The Big Picture

Coming Together Nicholls student leader Kayla Freemon organized a unity march down Canal Boulevard on June 4, to promote equality and unity in the Bayou Region.

2 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 1 THECOLONEL FEATURES

the magazine of NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY Every King Has a Story The Colonels Retention of 16 Winners Network began as a way to help young Black men stay in school. Now, its impacts are felt beyond the classroom.

For an Education Even though universities had been ordered to 24 integrate in the 1950s, several held out. Fortunately, people like Rev. Lloyd Wallace, Clarence "Danny" Brown and Raymond Ellis were willing to fight for the right to equal educational opportunities.

Fall 2020

ON THE COVER We invite you to celebrate diversity at Nicholls State University by reading this issue dedicated to the Black Voices in our campus community.

MOTHER AND DAUGHTER MEET THE NEW ALUM RAISES ADJUST TO LIFE AS CLASSMATES ATHLETIC DIRECTOR SICKLE CELL AWARENESS PG. 8 PG. 12 PG. 36

2 | FallFall 20202020 •• The COLONEL • Nicholls State University DEPARTMENTS

40 1 The Big Picture 4 A Letter from the President 5 Colonel Pride 35 5 More Than Human Resources 6 Being Black in America 7 Service Through Diversity Alumni House 8 Drawn Together 30 10 Whatcha Got Cookin'? 30 My Home, My University 11 You Are Not Alone 31 Colonel Notes 32 A Man Worth Following 34 A Model Leader 35 Improbable Odds 36 Shining for Cells 38 2020 Alumni Awards

40 Campus Cornerstone 40 Campus Cornerstone 40 Challenge Accepted 42 Synergy Bank Helps Bring Community Together 11 43 Making an Impact 12 The Red Zone 12 Bringing it Together A Colonel of Truth 14 In the Paint 44 15 Picking up the Blitz

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 3 FALL 2020

THE COLONEL the magazine of NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

University President Dr. Jay Clune (BS ’86) Executive Vice President for Dr. Alex Arceneaux Enrollment and External Affairs Director of Alumni Affairs Katherine Mabile (BS ’14) Director of Communications Jerad David (BA ’00)

NICHOLLS FOUNDATION Executive Director Jeremy Becker (BS ’95, MBA ’97) NICHOLLS FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chairman Donald T. “Boysie” Bollinger President Christopher H. Riviere (BS ’78) Vice President Daniels Duplantis (BS ’69) Secretary/Treasurer Arlen “Benny” Cenac Jr. (BS ’79) Board Members Hunt Downer (BS ’68) Alexis A. Duval (BS ’92) Hugh E. Hamilton R.E. “Bob” Miller (BA ’75) Pat Pitre (BS ’72)

NICHOLLS ALUMNI FEDERATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Brooke Huddleston (MA ’99) President-Elect Sheri Haydel Eschete (BS ’84) Let’s Celebrate Diversity Together Past-President Archie Chaisson III (BS ’08) Vice President David Heltz (BS ’84) am often asked why we are changing the names of our streets and Secretary Jennifer Smith (BA ’09) these two buildings. I do not think I am the best person to answer that Treasurer Kevin George (BGS ’96, BS ’99, MEd ’03) question. But I know who is: Board Members Thad Angelloz (BA ’03) I Tiffany Augustine. Chef Johnene Breaux. Clarence Brown. P.J. LaToya Bailey (BA ’98) Burkhalter. Farren Clark. Raymond Ellis. Kayla Freemon. Julian Frilot. Gilberto Burbante (BA ’11) Garett Charpentier (AGS ’12, BS ’18) Kevin George. Dr. Cleveland Hill. Channing Holmes. Kilah Jacobs. Clarence Dr. J. Robert Field (BS ’88, MBA ’91) James. Gil Jasmine. Dr. Melinda Jefferson. Carl Johnson. Loan-Anh Johnson. Bart Folse (BS ’07, MBA ’16) Maida Jones. Steven Kenney. Lashawn Lewis. Cydneé Mills. Kendall Red. Jennifer Hodnett Ledet (BS ’84) Alivia Searcy. Jessica Searcy-McCray. Ashantian Smith. Jonathan Terrell. Courtney Hicks Richard (BIS ’13) Elnora Vicks. Lloyd Wallace. Rodney Woods. John Warren (BA ’17) Business Admin. Chapter Pres. Adam Lefort (BS ’16) The stories of these individuals are intricately woven into the very fabric Education Chapter Pres. Aldrian Smith (BS ’17, MEd ’19) of Nicholls State University. This institution would not be the same if Rev. Culinary Chapter Pres. Chef Donald Kasten (BA ’04) Lloyd Wallace, Clarence “Danny” Brown and students like Raymond Ellis Cheer Chapter Pres. Blaine Landry (BS ’18) had not had the courage to fight for the right of Black men and women Black Alumni Chapter Pres. Kevin George (BGS ’96, BS ’99, MEd ’03) to attend college in the Bayou Region. Can you imagine Nicholls if Dr. THE COLONEL EDITORIAL STAFF Cleveland Hill had not persevered as the first Black student-athlete and Editor Jacob Batte returned as a professor and dean? Guest Editors Dr. Shaniece Bickham • Farren Clark (BA ’03) But that same fabric is evolving. Now, our first Chief Diversity Officer Art Director Jerad David (BA ’00) Steven Kenney and our first Black Athletic Director Jonathan Terrell will Photojournalist Misty Leigh McElroy (BA ’03) influence how we move forward to create a more inclusive university for Contributers Chef Johnene Breaux (BA ’16) • Shenelle Ellis (BGS ’96, MEd ’03) Kevin George (BGS ’96, BS ’99, MEd ’03) • students like the ones you’ll find in the Nicholls NAACP and CROWN. Jason Graham (BA ’03) • Dr. Cleveland Hill (BA ’73, MEd ’79) This issue is a step toward better representation for our campus, but it Caryln James • Dr. Melinda Jefferson • Cain Madden • is not the final step. The Colonel editorial staff is committed to producing Cydneé Mills • Courtney Richard (BIS ’13) • a product representative of every student, every faculty member, every Bruno Ruggiero (BA ’90)• Alivia Searcy • Chris Singleton (BA ’06) classified and unclassified staff member and every alumni in all future issues. Akaira Sutton • Clifton Theriot (BA ’95) • Brandon Thomas • Leroy Triggs (BA ’19) • Elnora Vicks (AS ’10, BA ’13, MEd ’17) • So if you are looking for an answer to why are we changing these names, I Rodney Woods encourage you to turn the page and listen to the stories told within. Because we are all Colonels, and we are stronger together. The Colonel is the official publication of Nicholls State University and is published twice a year by the Nicholls Foundation, Nicholls Alumni Federation and Nicholls Office of University Marketing and Communications. With Colonel Pride, We welcome your story ideas, suggestions, alumni news and feedback.

Contact The Colonel at: P.O. Box 2033 • Thibodaux, LA 70310 Phone: 985.448.4141 • Email:[email protected] Dr. Jay Clune Nicholls President 4 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University MORE THANHuman Resources Assistant Vice President for Human Resources Steven H. Kenney, Jr. Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer

How do you view your role as chief diversity and inclusion officer on campus? I view it as being the person or the conduit to ensure that all diversity and inclusion efforts are streamlined. We have many programs already in place that support diversity and inclusion. However, they are not under the umbrella of diversity and inclusion. Me being a chief diversity and inclusion officer allows all diversity and inclusion efforts to funnel through one general source to streamline the process. But I really believe that the mission around diversity and inclusion is not the task of one person. We are all in this together, and we all support diversity and inclusion. How do you plan to use your role to better incorporate/listen to Nicholls’ black students? We have individuals that think of diversity and inclusion only in terms of race and gender, but it is so much more. We have students that identify as LGBTQ+, and we will incorporate those voices into the initiatives at the university. We have students from the United Houma Nation Tribe, and we need to place a great focus on them. We have students who come from different socioeconomic backgrounds. First-generation students are another form of diversity. It’s making sure that everyone has a seat at the table. I was having a conversation, and we had someone on campus make the comment, ‘I’ll help anyway that I can, but I’m just an old white guy.’ And I’m like, no, we need everyone at the table. Conversations will never be limited. Everyone will be a part of the conversations. Specifically regarding students of color on campus, I believe that there is a need for them to identify the tools and resources available to them. I will help them identify and discover what tools and resources are available. While it is important that we hear their voices, it can’t stop there. They need to see that we are taking actions based on the feedback that they have given us. Tell me about the bow ties. I started wearing bow ties probably in 2002 or 2003. I saw an article in a magazine, and the gentleman had a bow tie on. I wouldn’t say I’m a fashionista by any means, but I’m really big into clothing and things of that nature. So, I thought, I can replicate this look, and I went out and bought a bow tie. And when I tried to tie the bow tie, it was a little difficult because you look at the pictures they give you when you buy a bow tie, or you look at an online diagram. It’s not as intuitive as they try to make it seem in those few simple steps. So it became a challenge for me to actually learn how to tie the bow tie. Since I learned how to, I have not worn a regular tie. Today, I probably have close to 200 bowties. It is an art form and very addictive as well. All of my bow ties are self tied, I don’t buy any pre-tied, so it is a craft. It is also like therapy, to sit there and make sure you are tying the perfect bow.

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 5 Colonel Pride BEING

Dr. Melinda Jefferson, Assistant Professor of Sociology & Criminal Justice IN AMERICA

lack people in America represent resources and financial stability. Moreover, once We live in a society where powerful a minority group that, dating back labeled as a felon, the old forms of discrimination stakeholders are unwilling to give up the to slavery, has unique experiences in employment, housing and education are financial benefit of locking up Black and brown Bof systematic racism, discrimination, and surprisingly legal. Due to this experience, being bodies; where police officers falsely prejudge marginalization largely through U.S. legislation Black in America is defined by the struggle for Black Americans as aggressive and hostile; where and policy. equality. Therefore, it is fair to assume that the the government passes laws that punish Black Black Americans are discriminated against Black communities provide some of the best people more severely; where Black people are and subject to institutionalized racism in evidence that we are not living in a post-racial swept into the criminal justice system by local almost every aspect of society, such as the society. The fight by communities of color to police officers who conduct drug operations criminal justice system, labor and housing achieve freedom, equality and self-respect is as primarily in impoverished communities of color; market and education. While Black Americans old as this country. where police officers are acquitted for killing have made significant growth since slavery, The experience of being Black in America is unarmed Black people; where Black parents there are still great disparities that continue at the core of the #BlackLivesMatter movement. are teaching their kids about the nature of their to exist. For decades, research has shown that Media and lawmakers are forced to consider social position and how their skin color unfairly Black communities have disproportionately police brutality as a matter of racial injustice marks them out to the criminal justice system. experienced mistreatment, abuse and racial bias and systemic racism towards Black people. The Continuing to be colorblind hinders one's ability to understand the injustices and problems faced by Black Americans. It has never been a secret that people of color are not treated fairly in our country. As a person of privilege, you have a responsibility to help other privileged people in your community at the hands of powerful social forces, especially movement was not created as a belief that Black understand the reality of being a Black American in the criminal justice arena. Not only do Black lives are more important than other Americans, and denounce racial injustices. It is important Americans struggle with their own poverty, but but that the lives of Black people have been that you do not remain silent and allow history their surrounding communities have fewer job historically mistreated and threatened. As a to continue to repeat itself. You may not know opportunities, lower-performing schools, a lack result, Black lives matter, too. All lives cannot what it is like to be Black in America, but you can of public housing assistance, higher crime rates truly matter until Black lives are included. use your privileged position. Support your Black and more public health problems. Therefore, if, and only if, Black lives matter, then friends, neighbors and students during this time Black people are arrested, sentenced and there is a lot of work to do. Change can only of civil unrest. For those of us who are aware of the fatally shot by police at a higher rate than any occur when those who benefit eradicate a system “system” and how it operates, we cannot afford to be other race. This means that children of color are that privileges some while oppressing Black silent. We must unite our voices. We must challenge not only more likely to lose a parent to the penal Americans. These issues and problems must be racism, prejudice and bias in our home, our – Dr. Melinda Jefferson system, but they will also lose access to their at the forefront and tackled with the truth. classroom and our community.

6 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University ServiceService ThroughThrough DiversityDiversity he Nicholls State University the Advancement of Colored The “Squeaky Clean for NAACP Chapter has made People that does not mean we are Quarantine” Car Wash serves as its mark through service specifically a Black organization. a fundraiser and helps to support Tlinked to the organization’s mission We are a diverse group, and programs such as the chapter’s of promoting unity, diversity and diversity and unity of all races annual fashion show held on equality on campus and within the are what our founders wanted to campus, says Augustine. According local community. promote when they established the to Augustine, the textbook drive Through the chapter’s community organization,” says Augustine. is in partnership with Nicholls’ service, which includes voting Though the pandemic has campus library. The initiative will initiatives and various programs limited the chapter’s community provide a way for students who targeting both young children and service efforts, Mills says that the may not be able to afford their college students, members have members still reach out to the books to still have access to them. gained a greater connection to community in any way that they Members earn service hours Nicholls. For President Cydneé can. Proceeds from Nicholls’ Give- for their role in the chapter’s Mills, a senior dietetics major, her N-Day initiative this year will play community service initiatives. involvement in the chapter allows a role in ensuring that the chapter “We keep a check up on our her to feel more at home on campus. can continue its programs. members for volunteering hours. Mills says that Nicholls’ NAACP “We really focused on winning It gives people something to look chapter is so much more than just the Give-N-Day challenges and forward to,” says Jacobs. “In some another organization on campus. It received funds that will help support communities, people go without is a family. programs for a long time,” Mills says. and there is no one out there that “We like to consider ourselves as a family,” says Mills. “We help “We like to consider ourselves as a family. We help promote promote education. If members need help with a class, they can education. If members need help with a class, they can come come to us. And if we can’t help, we to us. And if we can’t help, we will find someone who can.” will find someone who can.” Cydneé Mills The chapter’s help extends beyond its members, however. As community service co- cares enough for them to give back. Nicholls’ NAACP chapter members chairs, Augustine and Jacobs are I want the people of any community also serve the local community. leading plans for a toy drive and to see that there is someone out For example, Mills says the a monthly reading plan with the there who cares for them.” chapter’s executive board helps Little Colonels Academy. They are Augustine agrees that with informing the community also finalizing plans for a “Squeaky community service is an important about parish elections many Clean for Quarantine” Car Wash aspect of the NAACP’s purpose. residents might not be familiar and a “Textbook Donation Drive” “Community service is something with. Every year, the chapter for the Fall 2020 semester. that everyone should be proud partners with the Lafourche Parish “Our upcoming toy drive is to of doing, especially young adults NAACP to help annually with benefit children who don’t always because elders may not be able to their scholarship banquet. Tiffany get toys because of many different give the same amount of help that we Augustine, a senior culinary arts reasons,” says Jacobs. “We plan to can,” says Augustine. “Community major, and Kilah Jacobs, a senior bring smiles to the faces of kids in service is not for recognition or an advanced mathematics major, chair the community. I see this toy drive award, but for the feeling of it. To community service initiatives for as something that is like a milestone know that you have helped someone the Nicholls chapter. to a kid.” or something without it being for “I want people unfamiliar with Jacobs says that the monthly anything monetary is the reason why the organization to know that readings will also be beneficial to I love doing it so much and I'm sure even though the NAACP stands young children. others do as well!” – Dr. Shaniece Bickham for the National Association for

