April 30, 2026
Campus events and activities for May 3-9
NATCHITOCHES – Here is a look at the week of May 3-9 at Northwestern State University.
May 3-9 – Summer and fall registration available at vic.nsula.edu
May 3-7 – Final examinations for Spring 2026 semester
May 4 – NSU Music Academy Spring Recital, Magale Recital Hall, 4:30 p.m.
April 30, 2026
Chris Roper Tournament series concludes with Kinesiology lab naming, special honors for Roper family
NATCHITOCHES – Since 1983, Rick and Mary Roper have been the driving force behind the annual Chris Roper Memorial Golf Tournament that has raised thousands of dollars in scholarships for Northwestern State University students.
This year’s 44th annual tournament brought the series to a conclusion, but not before NSU’s School of Kinesiology, formerly the Department of Health and Human Performance, could publicly thank the Ropers by naming an important facility The Roper Biomechanics and Movement AnalysisLab. The surprise announcement took place April 24 during a tournament kick-off party where friends, previous scholarship recipients and faculty from the School honored the Ropers for their years of work to honor Chris by helping students who aspire, as he did, to become coaches.
“Rick and Mary Roper, their family and Chris’s teammates have been some of the most supportive long-term friends of NSU,” said Jill Bankston, Alumni Affairs. “I’ve been involved with the Chris Roper Tournament since I began working at NSU and on behalf of the Northwestern family, I offer gratitude and appreciation for what the Ropers have done by providing an opportunity for our students for 44 years.”
Chris Roper grew up in Camden, Arkansas, and attended NSU on a golf scholarship. He lost his life in a car accident while returning home for Christmas break in 1982. The following spring, his parents organized the Chris Roper Memorial Golf Tournament and established the Chris Roper Memorial Scholarship. Teammates and friends joined the cause, contributing money and prizes for the tournament since its inception. As a result, two students have been selected annually to receive $5,000 each for the academic year.
“Over the years, this scholarship has done far more than provide financial assistance. It has opened doors,” said Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith, director of the School of Kinesiology. “For many students, it has eased the burden of tuition and allowed them to focus more fully on their education, their academic experiences and their professional growth. It has helped shape future coaches, physical therapists, athletic trainers and sports professionals, individuals who carry forward the values that Chris Roper represented: dedication, leadership and a commitment to others.”
The Ropers, who both turn 90 this year, made the decision to bring the tournament to a close. NSU Alumni Affairs staff Terry Wilson and Cristy Bernard were instrumental in organizing this year’s tournament and pre-party.
“Looking to the future, the Chris Roper Memorial Scholarship will continue to be a catalyst,” Tietjen-Smith said. “As the fields of kinesiology and sport evolve, so too will the opportunities for these students. This scholarship will help ensure that talented, passionate individuals can step into those opportunities and lead. It will continue to allow NSU and the School of Kinesiology to invest in people who will go on to improve lives, advance the profession and strengthen communities.”
Roper Presentation:
NSU’s School of Kinesiology announced the naming of The Roper Biomechanics and Movement AnalysisLab April 24. From left are Terry Wilson and Cristy Bernard with Alumni Affairs, School of Kinesiology faculty Dr. Haley Blount, Dr. Lauren Mitchell and Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith, director; Rick and Mary Roper, Cindy Loudenslager, NSU President James Genovese and Jill Bankston, Alumni Affairs.
Press Release
Shaping Student Lives: A Dean’s Story
Northwestern State University highlights the leadership of Dean Reatha Cox
By Anastasia Douglas, The Current Sauce podcast anchor
NATCHITOCHES — Northwestern State University’s Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts is highlighting the leadership and service of Reatha Cox, vice president of Student Experience and dean of Students, through a feature on The Current Sauce podcast.
The episode explores Cox’s journey from first-generation college student at Northwestern State to one of the university’s most influential leaders. During her time as a student, she formed meaningful mentorships with former Dean of the Graduate School Dr. Mildred Bailey and former Dean of Women Lucile Hendrick, relationships she credits as foundational to her leadership philosophy.
“It was one of those generational relationships,” Cox said.
Now serving nearly five years as Dean of Students and working at the university for 38 years, Cox has guided students through significant transitions, including the return to campus following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There have been lots of defining moments, especially navigating the return to campus after the pandemic,” Cox said.
