The Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern State University was founded in 1987. This four-year college on NSU’s campus supports its hand-selected students through honors in liberal arts and science departments, and fosters innovation through small, seminar-style classes. The program allows in-state and out-of-state candidates to receive scholarships, helping those in need reach their goals.
While the Scholars’ College might seem challenging to an outside viewer, Cale Arceneaux, a junior history major and president of the Scholars’ College Forum Council, gave insight and advice to those considering the program.
“My biggest piece of advice would be to apply in the first place. No one ever knows where a choice may lead them, and the Scholars’ College is an incredible choice for your educational journey,” Arceneaux said. “I believe it can prepare you for anything. It also opens so many opportunities for work studies, study abroad programs and simple friendships that are worth a lifetime.”
“I wasn’t much of an academic in my grade school years, so challenging myself in college was a huge goal of mine. So far, that challenge has proven itself, but it is a challenge I have accepted and continue to endure for the betterment of my knowledge,” Arceneaux said.
The Scholars’ College fosters a sense of community and collaboration for its members, bringing them closer together through academics and memorable experiences. Keegan Martinez is a sophomore English major who serves as Forum Council secretary and the director of Scholars’ for Ecological Conservation.
“I can say that Scholars has fostered a great community, open to ideas and collaboration among the student body. Forum Council members serve as the student governing body of the college and host numerous events that are put on to engage the entire student body,” Martinez said.
“Our Interim-Director, Dr. Keith Dromm, is very involved in student life and always supports our student community. His office door is always open for others to talk to him. Dr. Margaret Cochran is also very involved with Scholars’ students, as she serves as a mentor for many of us.”Martinez said
Even new members of the Scholars’ College have found that the program is more than academics. Caitlin Davis, a freshman liberal arts major, found her confidence as a person and student at NSU boosted by her involvement in Scholars’.
“The Scholars’ College has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone by putting me in a new environment with a lot of new people. I’m not the best at talking with new people, but Scholars’ has allowed me to meet a lot of new people at once, and while it was a bit overwhelming, it pushed me to make new friends and spend time with my classmates,” Davis said.
Since its founding, the Louisiana Scholars’ College has remained dedicated to its core mission: providing students with an academic experience through a close community. Scholars’ will continue to empower its students to reach the highest goals of success, leaving a mark at NSU and beyond.