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 7 Colonel Pride

8 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Illustration by Alivia Searcy Drawn Together essica Searcy-McCray, at 50 years of age, is old enough to be the meant to be,” Jessica says. “God has spoken to me through her. I’m here mother to her classmates at Nicholls State University. In fact, she is the because of her, my friends and my faith.” mother of one of her classmates. Alivia adds, “She already got her GED, I figured she might as well hop JShe and her youngest daughter, Alivia Searcy, enrolled at Nicholls in on board and come with me.” Fall 2019 to study art. Now, the pair make the hour-plus drive from East Jessica’s children and friends were supportive. Her husband was a little Baton Rouge Parish to the Thibodaux campus every week. shocked. And, at times, so was she. Jessica is one of a growing trend of nontraditional students coming “On the first day of class, I said, ‘I really am in this classroom. I am back to school. Twenty-eight percent of the more than 900,000 students losing my mind,’” she says. “It didn’t hit me until I was here. But once the enrolled in a University of Louisiana System school are age 25 or older. ball started rolling, it became more apparent that I was on the right path.” Two years ago, the only thought Jessica was giving college was sending It has been a transition for both mother and daughter. For Jessica, it is her last of five children to one. She was happy as a wife, mother and being in a classroom surrounded by students, most of whom are not old grandmother of five. A self-described country girl from Port Allen, she enough to buy a beer. handled everything around the house from the cooking to the yard “Not that I’m old, but at 50, you don’t think of stepping out as much work to minor home repairs. She had only just finished her GED at the to do this type of thing,” she says. “Somewhere along the line you talk to insistence of a close friend. yourself and go over the reason you did it to begin with, and you remind Enter Alivia, her youngest child. On the surface, it is surprising they yourself of your value. That’s when you get that second wind.” are so close. Alivia is shy, while Jessica is outgoing, often adding on to her After a brief pause she adds, “I will not give up, I have too much to daughter’s sentences. prove to myself.” “I don’t like to talk as much or volunteer for stuff. I’m not that bold,” For Alivia, it is a little more awkward. Especially when people she does Alivia says. “[Mom] likes to mix things up. I’m more reserved. I couldn’t not know on campus approach her, thinking she is her mom. stand going to spring band concerts, even though I was in them.” “People will look at me, and I’m wondering why they are staring at me As the baby of the family, Jessica kept the shy and reserved Alivia under and then it’s like, oh yeah, my mom goes here,” she says. “That’s the only her umbrella more than her other children. Though she is close with all of thing I have to get used to.” her children, she says there is a special bond with her youngest. But they are settling into college life. Jessica is sculpting her college “I put more fun in being a parent when Alivia came along. I was 30 career at her own pace, looking for what fits her interests. and had already reared four babies “I have a fascination with before her. I could enjoy it more,” learning new techniques Jessica says. “The first time, you’re "It’s more comfortable for me, and in painting, but I must say, nervous. But by the time you get I’m somewhat smitten with to number five, it’s less worry and I have somebody I can rely on." photography and creative more enjoyment. That’s why we are writing. I find I might float probably closer; we can relate to – Alivia Searcy toward that,” she says. “What’s each other more.” reassuring is that I’m getting Alivia looks at her mom and support from my classmates. smiles, “I’m really comfortable with you. You’re goofy. That’s why.” For somebody that’s not on your same level in age, and who doesn’t know Alivia chose Nicholls for two reasons: she wanted to go somewhere much about your past struggles in school to say, ‘You can do it,’ that’s a different from her friends, and she wanted to study animation. beautiful thing.” “The people here treat you as an individual, not as a product,” Alivia Meanwhile, Alivia has her sights set on an eventual move to Japan. says. “Instead of going to school closer for another major I didn’t really Japanese architecture is one of her earliest influences, even before she got want, I knew I could feel more comfortable doing what I actually loved. into animation and anime. She even considered going to college in Japan. That’s why I chose Nicholls.” It helps, they say, to have each other. Even though they do not discuss Each has an interest in art. Jessica drew when she was younger and has their days much on the drive to and from campus, they balance each other started painting as an adult. Alivia began animating her own scenes while out and keep each other grounded. waiting for the new season of Steven Universe to come out. “It’s more comfortable for me, and I have somebody I can rely on,” Alivia says. “I like it because you can draw anything from your mind,” she says. “You’re Graduation is still a way off for the two sophomores, but walking across drawing what you see in your head, but everyone else can see it in motion.” the stage together would be to Jessica like receiving a Grammy and Oscar As Alivia developed her passion and charted her path to college, her at the same time. next step was to convince her closest confidante to come with her. It did Jessica admits it is too early to predict her future once she has a college not take much work. degree. But what if her daughter asks her to come to Japan with her? Yeah, “It wasn’t on my radar, but when she came to me, then I figured it was she says, she will probably go. – Jacob Batte

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 9 Colonel Pride Whatcha Got Cookin’? Carnival Crawfish Pasta by Chef Johnene Breaux Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Serves: 4-5 people

Directions : Bring a medium size pot of water to a boil. Add penne and cook for 7-9 minutes, then drain and set aside. Heat a medium size skillet to medium heat. Once heated, add 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter. Once melted, add onions, peppers, garlic and bay leaf. Sprinkle a little Blackened Redfish Magic. Saute for 5-7 minutes, then add heavy whipping cream and bring to a simmer. Add sliced American cheese, one slice at a time, and whipped cream cheese, whisk cheese in. Once cheese is melted and whisked in, add creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper. Set on low heat and stir every few minutes. In a separate skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and a handful of green onion and sauté for about 2 minutes. Then add andouille sausage and sauté for 5 minutes, then add crawfish and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add crawfish and sausage mixture to the cheese sauce. Add the cooked penne and the last 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Mix and make sure the pasta and sauce are well combined. Mix in fresh parsley, green onion and shaved parmesan. Plate up, garnish with shaved parmesan, parsley and green onion! Enjoy!

Ingredients : 1/4 cup of diced yellow onion Chef Johnene Breaux is a talented and highly skilled personal chef with over six years in the culinary 3/4 cup of diced red, green & yellow bell peppers industry. In May 2016, Chef Johnene graduated from 1 tsp of fresh, minced garlic Nicholls State University with a Bachelor of Science 6 tbsp of unsalted butter degree in Culinary Arts. Shortly after graduating, she 2 cups of heavy whipping cream began her journey as a personal chef working for A-list 2 tbsp of whipped cream cheese celebrity clients. With her first client, Chef Johnene 6 slices of American cheese worked alongside her colleague, Chef D'Antoine Hills 3/4 cup of crawfish tails for about a year. In 2017, Chef Johnene was given 3/4 cups of andouille sausage (half moon or diced) another opportunity as a personal chef and decided 1 bay leaf to relocate to Los Angeles. Working as a personal chef 1/2 tbsp of Tony Chachere's creole seasoning enabled her to travel the world and cook for other 2 tsp of garlic powder celebrities such as Nicki Minaj, Lauren London, Offset 1 tsp of onion powder and Justin Beiber. Currently, Chef Johnene is living in 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper Los Angeles, working as a full-time private chef. She 4 cups of cooked penne pasta recently started a web series called “Behind the Plate Blackened Redfish Magic w/Chef Johnene Joy.” “Behind the Plate” captures Salt and black pepper to taste (optional) behind the scene moments of Chef Johnene’s day with Fresh parsley, green onion and shaved parmesan clients or special events.

10 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University YouYou AreAre NotNot Alone!Alone! aya Angelou said, "You may not trauma was then passed on from generation to evidenced by people using their platform to control all the events that happen generation. Educator and author Dr. Joy DeGruy discuss their own mental health concerns and to you, but you can decide not to be defined this phenomenon as Post-Traumatic Slave experiences. Also, many universities across the Mreduced by them." Syndrome (PTSS). Dr. DeGruy writes that PTSS U.S. are providing more resources and training Proper representation of who I am, in all my explains the consequences of multi-generational for their counselors, faculty, and staff to be more roles, is of vital importance to those roles. My oppression from centuries of chattel slavery culturally competent and to focus on examining education and experience of the various roles and institutionalized racism, and identifies the their approach to mental health and diversity. in my life as a Black Christian, daughter, sister, resulting adaptive survival behaviors. As the counselor and outreach coordinator wife, mother, student, counselor, and outreach We see the adaptive behaviors today when we try on this campus, I am able to not only engage coordinator has altered my perspectives of Black to have these conversations within our community. with students, but also hear and empathize with mental health in the community. Have you heard these statements before? them regarding their mental health issues. Our As I have these interesting and sometimes “Something must be wrong with you.” “You need Black students have talked to me about their difficult conversations regarding mental to pray more.” “You’re strong, not weak.” “You concerns. Many did not know there was a Black health with my children, I then realize how my can push through it.” counselor, and wanted to see more representation environment and my core beliefs have affected me Of course, you have. These are the common of themselves, as well as more resources and mentally and emotionally. Whereas I once looked stigmatizing phrases of why people do not attend programs. This led to my desire to challenge at life’s negative situations as regrets, I now view counseling. In the Black community, these stigma and bring awareness of mental health for them as life experiences. This mindset is helping statements build up a stigma that surrounds our Black students on campus. me throughout this journey of breaking the cycle mental health issues and therapy preventing I have since started the B.O.L.D Women’s and barriers of stigma in the Black community. Black people from taking the next step of seeing counseling group, and held two Black mental In this article, I share some of my own journeys a therapist. health panels and discussions, and a variety of through some of these roles, which has led me to Our form of talk therapy usually consists of other therapeutic events for mental health. my passion for mental health in our community God, our barber, our nail tech, our hairdresser, our At the Counseling Center, we understand and being an advocate for representation. pastor or priest, our closest friends, or our family. the importance of finding a counselor who best The truth behind the stigma is rooted deeper Those people are our support system, but times meets student needs and the importance of than most understand. have changed. The concern and awareness of mental representation. Therapy is best when you feel a As a Black woman, I have experienced anxiety, health, especially practicing self-care, is being sense of trust and connection with your therapist. high-functioning depression, suicidal ideation discussed in more public spaces, like social media. This is why there is a need for culturally and other traumatic events. In those instances, I Although these issues are competent counselors. It is also important for was not informed of or given the proper resources being addressed, there us as a campus and a society to create to learn positive coping methods, besides have been past and a culture of well-being to promote utilizing my faith. current traumatic and be effective in addressing In college, I was introduced to coping methods events occurring mental health especially in the to help with my anxiety and depression. This throughout the years Black community. is when I realized my mental well-being was that have created Creating this culture of well- actually affecting my physical well-being. an overwhelming being will help to eliminate the The "superwoman" mentality was often emotional burden for cultural barriers, which discourage portrayed by Black women from my community Black people. These many Black people from talking as well as in the movies. events have sparked openly about mental health. This is This was one of many learned behaviors the conversation why we must continue to utilize passed down through the generations which of mental our platforms to promote a can date back to slavery. Where many of our health and non-biased and culturally ancestors were forced to suppress their emotions self-care as competent safe space. and trauma, viewing it as a weakness. Instead – Elnora Vicks (AS '10, BA '13, of reinforcing a portrayal of strength, that MEd '17)

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 11 The Red Zone Bringing it Together

eing the first to break a barrier always means you shoulder a weight, Jonathan “J.T.” Terrell (BA ‘98) says. But at the same time he feels like people such as Dr. Cleveland Hill, first black athlete and former Nicholls dean, have eased the burden. BNicholls President Dr. Jay Clune named Terrell the first Black Nicholls Athletics Director on June 22, 2020. “You feel like you have things to prove,” the former Colonel football player says. “But what I have been able to accomplish has been on the shoulders of many pioneers who have come before me.” Country in Turmoil The hiring took place during a summer marked by national protests and a global pandemic. The #blacklivesmatter movement has melded with sports as professional and collegiate athletes lend their voices to spread awareness. Terrell compares that to the 1960s when a handful of athletes risked their careers to advance equal rights. “Now, you have whole leagues standing up and saying enough is enough,” he says. “That movement is very powerful, and we know our student-athletes here see what is happening. We want to make sure our athletes are able to do something if they want.” Terrell emphasizes action on that front. The department has put together a leadership council so students can voice their concerns and make sure they are being heard. A lot has changed since Terrell last suited up for the Colonels, but he is happy to see the impact athletes can have to change society for the better. “People love athletics, so that gives college athletes today a big opportunity to not just talk about it, but also to be about it,” Terrell says. “You can’t just be about something for a moment because it is a trend. You have to be about it, like they did in Mississippi and helped in getting the state flag changed.” In addition to grappling with nationwide protests, Terrell has had to navigate the uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 virus. “When your dream job is to be the Nicholls athletic director and there are no fall sports, it’s tough,” he says. “But the biggest deal with COVID-19 is to just keep the mindset that the tough times won’t last, tough people do.” And besides, Terrell says he has an advantage. Having been a student athlete, a coach and involved in Nicholls fundraising, he had a previous relationship with the coaches. “I can only imagine how hard it would have been if I had to build all of those relationships on top of dealing with COVID-19, the social justice

