NSU's College of Nursing, School of Allied Health celebrates two milestones, honors late dean with scholarship

NATCHITOCHES, La., May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwestern State University's College of Nursing and School of Allied Health (CONSAH) celebrated two significant milestones while honoring a former dean whose impact continues to resonate.

During a May 2 reception at NSU's Shreveport campus, 1800 Line Ave., the College of Nursing marked its 75th year and the School of Allied Health it's 55th year with current and former students and faculty, administrators and community healthcare partners gathering to celebrate the milestone. 

"Northwestern State was the first school that answered the call to educate nurses 75 years ago and put it in a collegiate setting and we continue to be the leader in nursing and allied health education, moving the professions forward," said Dr. Greg Handel, NSU's executive vice president and provost.

Northwestern State admitted its first baccalaureate nursing students in 1949 as the nursing community in Shreveport recognized the need for a collegiate-based nursing program. Following the recommendations of a national consultant, five hospitals agreed to phase out their diploma programs opening the door for Northwestern State to create a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, the oldest state-supported nursing program in Louisiana

In 1968, the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) program was implemented in the Department of Life Sciences. This program was placed in the College of Nursing in 1994.  Radiologic Technology was changed to the Radiologic Sciences program in 2008 and is housed under the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health.

Handel recognized recently appointed Dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health Dr. Aimee Badeaux, former deans Dr. Norann Planchock (Dean Emeritus), Dr. Dana Clawson and the late Dr. Joel Hicks, who passed away last October. Hicks' wife Angela, daughter Katelyn and son-in-law Parker Powell were honored during the presentation of the Dr. Joel Hicks Memorial Scholarship. Friends contributed nearly $12,000 to a scholarship in his memory through the NSU Foundation.

The Hicks family said in a statement, "When friends and family suggested starting a scholarship fund in Joel's name, we couldn't think of a better way to honor Joel. Once the donations reached the endowment level, we were overwhelmed and humbled by the kindness shown to us. Joel would have been speechless." 

Information on the Dr. Joel Hicks Scholarship is available at https://northwesternstatealumni.com/hicks-scholarship/.

Badeaux, who was appointed dean April 24 after serving as interim, said the College's success would not be possible without the support of alumni and community healthcare partners.

"It is the deepest honor of my life to be able to continue this important work," Badeaux said. "I would be remiss not to thank all of those that came before me in this role and our faculty and staff. I believe that we are the innovative pace setters and we are the leaders with the work that we do." 

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux acknowledged the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health's presence in Shreveport and its impact on healthcare in the region.

"I thank Northwestern for having this facility here, for preserving the Line Avenue school," Arceneaux said. "I am grateful that you're here and for what you do. I'm grateful for nurses and other healthcare professionals that you produce. This is very important for the city of Shreveport."

"We look forward to another 75 years of excellence and being the leader in nursing and allied health professions, being responsive to the needs of our students and of society and being a strong and true original presence here in Shreveport," Handel said.

The anniversary celebration for the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health will continue with a second reception at the CENLA campus, 1410 Neel Kearby Blvd., Alexandria, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8. The public is invited.

Information on degree programs offered through NSU's College of Nursing and School of Allied Health is available at https://www.nsula.edu/nursing/.

Leah Jackson ([email protected])
Director of Public Information and Media Relations
Northwestern State University
(318) 357-4553

SOURCE Northwestern State University