the president.
“As students, we’re the heartbeat of this institution. Each one of us brings unique perspectives, visions and talent,” Woodard said. “We welcome a leader who understands the power of our collective voice and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment.”
Woodard described the investiture as the beginning of a call to action for students to raise their concerns and ideas with the new president. “President Genovese we look forward to your leadership, your guidance and your vision. It is my hope that, together, we can continue to foster an ever-growing environment that will be able to withstand the test of time,” he said.
The state’s commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed also took her time welcoming the president on behalf of the Board of Regents.
“We gather to officially recognize President Genovese in his new role and to stand with him as an academic community committed to education and innovation,” Reed said.
Reed expanded on Woodard’s call to action saying “when our students speak, we all must listen.” She added that the road to success can only be taken when a collaborative effort between students, staff and faculty is present.
Handel then turned the program over to Woodard, University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot and ULS Board of Supervisors Robert “Skeeter” Salim as they helped Genovese put on his official presidential regalia.
Genovese walks to the podium, now dressed in all purple, and begins his official presidential address.
“The investiture of a president is not just a celebration of one individual. It is a symbolic moment for our entire university community,” Genovese said. “It marks the start of a new chapter, not only in my personal journey but in the story of Northwestern. The story that began nearly 140 years ago and continues to evolve and innovate and inspire.”
For him, this day meant coming home to lead a university that allowed him to have a successful career. “I’m proud to say that Northwestern exceeded all of my expectations, and today I return not just as an alumnus but as the president of this incredible university,” Genovese said.
During his address, Genovese shared the buildings currently in construction like Alost Hall and the Sherry and David Morgan Health Performance Center, a new artificial intelligence course coming to NSU and reiterated his efforts to bring more students to campus.
“This university has a rich history and a bright future and I’m honored to lead us into the next chapter. Together we will continue to build on this legacy of those who came before us, preparing future generations to lead, innovate and inspire,” Genovese said as he thanked the crowd and as always, ended with a Fork ‘Em.