12 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University movement, the canceled spring sports and the ways to be involved,” Terrell says, laughing. needs to mask up and get behind the things financial burden of testing. I was very fortunate “What a crazy road I’ve been on. God has a scientists are asking us to do in order to move to be in this position with people who know way of putting people in your life and putting to the next phase.” me, trust me and will work with me.” you in situations to get you into the situation All of the athletic programs are in a good he wants you in.” place, he says. He wants fans to pay attention Road to AD this spring, as he would not be surprised if Coming from Slidell, Terrell was a first- On the Future the Colonels win 5-6 Southland Conference generation college student. When he enrolled at For student-athletes, Terrell says they want Championship rings. Nicholls, he didn’t know a lot about Thibodaux to get an opportunity to play in the spring. “We need to make sure we are competitive and thought the sugarcane was corn. “It gives our student-athletes who missed and competing for championships,” he says. “I didn’t think I would love this town as their seasons in the fall to look forward to “And that we continue to graduate young men much as I do,” he says. “I guess I felt like an something,” he says. “I don’t know if we will and women who are productive in society.” outsider for about five minutes, but then it have a vaccine, I don’t know if we will have His part? Terrell says he will use the became clear we were a team of people.” fans in the stands, but we are looking forward knowledge he gained over his life to make sure He also had to grow up fast. As a to the spring.” the school has the funds to keep upgrading the sophomore he married his wife, Taryn, and Seeing as some other schools are having facilities. With the renovation on The Boucvalt had a child on the way. fall football seasons, Terrell says his office has Family Athletic Complex underway, Terrell “Taryn is caucasian, so I worried about how received some criticism from fans. However, says the next step is to continue progress the town would accept that, but it was good,” he he says the decision to cancel the season was toward the facilities they plan to build near says. “We got a lot of prayers and of support.” the right thing to do for student-athletes. Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. After graduating, Terrell coached in the “Their parents have not only sent the And as Terrell continues to bring the high school ranks and came to Nicholls in student-athletes here to get an education and program forward, he is easing the burden for 2004 to coach quarterbacks for coach Darryl play ball, but they also want us to keep them the next generation of Colonels. – Cain Madden Daye. After that season, he left the coaching safe,” he says. “That’s my job.” ranks to pursue pharmaceutical sales. His For instance, the Southland Conference and honors include being named regional manager Football Championship Subdivision will of the year three times and being named the not crown champions this fall. Without top territory manager out of 550 in 2017. the opportunity for the football team In 2005, he also began volunteering for to attempt to three-peat as conference the athletic department. Since that time, he champions, Terrell did not feel like Fundraising served as president of the First Down Club he could justify the costs of testing or and co-founded the Huddle Up Club. Between putting the players in harm’s way this fall. the two he has raised more than $60,000 and “We can give them the opportunity saved the school more than $30,000. to really compete for something in the “I didn’t want to leave, so I kept finding spring,” he says. “But the community 19 Volunteer “When your dream job is to be the Nicholls athletic director and there are no fall sports,

it’s tough. But the biggest deal with COVID-19 Southland is to just keep the mindset that the tough times

won’t last, tough people do.” NichollsNicholls StateState UniversityUniversity •• The COLONEL •• FallFall 20202020 | 13 The Red Zone In The Paint icholls State University junior Johnson has emerged as one of the basketball player Loan-Anh key leaders for the Nicholls women’s Johnson has found a unique basketball team. Nway to occupy her free time when she is As a sophomore, Johnson finished away from the basketball court. third on the team in scoring at 10.9 Johnson, a native of Wichita, Kansas, points per game. She reached double has developed a strong love for painting. figures in 15 games, including four Though Johnson describes her art 20-point outings. She had the fifth-best as a hobby, she is passionate about field goal percentage in the league at her work. 48.2 percent and also ranked 17th at the “It really started because I was trying free throw line at 74.2 percent. to get some separation from my game Johnson also shined in the classroom. mode,” Johnson says. “I’ve just gotten She was one of 10 women's basketball better and better as a painter.” players named to the 2019-20 Southland Johnson says she had more free Women's Basketball All-Academic time to paint during the COVID-19 Teams in April. Johnson landed on the pandemic this year, which shut down All-Academic second team after posting college athletics and kept student- a 3.71 grade-point average as a health athletes away from campuses for several sciences pre-professional major. months. During quarantine alone She says she was proud of her play as she completed 11 art projects. a sophomore but she wants to continue “Painting is something I did improving. often with my time,” Johnson “I put in a lot of work,” Johnson says. says. “That was the only thing I “I was just happy that I was able to help could do in my free time as far as my team.” being alone. It was either that or Unfortunately for Johnson, her watch TV.” sophomore year of basketball ended Most of Johnson’s artwork prematurely when the Southland focuses on a popular style known Conference canceled the women’s as anime, which is a type of basketball tournament because of the Japanese animation art that is seen COVID-19 outbreak in March. mostly in cartoons. The pandemic forced the Colonels to “I like a lot of the different end their season with a 13-16 record. culture designs that come with They were on a seven-game winning anime,” she says. “Everything just streak to close out the regular season. looks so pretty to me.” Johnson says it was disappointing Her artwork has caught the to hear about the season being called attention of her family, friends and off, especially when it came time to say teammates. goodbye to members of the senior class. “They love it a lot,” Johnson says. “It was really devastating to us as a “It’s nice to have their support. I team,” Johnson says. “We worked so enjoy putting a lot of work into it.” hard to get there in the first place. It was Johnson says she tries to paint heartbreaking.” often during the offseason. Once the Johnson says the Colonels want to season starts, her focus is on playing continue building something special basketball for Nicholls. during the upcoming season. “When it is time for the season, “We have a lot of new faces this year,” I can’t really paint because it is so she says. “We want to continue to grow.” time-consuming,” she says. — Chris Singleton (BA '06)

14 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Picking Up The Blitz oming off back-to-back Southland Conference titles, Coach Tim Rebowe has given Colonel fans nothing less than championship expectations. His success started in 2015 with his first signing Cclass. One of his original signees was offensive lineman P.J. Burkhalter, who has become a standout while in Thibodaux. The All-State selection at Franklinton High School has helped pave the way for one of the best offenses in the Southland Conference, racking up first-team All-Southland, All-American and Southland Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year designations along the way. But the road has not always been easy for him. Soon after arriving on campus, he found out that he would have to wait to make his collegiate debut. Suffering from low kidney function, he had to miss his first two seasons. Despite these life- altering setbacks, he remained optimistic. “The experience has made me appreciate the small things in life a lot more because you never know when something you love can be taken away from you,” he says. The champion mindset Burkhalter adopted off the field helped him get back on the field. He looked at his condition and turned it into something positive. “I’m glad that happened to me because I would not be the person I am today,” he says. During his time off the field, he focused on getting better every day by lifting weights, eating right and focusing on school. “I was consistent and stayed ready because I knew deep down that I would get another chance to play,” he says. Once Burkhalter plays his final snap as a Colonel he hopes to continue playing football at the professional level. After his playing career is over, he plans to give back to the game and return as an offensive line coach. The 2020 season has brought another setback out of his control in the form of COVID-19. The global pandemic has postponed the start of the 2020 football season and put everyone in a position they have never been in before. Burkhalter is no stranger to waiting to play. “There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now because of COVID, and things are changing by the hour,” he says. “I just go back to controlling what I can control, and that's wearing a mask, social distancing and washing my hands frequently. I’m just keeping the faith that all this will pass eventually.” — Brandon Thomas

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 15 By Jacob Batte Illustrations by Akaira Sutton Photos by Misty McElroy, Rodney Woods

16 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University 16 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University IN A NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM, TWO DOZEN YOUNG BLACK MEN STEP IN LINE WITH ONE ANOTHER. THEY KNOW EACH OTHER, SOME ARE EVEN FRIENDS. BUT THEY WILL LEAVE THAT CLASSROOM AS SOMETHING MORE.

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 17 Lashawn Lewis, the events coordinator leads his “For him, we are his real family,” Red says. brothers in a group vulnerability exercise. The “A lot of the guys didn’t have anybody that they In this brotherhood, every premise is simple: Lewis lists a life situation, and looked forward to talking to until CROWN.” king wears a crown. if you have experienced that situation you step Rodney “Duke” Woods, Jr. saw a change in the The year before CROWN was created, one of forward. Subjects start light but quickly intensify. group after that night. every two Black, male freshmen not playing a Have you almost failed out of school? Have you “After this exercise, I know these guys are my sport was leaving Nicholls before their second seen violence at home? Have you had a friend or brothers, and they’ve been my brothers from the year. This was a much higher rate than their family member die? Have your parents divorced? beginning,” he says. “So many people will see female and white peers. Davonte Burse (AS ‘19) Have you thought about suicide? One by one, the us walking around and they’ll be thinking, ‘Oh, says he could have told you that without seeing members stepped forward. there goes another Black person’ but until you the statistics. “It was really deep and powerful to see 20 or have a conversation with someone and get to “Other than our professors, there weren’t so guys – my brothers – who have been going know them on a personal level you don’t know many avenues or resources that we felt through something similar,” says Julian Frilot. what problems they’re facing. That whole night comfortable enough to go to and reap the “We often think that this is our story, and our was powerful. We all had different stories, but we benefits,” Burse says. “A lot of my classmates were story alone. But knowing that we’re not alone, were all facing many of the same problems.” transferring, dropping out and failing classes. I that someone is seeing and hearing us makes you Therein lies the power of the Colonels Retention mean, a lot.” feel less crazy. We can get through it together.” of Winners Network, or CROWN. Created by the At the heart of the issue is representation. Kendall Red recalls one of his brothers university in 2018 to solve an academic problem, Burse, who described himself as an introvert breaking down when talking about how his it is success is rooted in its social nature. in high school, says he came to Nicholls with family did not even talk to him.

The 2020 class of Colonels Retention of Winners Network meets for the first time. 18 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University the goal of getting involved. But when he got to the camera worked. When I couldn’t find people campus, he noticed that of the more than 100 to take pictures of, I just took pictures of myself.” student organizations on campus, only a couple He chose Nicholls over the Massachusetts were targeted for Black students. College of Art & Design because it was cheaper “When I was a campus tour guide, I was the and close to home. But in doing so, he thought only Black guide. Then I was on the Nicholls he would have to find a different career. He Aaron Alexander (BA '20) assists Joseph Social Media Team, and it was just me and Grant tried criminal justice and had almost given up Jackson during CROWN orientation. Henry. I was one of just a few Black people on the when his mentor, Gil Jasmine (BA ‘18), told him Orientation Team,” he says. “I was a part of these about the Art Department. groups, but at the same time I didn’t feel like I “I didn’t even know we had an art department. was fully a part of them.” I was like, ‘This is a thing I can do?’” Woods says. And it is more than a one-on-one relationship. There are people to talk to on campus, “This first thing I saw when we walked over was The group has formed a bond among the active Channing Holmes says, but talking to a white the cameras, and I knew this was for me.” members. There are multiple people who have person about Black experiences is difficult. They Jasmine adds, “Rodney still tells me that if it your back, who are there to listen when the world cannot understand what it is like. wasn’t for me, he wouldn’t have changed his major. seems overwhelming and who understand what “If you’re going through something, you I hold that as a very dear moment in my life.” it is like to be a Black man. should be able to talk to somebody and confide in somebody,” Holmes says. “I feel like society has put us in a box and tried to control the narrative of what we can be and what we can’t be. We’re not We all had different stories, but we were all that. You can do whatever you want to, no matter your skin color, religion, ethnicity.” facing many of the same problems.” Representation is still a work in progress, Rodney Woods but by the time Burse graduated he could see a Mentors are there to help their mentees “Look at what’s happening in the world. When change. And it started with CROWN. avoid the pitfalls found in the first year of we see that on the news, we get mad. Instead of “Once I read about it, I wanted to be a part of college. That can range from counseling their going out and acting crazy, we come together, sit it. No, I needed to be a part of it,” he says. “I wish mentee on a decision, being there when they down and talk about it,” Woods says. “It’s how we there had been something like this when I was a need someone to talk to and helping them can take our anger out and help each other.” freshman.” revise a paper for class, among other things. The biggest influence in the program is But learning isn’t just wisdom being passed program coordinator Farren Clark. When asking In this brotherhood, every from mentor to mentee. about mentors, the group first points to Clark “As a mentor, I have this person who looks up before they talk about each other. He makes winner is his own king. to me, and they think they’re learning from me, himself available for the students and supports As soon as Woods took his first picture, he knew but I’m really learning from them,” Jasmine says. them in each of their endeavors. When a student he wanted to be a photographer. His mother, a “Rodney, being a photographer, has a different has a question, he is there. When they need a bite photographer herself, had been pushing him to perspective. Now, that he’s in art, he’s determined to eat, he drives them to Subway. give it a try. to reach his goal and nobody is going to deter “He’s an awesome guy. He does everything “Once I took my first picture, I was like, ‘Wait, him from that path. I watch him, and I feel more in his power to make sure that we excel,” Lewis I really like this,’” he says. “I started walking confident in myself. I know that I’m doing what says. “It doesn’t matter if it’s the wee hours of the around and taking pictures of things that caught I want to do and I’m not going to let anybody get morning, he doesn’t hesitate to answer his phone my attention. I was just trying to figure out how in the way of my dreams.” or text back.”

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 19

In this brotherhood, every king has his own dreams. Clark would not have been eligible to join the CROWN program if it had been around when he enrolled at Nicholls two decades ago. He was a student-athlete who came to the university to run track. It did not take him long to realize he was a long way from home. “There weren't too many of us,” he says, referring to Black students, faculty and staff. “It was a stark difference.” Predominantly white institutions, or PWIs, can create isolation among its Black students, especially if they do not know anyone on campus. “I know a lot of Black men, they come from predominantly Black high schools and when you come to a PWI, you can feel closed up,” Jasmine said. “You want to be somewhere where you feel represented, and a lot of guys didn’t feel connected to, or represented by Nicholls.” CROWN is being there for your brother whenever they need you. Lewis went to the police station when his mentee had an issue with campus police and, together, they worked through it. “CROWN is more than retention. It’s more than good grades. It’s more than graduating. This program is bigger than that,” Lewis says. “This is a safe haven. This is a home. This is a group of people that, if something goes wrong, they are there for you, they have your back. This is a family. Once you join, you’re a CROWN member for life.” ULIAN FRILOT has seen the pitfalls of college first hand. Members note the influence of Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune has J Frilot’s older brother struggled with time management before he helped to change the campus environment. settled into college life. “Now with Dr. Clune, everything feels more inclusive, more culturally Frilot knew he needed to be humble and take advantage of all the diverse,” Jasmine says. “Being here for six years, I have seen tremendous resources available to him. change. I feel much closer to Nicholls and I thank Dr. Clune for doing that.” "Like a lot of other Black kids, I didn’t have someone on campus I could Asked what it means to put on his black CROWN t-shirt, which adorns talk to. That’s where CROWN helped the most,” he says. the red and white logo and Woods responds with one word. He initially balked at the idea of CROWN. But as he learned more about the program, he knew he wanted to get involved. “Pow e r.” “I’m a Black man on this campus, but also I’m now part of a network and I represent them,” Frilot says. “When I succeed, CROWN succeeds. I feel a A king can’t be a king without the responsibility to make a name for myself and for CROWN.” The Baton Rouge Magnet School graduate chose Nicholls because he strength of his own brothers. could attend the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute debt-free. He also wants Sitting on a bench looking out over the Quad, Clark reflects on how to attain a deeper understanding of Cajun and Creole cuisine. the program fits among the campus dynamic. A year into the program, “It’s weird, I’ve never been good with my hands but I love cooking. I can’t stop looking for recipes, looking for new ways to do things,” he says. Black male retention rates mirrored their peers, and the organization has “Going to such a diverse and internationally represented high school, the maintained a 3.0 GPA. easiest way to connect with people was through food and that was easy for “No one comes to college to not fail,” Clark says. “CROWN is more me.” than a way to solve retention. It’s an invitation to people to a space where Frilot knows that he could have gained professional experience right out they can focus on a goal individually and collectively to impact our of high school, but he wanted a challenging culinary education. community in a variety of ways.” He wants to open a Creole restaurant and potentially bring it to another He is often noted for how much he helps his students express their country. emotions, and at the moment, he admits he is a little emotional thinking “I want to have a Black-owned restaurant, selling Black cuisine to the about the impact of the program. world,” he says. “I want to use my restaurant as a place for other Black kids interested in the culinary arts to find a home.” “This is Nicholls State University. This is happening at Nicholls. It’s amazing.”

