The Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University provides small, rigorous classes in liberal arts and sciences. Students can major in classical studies, fine and performing arts, foreign languages, humanities and social thought, philosophy, politics, economics, scientific inquiry and others provided by the university.
The Scholars’ College prides itself on its academic prowess, preparing students to pursue a quality education. Elayna Gardiner, a junior psychology major and president of the Scholars’ Forum Council, believes that the rigor of her classes tests her beliefs and values in a friendly environment. “It’s a very pleasurable challenge and I really like how supportive the professors are,” Gardiner said. “They truly care about seeing the students be happy, healthy and succeed.”
Scholars’ also provides a mentor program that assigns freshmen Scholars with a mentor to guide them through their next four years. Sharye Belcher is a sophomore nursing major currently mentoring three Scholars. Belcher remembers how confusing her freshman year was and wants to help fellow nursing and medical majors balance their coursework.
On a day-to-day basis, Scholars’ nurtures a close-knit community through small and personal class sizes. Belcher enjoys small seminar classes only found in the Scholars’ program that focus on collaboration and participation with classmates. “It’s really fun to get to throw ideas out there and bounce them off of other people to get their perspective,” Belcher said.
The Scholars’ College’s computer lab is another benefit for the students of Morrison Hall. Samuel Marcantel is a sophomore philosophy, politics and economics major who often spends time in the computer lab catching up on assignments and enjoying the community in Scholars’. “No one here is talented at everything, so everyone has to come together to help each other,” Marcantel said.
Marcantel is extremely satisfied with choosing the Scholars’ College and urges others to consider joining its ranks. “I stress the value of the college and encourage more people who are interested in learning to come be a part of this,” Marcantel said.
Scholars’ actually has its own student council, known as the Forum Council. Some of the Forum Council’s yearly events include Murder at Morrison, which is a night of spooky fun when Morrison Hall is transformed into a haunted house. There’s a basket auction fundraiser and a thesis barbeque for their graduating seniors. The Forum Council also hosts an array of movie and game nights throughout the year to foster a sense of community within the Scholars’ College.
The Louisiana Scholars’ College is a unique institution of faculty and students that work together to create an environment of learning while allowing the members of Scholars’ to bond and grow.