As vice president for the Student Experience, Cox oversees holistic support services and student life initiatives designed to ensure every Demon thrives. She encourages students to engage in campus organizations, utilize resources such as counseling and career services and build meaningful connections both on campus and in the community.
“Sometimes students just need reassurance or simply need to feel heard. You have to be a listening ear and a heart for serving,” Cox said.
Cox views her role as one centered on service, compassion and student voice. She emphasizes mentorship as a key to student success and believes Northwestern State offers a place for every student to belong and grow.
“Find a mentor. Mentors come in many forms. Here at NSU, there is a place for everyone. Find a way to connect, serve and grow,” Cox said.
The full interview can be accessed via NSU’s Purple Media Network at: https://purplemedianetwork.com/22877/video/interview-with-reatha-cox-vice-president-for-the-student-experience-and-dean-of-students/
Reatha Cox feature:
Anastasia Douglas of Shreveport, right, podcast anchor for The Current Sauce, interviewed NSU’s Vice President for the Student Experience and Dean of Students Reatha Cox to highlight Cox’s journey from first-generation college student to administrator and mentor.
FORT POLK, La. — April 30, 2026 A Fort Polk soldier has been charged with making violent threats in interstate commerce.
Jacob McCulley, 22, was arrested after federal investigators said he posted threats online targeting Jewish individuals at a synagogue. According to the FBI, McCulley allegedly posted the threats on the platform Discord under the username “El Bastino.”
If convicted, he faces up to five years in federal prison.
BATON ROUGE, La. — April 30, 2026 State legislators are advancing a bill that would require the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to publish detailed prison data on its public website.
The measure would mandate monthly updates—posted no later than 30 days after each month ends—including:
No personal identifying information would be included due to state and federal privacy laws.
Supporters say the bill would improve transparency and help the public and media identify cases involving improperly released inmates.
NATCHITOCHES, La. — April 30, 2026 Freedom Life Church will host a co‑ed wiffle ball tournament on May 3 at 1 p.m. behind the church to raise funds for an upcoming mission trip to Rwanda.
Participants must be 10 years or older, and teams may include six to eight players. Each team must have at least two female players, and an entry fee is required.
For more information or to register, contact the church at 318‑352‑1210.
NATCHITOCHES, La. — April 30, 2026 The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office released the following arrest reports. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
NATCHITOCHES, La. — April 30, 2026 Former Natchitoches Parish District Attorney and current Third Circuit Court of Appeal Judge Van Kyzar is encouraging Natchitoches Parish voters to support Constitutional Amendment No. 5 on the May 16 ballot.
The amendment would raise the mandatory retirement age for Louisiana judges from 70 to 75. According to Kyzar, approximately 60 of the state’s 360 judges are currently being forced into retirement under existing law.
Kyzar said the change would allow experienced judges to continue serving and reduce turnover within the judiciary.
Release Date: April 30, 2026
Natchitoches Police announce arrests for April 19 – 25, 2026
The Natchitoches Police Department has arrested the following individuals over the past week:
Destiny Brown – Disturbing the Peace
Sainequa Brown – Disturbing the Peace
Michael Jones – Animal at Large
Charlie Wolf Jr. – Possession of Schedule I, Possession of Schedule II, Possession of Schedule IV and Drug Paraphernalia
Meredith McMillan – Damage to Property
Alphonso Allen – Theft and Introducing Contraband into a Penal Facility
Richard Robertson – Vehicular Negligent Injuring
Michael Remo – Animal at Large
Dennis Walker – Possession of Schedule I
Mikal Singleton – Possession of Schedule III
Joseph Gay – Simple Assault
Andrea Khadka – Possession of Schedule II and Drug Paraphernalia
If you would like to report suspicious activity please contact the Natchitoches Police Department at (318) 352-8101. Remember all information given shall remain confidential.
How to report an anonymous tip via Natchitoches Crime Stoppers:
You can also report a tip anonymously by downloading the P3 Tips app on your smart phone or by calling Natchitoches Crime Stoppers at (318) 238-2388. All tips remain confidential and the caller can receive a cash reward up to $5,000 for the arrest of an offender.
NATCHITOCHES, La. — April 29, 2026 Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington has announced he will seek re‑election in the upcoming November 3 election.
Harrington first assumed office in 2017 and won re‑election in his subsequent term. He said he intends to continue the work his office has undertaken over the past several years.