20 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University

s a Black man, GIL JASMINE (BA ‘18) knows a thing or two about barriers. ODNEY WOODS is trying to figure out what is next. He has already AAs a professional, he hopes to help his Black brothers and sisters deal with Rreached the goals he set for himself as a freshman. theirs. Before his junior year in college, he had already started his own “I feel as though, from my position, I can break down barriers and let them photography business and been published in Vogue Italia. know it is okay to reach out for help,” he says. “You do not have to go through “Everybody is starting to know my work and to know me, it is crazy,” he says. this alone. Let me be that person who can help bridge that gap.” Like so many of his peers, Woods – who goes by “Duke” – is a first- The Laplace native is working toward his masters in clinical mental health generation student, and he is determined to earn his degree. counseling. He chose psychology because he likes talking to and helping “That is something to be proud of and it is something that I want to people. He also knows the stigma surrounding mental health in the do,” he says. Black community. Woods first met Farren Clark at an LA Safe meeting in New Orleans. “We are constantly going through things that other people, even though After talking shop about photography, Clark pitched him on the then they might empathize with us, they are not going through that,” he says. fledgling CROWN program. When Jasmine heard about the start of the CROWN program, he knew he “I knew I wanted to be a part of that,” Woods says. had to get involved. As an undergrad, he had been searching for a mentor that Now, he is the president of CROWN and regularly speaks about the could help him navigate college. Now, here was a chance for him to be that impact his brothers have had on him. After several members of his family person for someone else. passed away in a short amount of time, CROWN was there for him. “I was happy to share my experience, especially with graduating,” he “I had people I could depend on to talk at any time of the day, on any says. “I can share my journey and tell these guys that I did it and you can day of the week,” he says. too. You can be even better.” He takes pride in the impact the organization has had on himself Jasmine knows he is going to open his own clinic, likely in his hometown. and on campus. He is now focusing on whether he wants to specialize in group therapy, “This is something we stand for. We advocated for this, we worked hard marriage and family or child therapy. for these shirts, these backpacks, these pins,” he says. “We’re crowning “Black men, we are not really vulnerable. It takes time for us to open up,” ourselves and that means a lot to us. A lot of people take pride in their Jasmine says. “But I try to tell our guys that once you do, you are going to feel cars, their phones, whatever. We take pride in this program. We worked a lot better. Society tells you that if you are vulnerable, then you are weak. But hard for this, and it means a lot to every one of us.” it takes strength to pour your heart out to someone.”

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 21 asketball is more than a game to CHANNING HOLMES. AVONTE BURSE (AS, ‘19) is an artist. Sure, he graduated from the B From rec leagues to AAU, he has grown up on the court. To him, it is DChef John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls, but to him, there is a more than a corner three, a cut to the basket or grabbing a rebound. It is reason they call it culinary arts. more than the teammates turned friends he has made along the way. To “I like taking nothing or a few pieces of something else and creating Holmes, the court is his sanctuary. something out of that,” he says. “When I am stressed out or I am going through a rough patch, I go to A self-described introvert in high school, he became one of the most the court,” he says. “Just the feel of the basketball makes me calm and active and forward-facing students before his graduation. He was known washes away my troubles and worries.” for his membership in multiple organizations, attendance at campus Holmes is also a talented writer and joined the mass communications events and his regular takeover of the university Snapchat. program with his sights set on being a sports journalist. “I knew I had something in me, but I hadn’t figured out what that “I love to write and I played sports my entire life. If I can combine my was,” he says. “The fearlessness came out of nowhere. It took over, and two passions, I know I can make something out of that,” he says. I accomplished a lot of things. I had a lot of success.” When the New Orleans native first learned about CROWN on a visit to But he had to struggle to get here. Adjusting to life away from home campus, he knew he had to join. was difficult. When his family went through a hard time, it made being “I wanted to go somewhere I felt welcome,” he says. “The CROWN away from home even worse. program felt like that was for me.” “My mind was wrecking itself,” he says. Holmes recalls one instance where one of the members was stopped Living and grinding through that tough time put Burse in the position by university police on his way to class. He sent a text with just the crown to help someone else. It helped him build the leadership skills necessary emoji, and immediately several of his brothers reached out to help. to be a mentor, he says. He tells mentees to just be a better person “This is a brotherhood. We look out for each other,” Holmes says. “We today than yesterday. just want to see each other succeed and be great. I can talk to them about “When I think about the motto, I don’t think of it like a crown. I think anything I am dealing with whether that is school or something else.” of our minds. I think of the heads on our shoulders and representing His mentor, Jacolby Westmore, is now his roommate and still checks your mind. Your mind is what makes you, it’s what is important to your in with him every day. That stability is a steady reminder that there are world,” Burse says. people who care about him. “This brotherhood, this unity, there is nothing like it,” Holmes says. “Playing basketball, my team was my family. Here at Nicholls, CROWN has helped me have a family here. It helps keep me focused, and grounded in my beliefs and my morals.”

22 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University ASHAWN LEWIS had never been to the state capital before. But here ailure is not an option for KENDALL RED. L he was getting a tour of the Governor’s office in Baton Rouge. F The New Orleans native is the first male in his family to attend He was there as part of the 2019 ULS Day at the Capital when one of college, and he will not let them down. He also knows if he wants to his professors told him to follow her. Inside, he talked to elected officials achieve his dream of opening his own restaurant in Houston, he has to and state administrators about Nicholls and the CROWN program. take care of business now. “It was scary, I am not going to lie, but I was proud to be able to “It is hard. It is hard keeping up with a lot of classes, but I can do it,” represent my school as a freshman. I would not have had that opportunity he says. “I am not going to fail. I am not going to have an average grade if it was not for CROWN,” he says. “No doubt, I would not be in the or a C. I have an 89 in one class now and it is aggravating me. I want that position I am in today if it was not for CROWN. I have made connections A. I am not trying to pass, I am trying to excel.” with people from different places, and I have had the chance to show He could have spent his days on the gridiron, but chose the labs in the people what I am really capable of.” Chef John Folse Culinary Institute instead. Cooking is his passion, and he Lewis had been anxious about even attending college. He says he was grew up in the kitchen learning from his uncle and his grandmother. His lucky the CROWN program found him because he now has a group of signature dish is the New Orleans staple: red beans and rice. brothers who could help keep an eye on him. “I like eating, but the best part is the preparation. It’s cutting up your “One of my fears of going to college was not knowing what to expect. ingredients and organizing your materials. It’s the whole process of It really helped knowing I would have someone be there for me,” cooking,” he says. he says. He learned about CROWN during orientation and was drawn to The Donaldsonville native hopes to one day become a human the premise. resources manager. But he is more than just a future businessman, he “We are just regular dudes hanging with each other and trying to is an entertainer. Lewis has been singing since elementary school. He better each other’s future,” Red says. “If I am struggling with a class, I has combined his skills in his role as the co-chair of events for CROWN. know there is somebody who can help me with that. I am good with math, He organizes events to be both fun, but also as a way to showcase what so I can help other guys who need help.” makes each member special. He admits that he gets emotional when he hears the group recite their “CROWN is more than retention, good grades and graduating. This motto together. program is bigger than that,” Lewis says. “It is a safe haven, a home. “Hearing everyone say it together gets me emotional,” Red says. “I It is a group of people that, if something goes wrong, they are there have this feeling of family. Y’all really are my brothers. We are like one. for you, they have your back. This is a family. Once you join, you are a We have the same problems, and we have the same goals. This is not an CROWN member for life.” organization to me. It is a family.”

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 23 By Cain Madden

o integrate Nicholls, many After his experiences in WWII, locals risked their careers Rev. Wallace returned to America and lives so Black students and increasingly recognized that Tcould be at a public university they Black people were not being had every right to attend. treated fairly. Before he ever helped Then known as Francis T. integrate Nicholls, he fought for Nicholls State College, Nicholls first voting rights and helped register put up a fight before integrating in people to vote. 1963. It was a fight for which the “He stuck his neck out a bit for Late Rev. Lloyd Wallace, Clarence others,” says Jacqueline Malcolm “Danny” Brown, both elementary (MEd ‘72), Rev. Wallace’s daughter. school educators, and others “I remember my grandmother being including students like Raymond so afraid because of the things he Ellis were prepared. would do, and she would just be But the group had several fighting him because she thought obstacles to overcome. Alfred he was going to get himself killed. Delahaye’s book, “Nicholls State But he always thought he did not see University: The Elkins-Galliano us represented enough, and he was Years,” says Nicholls had a policy prepared to fight for it.” that the school’s mission was Malcolm says her father handled educating “whites” and Registrar himself in a manner in which she After the first 7 students in 1963 desegregated the campus, James Lynn Powell and his staff believed he would be safe. students irregardless of race were able to learn and would not give applications “As a youngster, you don’t graduate together. to Black people. Black men think about that,” she says. “You and women were also facing couldn’t because back then grown intimidation tactics from the folks didn’t let youngsters know Brown says Rev. Wallace, who “The superintendent was very community, and some worried everything that was going on. It was was principal at Kent Hadley professional,” Brown says. “But he about being bombed or losing ‘grown folks business.’ I only knew Elementary School, was the looked at me, and he said, after their jobs. that it was going on, but not the right person to lead the efforts to discussion of why the schools And once on campus, Brown whole story. I guess I thought my integrate Nicholls. should be integrated, ‘Brown, the says some of the student body was dad was invincible. He just acted “Lloyd was very energetic in grass always looks greener on the openly hostile, yelling slurs and that way.” trying to serve as a catalyst for other side of the fence.’ I looked and throwing cups of ice. Fortunately, When Wallace was growing up, things,” he says. said, ‘Mr. (W.J.) DeFelice, you are Ellis found a tree with a bench Black schools in Thibodaux only Much of the efforts to integrate right, but if I don’t get on the other where he and his friends could went to the 8th grade, and he had in the state began with the side of the fence, I’d never know.’ escape to refocus. to finish high school and college in Louisiana Education Association, “People at the time always said Brown, now 90, says the group Baton Rouge. He then had to leave which had changed its name from on race issues, ‘Well, don’t we get never sugarcoated the difficulty of Louisiana to get his graduate degree. the Louisiana Colored Teachers along?’ Certainly, we get along, but integrating Nicholls. But he says “I think that would be one of the Association. In 1954, when the U.S. do we get along as equals? That is the students agreed to endure the reasons he wanted to be involved,” Supreme Court issued the Brown the important thing. I don’t want worst to create a better world. To get says his younger daughter Beatrice v. Board of Education ruling, the anyone to give me anything, but to that point, Wallace, Brown and Lawrence. “Before integration, organization shifted its goal toward I want an equal opportunity to others had to gain the experience to people who wanted to go to college public school integration. achieve. We didn’t have that.” lead such a revolution. had to leave Thibodaux, instead of Wallace and Brown had been With the fall of 1963 approaching, being able to go to Nicholls, right in among the LEA catalysts to integrate Nicholls was the last public THE NEED AND PLAN their backyard.” the Lafourche schools. university in south Louisiana 24 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University to be segregated. Louisiana’s leading civil rights That year, the LEA started attorney A.P. Tureaud could submit meeting to create a specific plan to a suit in the Louisiana federal court integrate the school. in New Orleans. At the Thibodaux Masonic Lodge, Once the courts ordered Nicholls Wallace and 11 other community to integrate, then came the next leaders met with 21 prospective problem, getting the students there. students. Delahaye’s book says the Some in Thibodaux walked, but students who were chosen were for Houma students, buses taking strong academically, responsible and white students to Nicholls would not believed to be easily intimidated. not allow Black students. With Brown and Wallace advised the that, the NAACP got involved. students to be peaceful and to not Some members drove students to escalate tensions. Nicholls, and after plans were made Brown says they went into the to integrate the “white buses” a meeting telling the students that separate bus was commissioned to once they took Nicholls to court, take Black students to the school. the school could not ignore their applications. THE PLAN IN ACTION “We were trying to make it as Following the advice of those who easy as we could for them, but we had integrated what is now known didn’t go into it telling any of the as the University of Louisiana at students that this was going to be Lafayette, the group had a plan. It easy,” he says. “To get the same kind was time to execute it. of breaks to get ahead and to gain Brown says when he arrived at meaningful employment and all of Elkins Hall on Sept. 3, 1963, he the other things people do, like vote, suspected he might have arrived Black people had to fight, and they during an afternoon meeting didn’t have much to fight with.” because of the number of people The group also kept the meetings gathered in a room on the way to as secret as possible to avoid the registrar’s office. And in fact, repercussions. that was a meeting in which Powell “If it had gotten out early what we was in attendance. were doing, I think we would have Only a young lady staffing the "It was nice to have a place he lost our jobs,” Brown says. “And we registrar’s office was between him were prepared to do just that.” and those applications. could go and be around people With advice from national civil “I told her I was from Lafayette, rights leader Thurgood Marshall, and I was there to pick up some he felt comfortable with and not the plan was laid out. Brown, who applications for some youngsters could pass for white, would obtain who would like to register, and I being ridiculed. It helped keep the registration forms. The students offered to bring them applications,” him motivated and focused." would fill them out and deliver he says. “She hesitated and said she could put them in the mail. I told them. If they could not deliver Shenelle Ellis them in person, they would submit her that would not suffice because them by certified mail. Once the classes were about to start, and that I applications were officially filed, was in a hurry and just about ready Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 25 to head back to Lafayette.” Nicholls team presented Act 280, Thibodaux, and two-year general graduate from Nicholls in 1966. With that, he had the where the state had designated business majors Doris and Lois Because he was one of the students applications in hand and walked Nicholls as a four-year college for Young of Thibodaux. to enroll, he did not get into classes out. As he was leaving, he says the “white persons.” However, the judge “All of the kids were just with his friends. people who were meeting stood up ruled in favor of the applicants. wonderful,” Brown says. “It was very Ellis began at Southern and looked to see what he “They had to honor the successful, in terms of them doing University, but because it was closer was doing. applications,” Brown says. “It had their job and getting the work done. to home, he enrolled at Nicholls “I suspect some of them may already been decreed that Nicholls They did find it a little rocky, in the to complete his social studies have known who I was,” says and other public colleges had to beginning. Not with staff, but some education. Brown, who was at the time a integrate, but some of them decided kids just didn’t appreciate them “He had some good days and teacher at C.M. Washington they were not going to give up being there. They continued going some bad days,” says his wife, Elementary School. without some resistance. They and weathered the insults that were Carrie Ellis. “Sometimes when Later, according to Delahaye’s would say no one was applying. thrown their way.” he came home, he was very upset book, Galliano admitted he could Well, we couldn’t.” On the whole, Brown says the concerning his treatment. We see the writing on the wall for On Tuesday, Sept. 17, 1963, seven Black students indicated that the talked to him and tried to keep him integration when he saw Black applicants enrolled at Nicholls student body treated them fairly. on the bright side.” Brown leave. accompanied by a U.S. Marshal and However, a minority of the white His bad treatment would often “He was right,” Brown says. the president of the Houma chapter students were not happy to see the start when he was walking to “Within the next couple of days, we of the NAACP. Three Black students Black students present and let school, as his white peers driving by were in court.” registered on Wednesday, and nine them know. would yell racial slurs at him. Before they went to court, eleven more The late Raymond Ellis of “He kept on walking,” his of the twelve applicants entered on Friday. Thibodaux was the first Black daughter Lanitra Spurlock says. “He the registrar’s office on Sept. 4 to In the following days, Galliano submit applications for admission. reportedly had a cross burned in Powell, following instructions, front of his home and the school informed the applicants that he had received a bomb threat. to refuse because it was contrary to policy. Powell stuck to the same ON CAMPUS answer when he was asked why The first seven Black students and asked the applicants to leave. were journalism major Edward Two hours later he had received 10 Thomas Baker of Thibodaux, speech applications by certified mail with education major Sandra Anne instructions to hold onto them. Hawkins of Donaldsonville, English On Friday, Sept. 13, during major Louise Mae Jones of Houma, Edward Baker, et al., v. Francis T. speech education major Rudolph Nicholls State College, et al in the Parker of Houma, home economics federal court in New Orleans, the major Julia Ann Robertson of

26 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University “When I was coming up, it would take almost a revolution to have a white youngster come up to a black man and call them sir in public. That was, to me, a drastic change. I was very impressed with the visit to the campus.” Clarence Brown

had to be brave. To walk alone like ---- Tree.” It did not work, though. from home in Seattle, and when he that. It had to take a lot of courage.” Decades later, when Ellis would visit told DeFelice, he got the impression His other daughter Shenelle Ellis the campus, he would always visit that his leaving was a sigh of relief says when he got to the classroom, that tree and called it special. for the superintendent. students would say “It is getting After that first year, the “I was just proud that things dark in here.” environment became less hostile. worked out in a way that people Ellis had to sit in the back of his Malcolm started school at Florida could proceed and get the classrooms, and one day, he walked A&M, but transferred to Nicholls opportunities they deserved,” he says. into his economics class to find to complete her degree in the mid- Brown also agrees Nicholls has violent racial messages written on 1960s.There were still problems then, changed. After retiring, he returned his desk. she says, as some white students and from Seattle to live in Thibodaux, “He was upset about that, and professors could be cold. and he says he attended a Fletcher stayed after to talk to the professor,” “Some of the professors would Lecture before the pandemic. says Carrie. ignore you if you had any questions, “Well the campus has grown But the instructor had told him but they could not ignore it if so much,” he says. “I was asking he could not do anything about it. you made the grades,” she says. “I youngsters that I would see where Then when he and his friends had one professor who taught the the building the lecture I was attempted to enter the student shorthand class who could be very attending was? The first thing the union to eat, some of the other ugly. He was not very nice at all.” youngsters would say was, ‘Sir, can I students would throw ice cups and Over the decades, Black students help you?’ spit on them. Ellis found an oak tree became further integrated in “When I was coming up, it would with a bench near where the bus to the campus, being elected to take almost a revolution to have a Houma would pick up other Black homecoming court, serving on the white youngster come up to a Black students. They ate their brown-bag Student Government Association man and call them sir in public. lunches under the tree. and forming campus organizations. That was, to me, a drastic change. “It was like a comfort zone for Shenelle went to Nicholls as both an I was very impressed with the visit him,” Shenelle says. “I can only undergrad and a graduate, earning to the campus.” ■ imagine going into a classroom, and her master’s in special education. being a minority and experiencing “When I reflect on my all of the challenges he had to go experiences there, I never through. It was nice to have a place experienced any type of racism, he could go and be around people or things my dad experienced,” he felt comfortable with and not she says. “I think it has changed being ridiculed. It helped keep him tremendously, in a good way.” motivated and focused.” Brown says after helping Nicholls Shenelle says some white students integrate, people looked at him with attempted to ruin that sanctuary. suspicion, and he never lost that One day, they arrived at the oak tree fear that he would lose his job. He and it had a sign on it that read, “N- decided to continue his career away

Left top, after the pioneers forced Nicholls to integrate through the courts, all students were able to use the registration process. Left bottom, a student studies in the quad. Right top, a student graduates. Right middle, Ronald Ellis and his wife, Carrie, after he graduated from Nicholls. Right, bottom, the special oak tree that Ellis and his friends would use in the early days to eat lunch and hang out, where the white students would leave Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | them alone. 27 Top left: Tammy Robinson from LaPlace was the first black cheerleader. Top right:, a group of Alpha Phi Alpha Greek students pose for a picture in the yearbook in the late 1970s. Middle left: a student registers for classes. Bottom left: the Lady Colonels fight over possession of the basketball in a game. Bottom right: Clarence James (BS '76) and Lilia Arsan are the first Black Mr. and Ms. Nicholls, 1975. Both were members of the Delta Alpha Kappa fraternity and James is a former member of the SGA senate, a Vietnam veteran and father of two; Arsan was treasurer of DAK and a member of the Home Economics Association. Connecting

28 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Top left: a student takes a break between class to go over his notes on a bench in the quadrangle. Top right: a man walks across the stage after graduating. Middle left: TraShon Nelson (BA '03) was the first black woman to be named homecoming queen in 1998. Middle right: Ricardo Wilson (BA '98) was elected the first Black SGA president in 1998. Bottom left: students gather for Crawfish Day in 1975. Bottom right: Lydia Mathews Our Past was the first Black woman named to the Nicholls Hall of Fame. Mathews was also the first black woman to be elected to the SGA senate and was first Black woman to be named a Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 29 Alumni House My University, My Home have to endure glares of skepticism he believed in us and knew we and distrust when I walk through could do better. He yelled to get certain doors and stores dressed our attention so we would hear him casually. It is unacceptable that any and correct our actions. We are African-American’s thoughts turn metaphorically yelling at America to, “Why does America hate us?” to do better because, deep down, We must commit to do better and we know that our citizens are better to be unapologetic in our efforts. than what some of their behavior As Maya Angelou said, “When reflects. we know better, we do better.” It is I take pride in my country and now apparent that a large sector of in all the opportunities being citizens around the world believe an American has afforded me. that African-Americans are being My honor runs deeply, as my marginalized and discriminated grandfather, PFC Clarence George, against; therefore, we must all served in the 1st Battalion 365th engage in self-dialogue by asking Infantry Regiment in World War Kevin George ourselves the not-so-rhetorical II. My people were the foundation Educator and Alumni Board Member question, “What am I going to do to of this country and fought for the end this travesty?” freedom we share as Americans love Nicholls State University. mindset in us from a young age and It is no longer acceptable to today. It is our civic duty to keep From the moment the soles of never wavered from this conviction. remain complacent with the status yelling until our citizens act in my shoes touched Nicholls’ soil, Not only did my siblings and I quo in America. When uninformed accordance with the greatness that II knew this was some place special. invest in this notion, but we all people exclaim, “If you don’t like it, is our country. I was home. earned our Master’s Degree in you can leave,” they are projecting Using words to encourage Morgan City was the closest I had Education with the intention of their lack of understanding and and educate is a powerful outlet, ever been to the area, and I didn’t maximizing our impact on today’s empathy. I reciprocate their remark but translating those words know a single person in Thibodaux. youth by using education as a by informing them they are free to into actionable change is an Most of the people I knew attended platform to inspire and educate. take their own advice by leaving; indestructible power. To this UL-Lafayette, McNeese or LSU. Fast forward to the tragic death however, I never neglect an end, I have embarked upon the Not many Acadiana-area students of George Floyd on May 25. I opportunity to educate and inform. establishment of the Nicholls State made their way down to the bayou. have been asked numerous times I reiterate that we are not going University Black Alumni Chapter As I watched my parents drive how I feel about this event and anywhere and that we do not want under the Alumni Federation. away on that humid day in July, I my response is always the same. I anything more than to be treated From a single text, we have momentarily allowed doubt to creep abhor police brutality on my fellow equally as all other citizens of this established a chapter of over into my mind. I quickly dismissed African-Americans, and I condemn great country. 60 Black Alumni who are it by reminding myself that I was the senseless killings of men who America is the greatest country wholeheartedly committed to home and that I was blessed to have look like me. in the world, but we are not free working in partnership to improve made it to the bayou. This segue is important because from fault or disillusionment, and the Black Alumni connection to My journey at Nicholls is a education goes beyond the books. it’s our collective responsibility to our beloved University. From this testament to the power of education We must educate ourselves on make it a better place to live. My one act, we will coalesce into a and to the transformational effect issues as critical as this if we are to former college coach used to tell us movement whose mission is to it has on the trajectory of life. My positively impact the trajectory of that when he stopped yelling at us make this University, this city, our siblings and I were raised by parents our future. I shouldn’t have to tell is when we needed to worry. state, and eventually this country, who believed that education is my son, who was born in the same This represents our present a better place. God bless you and the key to success, happiness and month and year as Trayvon Martin, situation. Just like my coach, he put Geaux Colonels. – Kevin George (BGS a better life. They fostered this to lose the hoodie. And I shouldn’t pressure on us by yelling because '96, BS '99, MEd '03)

30 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Colonel Notes denotes Alumni Federation member

1970s Dave Rome (BS ‘86) was honored by their students by encouraging the love of new job with Thibodaux Regional Medical Gary Phillips (BA ‘71, MEd ‘74, MEd ‘81) the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber learning. Center where she is a Neurosurgeon. She was inducted into the E.D. White Catholic of Commerce as one of three 2019 Louis Voiron (BS ‘94, MEd ‘97) began as an is finishing up my final year of residency in High School’s Hall of Fame on Dec. 8, 2019, Terrebonne’s Young Achievers. adjunct for Teacher Education at Nicholls neurological surgery and is looking forward to returning home to provide neurosurgical after teaching for nearly 50 years. Stephen Shaw (BA ‘87, MA ‘05) began as an State University on Jan. 15. care to the people of our region at adjunct for Psychology at Nicholls State Joanne Price (AS ‘73) retired as an At its July meeting, the TRSL Board of Thibodaux Regional, starting summer 2021. administrative assistant for the Chef John University on Jan. 15. Trustees selected Katherine Whitney (BA Thibodaux Regional Health System is Folse Culinary Institute after 20 years and Jerri Smitko (BA ‘82) was named vice-chair ‘94) to become the next director of the pleased to announce the addition of five months of service on Jan. 17. of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries retirement system. Interventional Radiologist Dr. Ricky Miller (BS Commission. She is an attorney and owner Glynn F. Voisin (BA ‘71) currently serves ‘07) to the active medical staff. as chief administrative law judge of the of Smitko Law in Houma. Brandi Pennison (BS ‘01) began as the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Jodie Teuton (BS ‘87) is a finalist for the 2020 2000s outreach coordinator for Research and Commission. Influential Women in Trucking award. Kristen Anselmi (BA ‘07) began a new job at Sponsored Programs on Jan. 27. She is the co-founder of Kenworth of Nicholls State University where she is the 1980s Louisiana, a heavy-duty truck dealership director of marketing. She helps to craft the Kristin Delaneuville Roccaforte (BA ‘02) is the Angelique T. Barker (BS ‘83) was named vice group representing both Kenworth and visual content of our university. Prior to new elementary supervisor for Riverside chairman of Terrebonne General Medical Hino truck brands with seven Louisiana this position Kristen was the marketing and Academy in Reserve. Center (TGMC) and Southern Regional locations. communications specialist for Auxiliary Medical Corporation (SRMC). Services at Nicholls. Baton Rouge General (BRG) announced Tammy Toups (AS ‘84) retired as an Monday that it is expanding the OB/ Karla Beck (AS ‘85) began as an adjunct administrative office manager for the office Alex Barnes (AS ‘09, BA ‘09) was named chief GYN services at its Mid City campus. Dr. for Social Sciences at Nicholls State of development and had served Nicholls of police and director of Parking Services at Johnathan Wise (BS ‘09), MD, and a women’s University on Jan. 15. She has also been and the state for Nicholls State University. health nurse practitioner will provide a promoted to the director of programming 36 years. Nat Bhanthumachinda (BS ‘07, MBA ‘08) is full range of women’s health services, from and reentry for the Southeast Central personalized maternity care and annual Regional Reentry Program, as well as the project materials management lead at Shell. gynecologic exams to preventive treatment assistant warden of the Lafourche Parish 1990s options and osteoporosis consultations. Correctional Complex. Jana Billiot (BS ‘07) began as an instructor Charles “Chuck” Bourg (BA ‘93) has been for the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute at 2010s Portland law firm Rizzo Mattingly promoted to the director of operations Nicholls State University on Jan. 15. Cory Adams (BS ‘11) opened a new Edward Bosworth PC announced Claude Bosworth and engineering for the ASM-Global New Jones Investments branch in Morgan City, (BA ‘87) was included in the 2019 edition Orleans Campus for the Mercedes-Benz Roneka Coleman (BGS ‘04) has been where he is a financial advisor, helping of Oregon Super Lawyers magazine. The Superdome, Smoothie King Center, and named the principal of S.J. Montgomery individuals and couples reach their financial publication identifies the top five percent Champion Square. Elementary School. of attorneys in the state, as chosen by their goals and achieving their lifelong dreams. Ritchie J. Dupre (BS ‘05, MBA ‘14) was hired peers and through the research of Super Anna Cole (BS ‘90) was named Lafourche His team also creates strategic personalized as the CEO for Radiology Associates. Lawyers, which is a Thomson Reuters Parish High School Teacher of the Year. She financial plans through their established business. is a chemistry teacher at Lafourche Parish Heather Dyer (MS ‘07) was named process. Career Magnet Center. general manager for the San Bernardino Elizabeth Butler (BS ‘84) was named a Rebecca Templet Adams (MEd ‘18) was Valley Municipal Water District in San Hometown Hero in Fort Bend County in Eugene “Gene” Gueniot (BGS ‘93) just named Teacher of the Year at Vacherie Bernardino, California. Texas. opened his own Allstate Insurance Elementary School and was the District company located in New Orleans. His Bart Folse (BS ‘07, MBA ‘16) was able to Teacher of the Year for St. James Parish. Riley J Cheramie, Jr. (BGS ‘89) retired from website is Allstate.com/genegueniot. stand on the “red dot” and deliver a TEDx Rebecca is a 3rd grade teacher at Vacherie the US Army on Nov. 1, 2019 after 33 years talk at TEDx Ochsner in June of 2019. Elementary School in St. James Parish. of service. Riley was commissioned through Brian Hudgins (BA ‘99) had an article the Nicholls ROTC program in 1989. published in the UAB Medicine Publication. James Gray (MEd ‘00) was named Ri’Seana Booze (BA ‘19) began a new The article was about the medical school superintendent of Jefferson Parish School job at the University Medical Center of Sandy Glover (BS ‘84) began as an adjunct dean at Northwestern University in Board. New Orleans. She is a patient navigator. for Business Administration and CIS on Chicago. She began her position in Jan. 2020, where Jan. 15. Michele Guidry (BA ‘02) passed the she guides patients through the healthcare Pamela Cambre Lakvold (BA ‘90) received examination to become a licensed clinical Tim Hymel (BA ‘82, MEd ‘03) was named system and focuses on the patient’s needs. the Spaht Scholar Award on Nov. 21 from social worker. She is currently employed Morgan City High School’s principal. the East Baton Rouge Parish Library Board She provides outreach, health education with Ochsner Health Network and Grief and linkage to care to both current and out DesLey Plaisance of Control. The Spaht Scholar is an annual (BS ‘81, MS ‘83) retired Recovery Center. of care patients. She also works alongside a as an associate professor of mathematics award established by The Will and Leona Celina Hargenrader (BSN ‘04) began as team of medical doctors, social workers and and director of graduate studies, after 35 Huff Fund and presented by the East Baton an adjunct for Nursing at Nicholls State other healthcare professionals to ensure that years and 3 months in the state and began a Rouge Parish Library’s Children’s Services, that recognizes an exceptional educator University on Jan. 15. patients receive the best care at University new job with Great Minds, Inc. where she is Medical Center. developing assessments for Eureka Math. who makes a difference in the lives of Lindsay Mayet Lasseigne (BS ‘08) began a

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 31 Alumni House

Clarence James, Jr. (BS ‘76) A Man Worth Following

arlyn James will never forget continued to give to his community that day. It was Aug. 31, after returning to Thibodaux. 1991, and she was just seven “He asked the Lord to give him a Cyears old. A glossy photograph chance to go back, so when he was retrieved from the Clarence James returned home, he did what he set Jr. Alumni House shows her wearing out to do,” his wife Carolyn says. a dark blue dress with white trim, He graduated from Nicholls white shoes and stockings and a in 1976 with a degree in general white bow pinned in her hair. business. As a student, he served She is speaking into a as president of Delta Alpha Kappa, microphone, leading a group of and as a Student Government family and friends in the Pledge Association senator. He was the first of Allegiance. It was an honor, she African-American to be chosen says over the phone 29 years later, as Mr. Nicholls. While in school, to speak at the dedication of the James honed business skills while Alumni House in her father’s name. demonstrating generosity and the “I felt like I was holding it down,” ability to connect with people. she says. As a graduate, he opened The Former Nicholls President Finance Center of Thibodaux, which Donald Ayo (DIP '54) remembers served members of the community James as a “unique individual." aiding with their day-to-day needs. “I don’t think there was a He was elected to the Nicholls person that he did not capture. Alumni Federation board of It was his personality that he was directors, and in 1988, he received a very giving person,” says Ayo, the James Lynn Powell Outstanding who served as president from Alumni Award, the highest award 1983 to 2003. “He had a great given to a Nicholls graduate. quality of a listener. His love for “When people want to do it, they Nicholls and the community was can do it,” says Dr. Cleveland Hill clear. There’s nothing I can say (BA '73, MEd '79). “He became a negative about him.” person who knew exactly what he The 1960s are a decade wanted to do in life." characterized by change and Carlyn adds, “My Dad was always progress in the struggle for Civil That year James graduated from would impact the remainder of his going to some banquet because he Rights in America. In 1966, two C. M. Washington High School, life and offer him opportunities to was always giving these speeches years after the Civil Rights Act was a school named after Cordelia impact others’ lives. and accepting some award. So it was signed, the Supreme Court ruled Matthews Washington who James survived his year-long tour the norm.” in Brown v. Louisiana that a silent dedicated her life to the education in Vietnam and earned a Purple James and Carolyn had three sit-in demonstration protesting and empowerment of Black people. Heart after contracting cancer. He kids: Carlyn, Chase and Chad. segregation in a public library was After graduation, he decided had been exposed to Agent Orange Carlyn says she has always looked protected symbolic speech under to join the Marines and served in and had his right hand wounded in up to her father. the First and 14th Amendments. the War in Vietnam. This decision battle. Despite his ailment, James “I was my Daddy’s shadow,” she

32 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Dr. Devin Bourgeois (BS ‘12) has joined cardiac medical ICU nurse for her role as a the medical staff at Thibodaux Regional leader and professional role model during Medical Center. Bourgeois will serve the pandemic. “He promised to make something and treat patients at Thibodaux Regional Sarah Arnouville Granger (BA ‘16) has Internal Medicine Clinic. accepted a new job at Terrebonne General Holly Bourgeois (BS ‘18, MBA ‘19) Medical Center as the supportive care of his life. Seems to me that he accepted a job with Capital One as a services/social worker. Sarah also received ABS collateral analyst in their operations the Outstanding MSW Student of the Year: department. Regional and State Award. kept his promise to God.” Jacob Broussard (BS ‘10) and his wife, Maria Gros (BSN ‘18, MSN ‘20) began as Michele Broussard (BA ‘11), opened their own a visiting instructor for Nursing at Nicholls locally owned franchise. The franchise is State University on Jan. 15. – Carlyn James called You’ve Got Maids and is a residential Esmeralda Guereque (BS ‘15) began a new and commercial cleaning franchise job at Oceanwide where she is a financial servicing Lafourche and Terrebonne administrator. She works with payroll, parishes up to LaPlace. says. “See, when you’re a King or a “He really would have liked to invoicing and bank reconciliations. Victoria Brown Queen, that’s how you have to have be a doctor,” she says. “He was (Cert. ‘19) began a new job Kyle Guidry (BS ‘16) accepted a new job with Lot-o-Tots where she works with with Gulf Coast Orthopedic Physical your children. We all know how to shot and wounded in his right children, teaches them and watches them conduct ourselves. We all have to be hand in the Vietnam War. It was Therapy as a physical therapist. He grow. handles the rehabilitation of operative and ready to represent. That’s how my permanently damaged. He didn’t Jordy Champagne (BA ‘13) began as a non-operative orthopedic, athletic and Daddy was. He was a man worth complain when he was diagnosed personal trainer for Campus Recreation on neurological injuries. following. He led by example.” with cancer because God gave Jan. 15. Ginny Medina-Hamilton (MEd ‘15) has been His children still remember him a second chance when he was Jamie Chauvin (BS ‘10, MBA ‘14) began a named principal of Vandebilt Catholic and live by his lessons. They say shot and wounded in the war. He new job with the Lafourche Parish School High School in Houma. She earned he taught them to have a sense of promised to make something of his District as the information technology her master of education degree with a direction and a sense of self. He life. Seems to me that he kept his manager. He manages technology in specialization in educational leadership all schools and offices in the district from Nicholls in 2015. taught them to adapt. Chase says promise to God.” and oversees all operations of the IT his father pushed him to work hard From using his position to English, Modern Languages, & Cultural department. Studies alumnus Gavin Johnson (BA ‘13) has and strive to do his best. impact the larger community to Casey Chiasson (MA ‘15) began as an adjunct accepted a tenure track faculty position as “I am humbly inspired by him as capturing the hearts of individuals, for Psychology at Nicholls State University assistant professor of English at Christian a father and as a business owner,” James carried out an indelible on Jan. 15. Brothers University in Memphis starting in the Fall of 2020. he says. purpose with his time and energy. Josie St. Pierre Clark (BS ‘17) began working For Nicholls to follow through Carlyn recalls how her father, an at Fletcher Technical Community College Lilah Landry (BA ‘11, MAT ‘13) began on renaming the alumni house after avid photographer, attended her as the technical programs coordinator. as an instructor for Biological Sciences at Nicholls State University on Jan. 15. James when the building was only first communion. Katelyn Coleman (BS ‘18) began as an a couple of years old spoke to his Clarence James Jr. died on admissions counselor for Admissions on William “Trey” Ledbetter (AS ‘11, BA ‘11) is character, Dr. Hill says. Aug. 21, 1990. He is buried at St. Jan. 27. the owner of Southern Fundraising. This company helps raise money for charities, “For them to get that done at Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux. Kalvin Dehart (BA ‘11, MEd ‘14) began as an organizations, and major universities adjunct for Psychology on Jan. 15. the time that it was done, it was For Carlyn, more than memories through the silent auction of sports pretty remarkable,” Hill says. “And remain. Sarah Elder (BS ‘15) began a new job at memorabilia and art. They are the official if I recall right, there was not too “I feel like my ancestors are Mercer where she is the global account auction company for LSU, the New Orleans much opposition to it. This was a watching over me,” Carlyn says. manager. She fosters relationships Saints Hall of Fame, Louisiana Sports Hall testament to C.J.’s character. He was “Today, when I think about the between existing, and prospective global of Fame and work with over 150 other membership accounts and meets team groups. They also have worked with the well-liked by all communities.” value of my father’s legacy, I think business objectives. athletic department at Nicholls during Carlyn recalls how his generosity about the future of his community. Kim Gooden (BSN ‘19) received the football and baseball seasons. persisted even as he was in the I recently heard a wise man say: Rookie of the Year award from Ochsner Ann Lirette (AGS ‘18) began a new job hospital. After hearing a woman ‘Don’t let anyone tell you that you at the nursing excellence awards for at Nicholls State University where she is the suffering, he asked the nurses to have lost something. For when you improving the lives of patients and the administrative assistant for the Office of help her before seeing about his know where something is, it is not work environment. The hospital lauded the Alumni Affairs. well-being. truly lost.” – Farren Clark (BA '03)

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 33 Alumni House A Model Leader “I’m blessed to end up in a job people I have ever met or worked Business Administration, it was that matches how I grew up and with,” the senior vice president also her first real experience with matches my spirit. For me, this is and chief development officer says. diversity. more than a career or a job. This “I am incredibly fortunate to have “I was often the only Black is personal.” her here.” person in my group, so I really Jones, who joined Ochsner in Asked how Jones impacts the had to learn how to work with 2011, and her team led fundraising organization, Dodenhoff recalls people who didn’t look like me,” initiatives for the entire system. how Jones cared for an Ochsner she says. “Throughout my career, That includes raising $25 million employee on the day of her I have often reflected on what I for the Benson Cancer Center surgery. Jones drove the young learned at Nicholls.” expansion and funding for 3D woman, who had no family in the After the death of George printers that allow cardiologists state, to the hospital, stayed by her Floyd, Jones shared information to practice for surgery. But it side and then brought her home. with her team about also includes helping people on a “Maida has a true heart of gold,” deconstructing racism. Then personal level. Dodenhoff says. she led candid conversations “One day, an employee saw Jones says her family instilled about that subject. One of her a woman sleeping on a bench. these values in her from a young employees emailed Dodenhoff We found out she had family in age. And no matter what her about the experience, praising the emergency room and didn’t job title is now, she has never Jones’ ability as a leader. have money to check into the outgrown her hometown of “I’m always amazed at how Brent House hotel. So, we put BoothVille-Venice. Given she works through any issue by her up in a room and made sure the chance, she might leave a empathizing and communicating aida Jones’ (AS '91) she had something to eat,” Jones meeting with a CEO and then go effectively,” the colleague wrote. family told her when she says. “This is a coordinated effort 4-wheeling in the mud or fishing “These last few months have been was young to “always with the nurses, physicians and in the bayou. difficult for all of us, but it’s times Mknow who you are, and whose you social workers. We are truly an “To do this job, you need the like these when real leadership are.” This was a reminder to stay Ochsner family and we strive for right personality. This job is a lot rises to the surface.” true to herself, and her faith. everyone to embrace the culture of of that homegrown BoothVille “I know what it’s like to be the That message has guided her philanthropy.” girl, that Nicholls State girl. And only Black person, to be the only from her days as an undergrad She has undoubtedly found that comes with a bit of charm, woman in the room,” she says. at Nicholls State University to success as a fundraiser. But her and not taking yourself too “I try to invest in as many of our her role as vice president of biggest impact is as a leader seriously,” she says. young ladies as I can.” philanthropy for Ochsner Health. and mentor. When Michelle Going to Nicholls felt like For Jones, it’s about giving “They taught me to give back. Dodenhoff first met Jones in 2013, home. It was small and, through back. It’s about remembering who That could be babysitting or she says she was immediately her sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, you are, and whose you are. It’s helping an elderly person in the impressed. she continued to volunteer in the family, and to her, you are family neighborhood with something “Maida is a model leader. She is community. But, as one of the few the second you walk through around the house,” she says. one of the most solid to the core Black students in the College of her door. – Jacob Batte

Hannah Naquin (BA ‘18) began as an intern Yvanna Pogue (BA ‘16, MA ‘18) began as a is a registered dietitian/WIC coordinator. Aggie Thibodaux (BGS ‘11) accepted a new job for Track and Field Jan. 27. counselor for the Counseling Center on She oversees the day-to-day operations for at Bayou Signs/Off the Hook as the graphic Jan. 27. three separate Teche Action clinic WIC designer where she designs client’s billboards Grant Ordoyne (BIS ‘15, MEd ‘18) departments, counsel nutritionally high risk and creates graphics for Off the Hook, menus, received the 2019 Thibodaux Chamber of Sydney Richardelle (AS ‘18, BS ‘18, prenatal women, children and infants. posts, billboards and much more. Commerce Ambassador of the Year Award. MEd ‘19) began a new job at Nicholls This recognition is based on outstanding State University where she is the alumni Heather Hunter Russell (BS ‘13) started a job at Anna Waguespack (BSN ‘10) graduated dedication and service, as well as engagement coordinator. Her main job is to Rouses Market as the labor analyst. in May 2020 with her Doctor of Nursing enthusiasm for our community. Grant is the engage with Nicholls alumni. Seth Temple (BS ‘15) began as an adjunct for Practice (DNP) degree from LSU Health coordinator of University Graduate Studies Sciences Center. Since graduation, she has Tiffany Adams Ruester (BS ‘15) accepted a the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute on at Nicholls State University. started a new job at Leonard J. Chabert job with Teche Action Clinic where she Jan. 15. Medical Center as a nurse anesthetist.

34 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Carl Johnson: Improbable Odds

ttention to detail can University but wanted to “It was difficult to balance loved my time in New York make the difference continue his dream of playing at times,” he says. “The NFL and worked with some great and between a win and loss football. However, then coach would accommodate all of our talented people, but I was ready Ain the NFL. For some, it can Bill Clements had him thinking needs. We flew into the city the to go back to the field and be in determine whether you win the otherwise. day before the games and went the action.” Super Bowl. “I’ll never forget this and I back home right after Johnson has had a career full “As a referee, we try not to thank coach Clements for this, the game.” of memories, he has made his be the difference between a he told me, ‘Carl, I have 12 guys Johnson’s hard work earned mark on the NFL by improving win and loss in those types of who are just like you – 5’10 150 him a promotion in the NFL as the safety of the game many games,” said 19-year NFL Line pounds and run a 4.5 40-yard the Vice President of Officiating Americans love and he is showing Judge official, Carl Johnson. dash. I do not need anymore,’” in 2010. It was his first full- no signs of stopping. Johnson’s “There’s pressure doing this job he says. “That made me realize time role in the NFL, which only goal now is to referee because we have to be right. playing in the NFL will not be ended a 29-year career with week one. –Leroy Triggs (BA '19) Getting 95 percent of calls right possible for me, but officiating Coca-Cola. Over the next three gets you fired in the NFL; 98 gave me a way to stay close to years, Johnson would oversee percent or higher is where you the game.” major shifts in the industry, want to be. The way I handle After he left Nicholls, including new rules to the pressure is to let my training Johnson accepted a job at a make the game safer take over and if I mess up on Coca-Cola distribution factory and a referee labor something, I can look back in Harahan. It was then he strike in 2012. over it on the plane ride home would get a call from a friend in “We wanted because they give us film to need of a favor. players to play look at.” “He happened to call me and longer and feel Johnson is one of the best ask if I can stand in for one of safe,” he says. and most respected officials in his officials who wasn’t going to “Over the years the NFL. But before he would be able to make it. Initially, I did people can see be on the field making tough not want to do it,” Johnson says. how the game calls in the playoffs, including “I did not have any officiating is safer and two Super Bowls, he was being clothes, and he told me I’ll have does not take told he could not be on the a shirt for you, just show up in away from the field at Nicholls. black shorts and white t-shirt. aggression and Johnson grew up in a After that game, it brought back physicality of the discipline household as the that feeling I had from playing g am e .” son of a Korean War veteran the game being that close and But through it all, he and a homemaker. His parents personal to the game.” also had the itch to get back emphasized the importance Over nearly two decades, on the field. On March 1,2013 of an education to Carl and Johnson worked his way up Johnson became the NFL’s first his brothers, Clarence Jr. and from officiating Pop Warner full-time referee. Perry. They told them that was and local high school games “It was rewarding because the one thing nobody could to the NCAA, Arena Football I wanted to go back to the take from them. League, NFL Europe and, field and commissioner Roger A dual-sport athlete in finally, to the NFL. When he Goodell and my immediate football and baseball at arrived at the sport’s highest supervisor, Dean Blandino, Thibodaux High School, level, it was still only a part- were all for it. It meant a lot Johnson’s first love was time job. That meant he had that they entrusted me with football. He earned a baseball to split time between his job at that position knowing the scholarship to Nicholls State Coca-Cola and the NFL. work that I put in,” he says. “I

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 35 Alumni House

states and cultures. Despite the except without the scandals. I want doctor’s recommendations, that to work in the White House and passion has passed down to be a fixer,” she says with a laugh. SHINING Ashantian. She has flown to places “I have big dreams, and I feel like such as the Dominican Republic Nicholls has prepared me for them.” and Los Angeles. But will isn’t always enough. A crisis once Educating on Sickle Cell Disease canceled a trip to Florida. “I remember bringing you for “One day she told me, ‘Mama, food, and seeing you in a lot of you only live once and I want to tears,” the young boy says, looking CELLS at the camera. “Sickle cell hurts experience the world,’” she says. “We know she has a limit on her you so much, but it also hurts the hen Ashantian Smith cell disease. Smith has SS, or sickle people around you to see you in (BA '20) packs for her cell anemia. It is characterized life. We know she has an expiration date. We want her to experience so much pain.” family’s upcoming trip by painful episodes when the This is Ashantian’s younger Wto Hawaii, she’ll pack cute outfits, red blood cells cluster together life to the fullest and experience everything she can.” brother B.J. in a video she uploaded shoes and jewelry to match. She’ll and block blood from reaching to YouTube. It’s one of several also pack two different doses of organs and small blood vessels. Travel isn’t the only area of life where her mother has influenced videos she has published through hydromorphone, hydrocortisone, These episodes are called crisis. her nonprofit Shining for Cells in muscle reliever, Icy Hot and allergy Life expectancy is decreased as the her. As she has progressed in school, her mom has always an attempt to spread awareness medicine for the hydrocortisone. disease worsens over time. Women about her disease. This is her life with Sickle Cell with sickle cell anemia live to 48 encouraged her to prioritize her school work, even when she’s been The nonprofit was born during a Disease. Doctors, friends and the years on average, about 30 years less negative experience at work after a media say she should not travel. She than the average U.S. woman. Other in the hospital. Ashantian chose to attend Nicholls because that’s coworker made a comment about also should not drink soda, have symptoms include delayed growth, a patient with sickle cell. “Most of kids and go to college. vision damage and a painful where her mom went. “I wanted to be like mom. I them die at 40,” Smith recalls her But Smith is on a mission with swelling in the hands or feet. coworker saying. “Do you think we three goals: to educate the general “It’s a sharp, throbbing pain. I want to be a second-generation graduate,” she says. “My mom is my all die when we turn 40?” Smith public about Sickle Cell Disease and always get chest pains. It feels like responded. to live life to the fullest. Oh, and to somebody is sitting on my chest,” backbone. I have so much support and that feels good.” That incident serves as a get on the Ellen Degeneres Show. she says. “I don’t know how to reminder of the challenge she faces And in May 2020 she proved at describe it other than it’s just a pain But as the disease progresses, it can make it difficult to graduate from the disease, and from the lack least one of the recommendations you don’t want to have.” of awareness about her condition. wrong when she graduated from Crisis are spontaneous. Smith high school, let alone college. According to the American “If you’re an employee at a Nicholls State University. missed homecoming week when hospital and you’re that close- “If I do get to have kids, I want one struck on her way home from Society of Hematology, high school students with Sickle Cell minded and you think that way them to know, just because society the Ochsner Medical Center in then yeah, more people need to says you shouldn’t, it doesn’t mean Kenner, where she works as a Disease graduate high school at a rate of 71 percent, well below the know about this,” Smith says. “One you can’t,” she says. “I would rather phlebotomist. of the comments I get is, ‘You go and get sick, than not go at all. “They don’t make appointments. nationwide average of 85 percent. In Ashantian’s case, the amount don’t look like you have sickle cell At least I tried.” They come whenever they want,” disease.’ I always ask them, what she says. “I wish they could just of time she spent away from the What is Sickle Cell Disease? classroom took away her ability to does that person look like?” work with me on my schedule, so She chose to launch the group Sickle cell disease affects almost earn the TOPS scholarship. we could plan them out in advance.” in September because it is Sickle 300 million people worldwide, most But that didn’t stop her. The Cell Awareness Month. Operations of them Black. The disease is caused Living with Sickle Cell Disease mass comm graduate wants to use are small. Smith runs the nonprofit by an abnormality in the red blood Traveling is a family tradition. her degree to advocate for sickle with help from her mother and cells that causes them to take on a Mother Sharone Smith-McPherson cell awareness on TV. grandmother. Though she calls it sickle-like shape. (BGS '99, MEd '05) wanted her “You know the show Scandal? I her “part-time baby,” the emotional There are four types of sickle children to experience different want to be like Kerry Washington,

36 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University “If I do get to have kids, I want them to know, just because society says you shouldn’t, it doesn’t mean you can’t.” ­– Ashantian Smith connection is so strong that she “You’re going to ask how come refers to the group as “her.” everyone else gets to go places “Through her, I have met a lot of but you can’t. It’s okay. Life goes interesting people who have shared on. Don’t feel like you are behind. their stories,” she says. “We have so Everything happens in due time. much in common, including the It’s not how you start but how way we’re treated.” you finish.” Aside from the YouTube Up next is to take that a step videos, Smith has appeared and further and get her master's from spoken at hospital events across LSU. From there she’s unsure. the state. She and her team have Maybe Washington D.C. Maybe delivered food to the homeless, stay home. Maybe travel. held raffles in September and every Wherever life takes her next, you Thanksgiving, they put together can be sure that Smith is going to care baskets for families of patients live it the way she wants. who are in the hospital suffering – Jacob Batte from Sickle Cell Disease. Her next project is to create a scholarship. Her goal is to educate one person every day about sickle cell disease. “If I can educate 365 people every year, then I think that’s pretty good,” she says. “I just want people to be open-minded about sickle cell patients. Every patient I have met has had the same negative experiences.” Smith has a lot that she hopes to accomplish. But her number one dream is to be on the Ellen Degeneres show. Her mother says, “We say that’s her long-term goal, but I think it may be short-term. For some reason, I think it’ll happen.” Looking ahead Smith has a message she shares with younger kids who have sickle cell disease: it’s okay. “It’s okay to not play sports. It’s okay to miss the dance,” she says.

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 37 Alumni House Community Leaders Honored at Annual Alumni Awards

JAMES LYNN POWELL AWARD "To be recognized by a university that is uniquely loved is tremendously moving to me. I have been fortunate to work with the Nicholls Foundation OUTSTANDING ALUMNI and it has been rewarding to work with the great leaders of our community, Liberal Arts and the supporters of Nicholls." Keitha Nelson-Williams – Chris Riviere (BA '78), Attorney and President of Nicholls Foundation Board Sciences and Technology Dr. Eric Geist HONORARY ALUMNI AWARD "Once you get here and get involved in the culture, you are a Colonel. And Business Administration to me, Colonel Pride is being proud of the fact that we're small, but we're Ryan Hutchinson mighty and we do tremendous things in and for the Bayou Region." Chef John Folse Culinary Institute – Dr. Marilyn Macik-Frey, Dean of the College of Business Administration Dr. Darryl L. Holliday Education and Behavioral Sciences CORPORATE MARK OF HONOR “Nicholls State University is vital to South Louisiana. Having a University Dr. Kimberly Reynolds in our backyard that allows individuals like myself to stay home in the Nursing Bayou and get a first classed education is crucial and will continue to fuel our community and our economy with a qualified workforce.” Lloyd "Bubby" Olsen

– Mickey Thomas President and CEO South Louisiana Bank.

In Memoriam FACULTY/STAFF ALUMNI Gale Decker (BA ‘64), age 77, deceased Ryan Hergert (BA ‘12), age 30, deceased Aug. 5, 2019, taught first grade for 21 March 11, 2020, was a member of Theta Betty Elfert, deceased Nov. 11, 2019, was Joseph Austin (BGS ‘98), age 45, deceased years, then was key to establishing First Xi fraternity and was a teacher and loved an associate professor of language and July 26, 2020, was the dean of students Friday Adoration at Holy Family Church his students dearly. literature at Nicholls State University at Martin Luther King Middle School in in Luling. Dalton Hillard in 1974. The university honored her by Milton. (BIS ‘13), age 29, deceased naming her associate professor emerita. Johnny Eymard (BS ‘68), age 74, deceased Aug. 10, 2020, played football during his Adelaide Avera (BGS ‘02), age 40, deceased Oct. 24, 2019, was a former employee at time at Nicholls and coached at Brother Angela Hammerli, age 70, deceased May 15, 2020, she was a paraprofessional St. Anne’s Hospital and was a Vietnam Martin High School. Aug. 20, 2020, was a distinguished at Golden Meadow Lower Elementary. War veteran where he served in the Robert Jakob, Jr. (BA ‘73), age 69, deceased service professor, endowed professor, Mary Chester (BA ‘71), age 78, deceased Army. and associate professor of human May 4, 2020, was an underwriter Aug. 27, 2019, was an active member of Monique Mckemie Funk (BS ‘08), age 35, for Maryland Casualty Co., a retired performance education at Nicholls Luling United Methodist Church. State University, where she taught deceased Jan. 4, 2020, was a kindergarten Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office reserve for 42 years. She created and ran the Erin Clement (BA ‘91, MS ‘03), age 53, teacher for 10 years and the director of officer, and one of the longest serving Jubilee Festival, which brought artists, deceased April 8, 2020, was a member Dularge Summer Camp. members of their specialty quad squad. performers and writers to Nicholls from of Tri Sigma sorority and was a math Ruby Gervais (BA ‘58), age 82, deceased Emil Joller (BS ‘70, MEd ‘72), age 75, all over the world. instructor at Nicholls for over 20 years. Aug. 16, 2019, was the first Nicholls State deceased Aug. 22, 2019, played baseball University graduate inducted into the for Nicholls State College, a member of the Babara Madere, age 88, deceased March Shirlene Cooper (MEd ‘88), age 74, deceased Hall of Fame. 1962 national championship American 15, 2020, was a secretary at Nicholls. March 21, 2020, was a teacher, master Charles Giesler (BS ‘79), age 63, deceased Legion baseball team of St. Louis, and a Jerry Waguespack teacher, assistant principal, and principal in , age 83, deceased Oct. 16, the Terrebonne Parish Public School System Feb. 7, 2020, was employed as a welder/ member of the Nicholls Athletic Hall of 2019, worked at Nicholls State University for over 40 years. She was voted Teacher of fitter by Consolidated Fabrication and Fame. He also served in the U.S. Army in and retired with 30 years of service. the Year for the 1994-1995 school year. Constructors of Gary, Indiana. the Vietnam War. 38 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University WEDDINGS & ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHS Kailynn Mantia (BA ‘18) and Zach Katelyn Smith Block (BA ‘16) married James Cory Adams (BS ‘11) and his wife Rebecca Ellender (BS ‘18) are excited to announce the Block on Oct. 19, 2019. Templet Adams (MEd ‘18) are excited to birth of their daughter Breely LeilaniRose Ellender on Feb. 26, 2019. Lauren Pitre Boudreaux (BA ‘12) married announce the birth of their son, Maxwell Blake Boudreaux on Dec. 6, 2019. Paul Adams, who was born on Sept. 12, Lindsay Mayet Lasseigne (BS ‘08) and her 2020 COLONEL ALUMNI GOLF CLASSIC 2019. husband Jeff Lasseigne are excited to Megan Guidry Breaux (BS ‘16) married Jared Allison Leese Bergeron announce the birth of their daughter, Breaux (AS ‘16, BS ‘16) on Dec. 6, 2019. (BS ‘11, MS ‘13) and TOURNAMENT SPONSORS her husband Brett Bergeron (BS ‘08) want Georgia Grace Lasseigne, who was born on Trey Clark (BS ‘16, MBA ‘18) married Josie St. to announce the birth of their daughter Feb. 18, 2020. Pierre Clark (BS ‘17) on Jan. 25, 2020. Eleanor Whitney Bergeron who was Harlie Dominique Legendre (BS ‘15) and her VIP SPONSOR Glenn Diedrich (BS ‘71) and his wife Nancy born on May 15, 2019. Allison is a math husband Josh Legendre (BS ‘13) announce Orcino Diedrich (MEd ‘90) celebrated 50 years instructor at Nicholls State University. the birth of their son, Jack Michael Ochsner Health System of marriage. They were married on Aug. 2, Kelsey Roussel Bourgeois (BS ‘16) and Andrew Legendre, on Oct. 22, 2019. 1969. They met at the College Inn. “Drew” Bourgeois (BS ‘16) are elated to Louis Raiford (AS ‘10, BGS ‘10, BS ‘10, MEd JACKET SPONSOR Lauren Breaux Kuchler (BA ‘17, BS ‘17) announce the birth of their son Grayson ‘13) and his wife Maria Geerts Raiford (BS ‘11, married Joseph Kuchler on July 24, 2020. Anthony Bourgeois who was born Sept. MBA ‘12) want to announce the birth of Thibodaux Regional Health System 26, 2019. Kelsey works as a supervisor for their son Thatcher Joseph Maximilian who Tiffany Barnhart Mahfouz (BS ‘16) married Sodexo USA at Nicholls State University. Colby Mahfouz (BS ‘17) on Nov. 2, 2019. was born Oct. 15, 2019. Hillary Scott Charpentier (BS ‘15, MEd ‘17) Courtney Hicks Richard COLONEL CART SPONSORSHIP Holly Wineski Perque (BSN ‘11) married (BGS ‘13) and and her husband Garett Chapentier (AGS Seth Richard Ryan Perque (BS ‘10) on Oct. 12, 2019. her husband (BIS ‘14) are K & B Industries ‘12, BS ‘18) are excited to announce the excited to announce the birth of their Holly is a registered nurse case manager for birth of their son Cash Walter Charpentier CORE Health Network. daughter Valerie Claire Richard who was who was born Dec. 3, 2019. Hillary is born on Sept. 4, 2019. Courtney is the BEVERAGE CART SPONSORSHIP Tiffany Adams Ruester (BS ‘15) married Michael a development officer for the Office of visual media and creative specialist for the Ruester (BS ‘16) on April 6, 2019. Development at Nicholls State University. Office of Marketing and Communications Meyer Financial Group Heather Hunter Russell (BS ‘13) married Chase Jamie Chauvin (BS ‘10, MBA ‘14) and his wife at Nicholls State University. Russell (BSN ‘10) on July 18, 2020. Kristen Vice welcomed a baby boy into the world on Jan. 9, 2020.

Theodore Jones (MA ‘10), age 66, deceased Clayton "Sonny" Lovell (BA ‘72), age 70, He worked for Channel 2 for 43 years, June Shaw (BA ‘80), age 76, deceased May Aug. 13, 2019, he received his bachelor's deceased Aug. 13, 2020, was a member and in 2018 The Louisiana Association 30, 2020. Shaw published 11 books and degree from the University of South of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity at Nicholls, of Broadcasters named him Broadcast produced numerous plays, poems and Alabama in 2004. graduated from Loyola University New Engineer of the Year. short stories. Orleans College of Law in 1975, and David Kohara (BA ‘73), age 71, deceased Easton Pitre (DIP ‘52), age 87, deceased Eloise Toups (BA ‘74, MEd ‘79), age 67, retired from law firm Duval, Funderburk, April 2, 2020, retired in 2008 from May 13, 2020, served the Lafourche deceased Aug. 28, 2019, was a teacher at Sundbery, Lovell & Watkins. McNaughton-McKay Electric in Parish School System for 34 years as E.D. White Catholic High School. Romy Morvant teacher/coach at Golden Meadow High Spartanburg, SC. (AS ‘90), age 55, deceased Noel Toups (BA ‘60), age 81, deceased May 18, 2020, worked at St. Anne School, South Lafourche High School's Sheryl Leaber (BS ‘97), age 52, deceased July 8, 2020, taught at Nicholls State Hospital for 31 years. first assistant principal, staff supervisor May 11, 2020, was involved with the University for over 30 years. in transportation, finance, insurance and Mothers of Multiples Club, Vandebilt Tara Murray (AS ‘99), age 47, deceased data processing, and retired as system Necley Chad Vincent (BS ‘03), age 45, Mother’s Club and as a volunteer at St. Oct. 25, 2019, was an emergency room superintendent in 1988. deceased March 29, 2020, was a process Francis de Sales Elementary School. registered nurse. operator for Westlake Chemical. Anna Rodrigue (DIP ‘50), age 89, deceased Carla Lee (BS ‘18), age 51, deceased Steven Plaisance (BS ‘13), age 30, deceased Jan. 13, 2020, was one of the first April 16, 2020, was a family and June 12, 2020, worked for St. Charles graduates of Nicholls State University. consumer science teacher at H.L. Printing/Fast Signs. He was a member of Bourgeois High School. Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Nicholls and a Jonathan Serigne (BA ‘05), age 36, deceased member of the Bayou Lafourche Chapter Oct. 4, 2019, was a member of Tau Kappa Charles Lejeune (BS ‘79), age 64, deceased of Coastal Conservation Association of Epsilon fraternity at Nicholls, and was the May 17,2020, was a member of Pi Kappa Louisiana. Director of Sales at the Crowne Plaza at Phi fraternity at Nicholls State University. the New Orleans Airport. He was the general manager at the Daily Clyde Pierce (BA ‘74), deceased Sept. 23, Review in Morgan City. 2019, was chief engineer for WBRZ-TV. Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 39 Campus Conerstone

Kayla Freemon had never heard of Give- N-Day when she transferred to Nicholls State University in Fall 2018. Two years later and she has been the single most successful individual fundraiser for the event.

he learned about Give-N-Day when she became a fundraiser for Sigma Gamma Rho, the sorority she had helped revive. SHer sisters asked her to go to the meeting and see what she could learn. “I went to a meeting, and I was listening to everything they were saying. What really caught my attention were the challenges,” the New Orleans native says. “I knew this is how I could help my chapter.” It was time to put her graphic design and networking skills to D use. With only a few members E A that spring, Sigma Gamma Rho IV Y won four challenges and was G among the top organizations in number of donations. They were so successful that Freemon got the chance to N pie Nicholls President Dr. Jay I Y C IT H 4.23.20 S O ER Clune in the face. LL IV S STATE UN

40 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University “Kayla is an this going year after year.” such as Operation Big impressive young lady Give-N-Day is Bookbag, which gives who has demonstrated important to student school supplies to tremendous leadership organizations, students and teachers, ability with her work especially Black student or the women’s wellness with the Nicholls Give- organizations, because program, Galentine’s N-Day,” says Nicholls it gives them the same Day. Freemon says BLACK ORGANIZATIONS Foundation Executive opportunity as others to they have also talked Director Jeremy Becker raise money. about partnering with YOU CAN DONATE TO (BS '95, MBA '97). “Not only has she been FOR GIVE-N-DAY 2021. able to set fundraising milestones for her organizations, but she “We don’t do this for is a key contributor to GO TO GIVENDAY.ORG the overall Give-N-Day ourselves. Everything we committee in helping to FOR MORE INFO make the event a great do goes back into Nicholls success.” and the community.” The success continued – Kayla Freemon in 2020. Sigma Gamma BLACK HISTORY MONTH COMMITTEE Rho received 83 donations in 2020, the second most of all organizations, and their BLACK STUDENT UNION $1,752 raised was 16th “It was either we try the Bayou Country most. They also won or to fundraise by making Children’s Museum, placed second in five our mark on bake sales, adopting a school and challenges, bringing in or let’s take advantage hosting an event for BLACK WOMEN LEADERSHIP ASSOCIATION an additional $900. On of Give-N-Day and the Breast Cancer Awareness her own, Freemon raised challenges and work Month in the future. more than $500. The as hard as we can,” “We don’t do this for CROWN sorority’s account grew Freemon says. “(Black ourselves. Everything from less than $100 in student organizations) we do goes back into 2018 to nearly $2,500. haven’t always had the Nicholls and the “I get so excited when same opportunities as community,” she says. NAACP Give-N-Day happens. our peers on campus. “Eventually, we would I know that I helped But Give-N-Day makes like to use some money do this, I helped raise sure that everybody gets to fund members to this money,” she says. seen. It allows us to get go to conferences, but SIGMA GAMMA RHO “This shows I can help our name out there.” right now we believe somebody. I think about And every penny our biggest impact can making sure that those raised is put back be felt right here in the who come after me are into the community community.” set, that they can keep through initiatives – Jacob Batte

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 41 Synergy Bank Helps Bring Community Together

very February, Black History Month programming brings people “The support from Synergy Bank provides an opportunity for the from all around the Bayou Region to campus. They come to listen committee to host several events that’s educational, cultural and fun for to panels, participate in cultural activities and attend shows like the student body, the faculty and staff, and community members,” Dr. Ethe Negro Spiritual. Jefferson says. “With the Synergy Bank support, the An annual celebration, each of the programs are committee members are able to celebrate the history, designed to commemorate the achievements of achievements and contributions of Black Americans Black people throughout U.S. history. and demonstrate the university commitment to “The program is important to the community in diversity and inclusion. The events give students and that it hosts activities that reflect on the past as well the community an opportunity to better understand as address many issues facing Black Americans in the rich traditions and culture of Blacks and those of our local community such as mass incarceration, African descent.” poverty, voting rights, education, single-parent Ledet says Black History Month is more important households, unemployment and police brutality,” than ever for the community and the nation "CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY says Dr. Melinda Jefferson, assistant professor of as a whole. sociology and criminal justice. MONTH HELPS US DEMONSTRATE “Celebrating Black History month helps us Events range from lectures, panel discussions, demonstrate and reiterate our commitment to musicals, plays, themed cuisines, open-mic events AND REITERATE OUR COMMITMENT helping our community grow stronger together,” and more. They’re able to put on these events he says. thanks to the help of title sponsor, Synergy Bank. TO HELPING OUR COMMUNITY GROW Black History Month also allows for people to be “We are pleased to be able to help make these educated on important issues that impact the Black programs available for the students, faculty, staff STRONGER TOGETHER." community. For example, last year, the event centered and other members of the community as a whole to around the right to vote. Panels discussed the enjoy,” said Jerry P. Ledet Jr. (BS '83), Synergy Bank – JERRY P. LEDET, JR. importance of voting, lectures discussed the history president and CEO. "We hope that by sponsoring of black men and women earning the right to vote, Black History month programs at Nicholls, it and programs also were designed to help students affords the university the opportunity to provide get registered. culturally rich programs and events that recognize African Americans “The program allows students to openly celebrate their heritage and the today and in our history.” accomplishments of Black Americans, whose contributions were often Dr. Jefferson notes that what the public sees each year would not be neglected or misappropriated because of racism,” Jefferson says. “The possible without the support of the community and sponsors, such as program is important to Nicholls and its students because it allows the Synergy Bank. Their contributions help defray the costs by providing committee to create fun and educational events that draw attention to the refreshments for guests, advertising for the events and transportation. campus community and the culture of Black Americans.” – Cain Madden

42 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Pictured left to right: Akaira Sutton, Armand Autin, Farren Clark and Hugh Caffery Making An Impact

ugh Caffrey believes a speech in 2018. network from the beginning,” After talking to Clark at more educated Louisiana “I was so impressed by [Dr. Clark says. “Hugh is not only Investiture, he caught up with is a better Louisiana. Clune] because he’s taking this supportive financially, but he also him again and this time, Clark HThat is why the president of presentation that should be all is in touch with the organization. introduced him to several Valentine Chemicals supports about him, and he’s making it mentors and mentees. Their programs at Nicholls State about this other program,” he “HUGH IS A FRIEND stories moved Caffrey, he says. In University like the Colonels says. “What an acknowledgment particular, one mentee who had Retention of Winners Network. of his lack of ego. That really OF CROWN, WE ARE seen his brother killed before he “They focused on where the showed me that maybe I should graduated high school. need was greatest, and it was in look into this. This is a way I feel GRATEFUL FOR HIS “There is a lot of inspiration in the Black community,” Caffrey like I can help.” seeing someone hang in there like says. “Some of these kids may not It helped that sitting at his table GENEROSITY AND that,” Caffrey says. “He graduated have had the same support system was Farren Clark, the program’s high school and took it upon I had. But if they get a better coordinator. KINDNESS.” himself to join a program like education, then they will be better “He’s telling me about the CROWN. If I can help somebody – FARREN CLARK off, their families will be better off program, and I am thinking this a little and be part of their and then their kids will be better is fantastic,” Caffrey says. “This success, then I want to help.” off. And that is true for the rest mentor program is so great.” He has taken time to know some Caffrey understands of the state. The more people in Clark says Caffrey’s support of our individuals’ aspirations, mentorship is as important as our society who are educated, the shows the mentors and mentees talents and perspectives. Through financial support, Clark says. better off we all are.” that the community is invested in conversations with the young “Hugh is a friend of CROWN,” Nicholls President Dr. Jay their success. men, Hugh demonstrates genuine Clark says. “We are grateful for Clune inspired Caffrey to get “Mr. Caffrey has been an care and leadership. He impacts his generosity and kindness.” involved during his Investiture engaged supporter of this people on a relational level.” – Jacob Batte

Nicholls State University • The COLONEL • Fall 2020 | 43 A Colonel of Truth

Illustration By Akaira Sutton Where we were, where we are, where we can be everal months ago, I me, an incident which would have I served about two years at Fort instructive to focus on their good responded to a survey request gotten them, and myself kicked out Polk, Louisiana. In 1974, I was then points, not their faults. from the Nicholls Alumni of college. Fortunately, I learned transferred to Fort Greeley, Alaska. I can look back on those years SFederation. My response was later that the late Dean William One Sunday morning I was reading and now focus on the decency of about experiences I had as the Duncan had found out about other the Seattle Post and I ran across teammates like Danny Smith, Larry first African-American athlete acts the student was fomenting and an article that proved to be a great Crist, Ken Seibold and others. I at Nicholls State University. The dismissed him from the university. therapy for me. A white man wrote remember the humanity of my response was solicited in the The other act of blatant racism I will and I am paraphrasing, freshman basketball coach, Stan aftermath of the George Floyd death talk about later. For now, I will say it “I was car jacked, shot and thrown Beaubouef, and the kindness he at the hands of police officers in the was a teammate who called me n... out of my car on the side of an showed to me. I would be remiss Minneapolis Police Department. I the N-word to my face. interstate highway by a Black man. if I did not mention Don Landry, would like to take this opportunity It was the acts of micro- Some might wonder, why I do not my head coach, and Tiger LeBlanc, to expand on the response I gave. aggressions that I want to talk about hate Black people. Well the rest of his assistant, and how they went I was offered a scholarship and because, believe it or not, it was the story is that it was another Black out of their way to be fair and kind. recruited to play basketball at those acts that have the greatest man who found me, put me into his Faculty members like Drs. Merlin Nicholls in 1968. I encountered lasting impact on my emotional car, drove me to the hospital, called Ohmer, Tom Becnel and Paul Leslie numerous negative experiences, well-being. The analogy that I my family members and stayed with stand out in my memory for the especially in my first three years compare micro-aggressions to is me until they arrived. He basically humanness they showed toward me. on campus. There were two acts waterboarding. A single drop of saved my life. So, I learned from And finally, the teammate who of blatant racism directed at me water that hits you between the that experience to not focus on the called me the N-word in 1969 and several acts of what we now eyes over and over and over can Black man who did me harm, but to formally apologized to me in 2016, call micro-aggressions. One of the be devastating. It was for me, to focus on the one who saved my life.” some 47 years later. blatant acts of racism involved a the extent that for two years after I Sure, there were those who The late 1960s and early 1970s white student making claims that received my bachelor's degree, my directed acts of micro-aggressions as it is in 2020 was a time of great other Black students were calling anger level grew and grew to a point toward me, but if I had chosen to change in our country. However, me names like Uncle Tom. His where I was not a pleasant person continue to focus on them there is the great lesson I learned in 1974, claims were directed at me very to be around. The result no telling what it would have done to focus on the decency of good loudly in the cafeteria on at least was increased anxiety and poor to me physically and mentally. I people and to try as best we can to three occasions. What I found sleep habits. began to, and have continued to, not elevate those who are hate-filled, out later was that this student The turning point came for me try hard to focus on the decency giving them undeserved attention, was trying to instigate a fist fight in 1974. I had joined the Army of people. To be sure, even is still a good lesson to live by. between other Black students and two months after leaving Nicholls. decent people have faults, but it is – Dr. Cleveland Hill (BA '73, MEd '79)

44 | Fall 2020 • The COLONEL • Nicholls State University Ready to finish your degree, Colonels? Going back to school isn’t as hard as you think.

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Parting Shot

Something to Celebrate Brothers of Omega Psi Phi fraternity celebrate following Commencement ceremony in Guidry Stadium in Spring 2018. Commencement returns to the stadium this semester to meet the distancing requirements of COVID-19.