Orientation, job fair scheduled for laid off Swiftships workers
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 11:01am
Click on the link below to download a .pdf version of the event flier.
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Thursday motorcade will pay tribute to Sheriff Smith
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 10:54am
Staff Report
Sheriff Blaise Smith is being remembered this week for a short but eventful term as St. Mary Parish sheriff.
Smith, 75, died about 2:30 p.m. Saturday, the Sheriff’s Office said.
A law enforcement motorcade will leave Ibert’s Mortuary in Franklin on Thursday, passing through through St. Mary Parish and ending at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium.
There, a gathering of family and friends will be held beginning at 11 a.m. The funeral will begin at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Mo Seneca officiating.
Following the service, Smith will be cremated, his obituary says. Interment will occur privately at a later date.
In a Facebook post, Chief Chad M. Adams and the Morgan City Police Department offered “their heartfelt condolences to the family of Sheriff’s Blaise Smith and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office on the passing of Sheriff Smith.
“May God be with you all during this difficult time and the days to come.”
Berwick Police Chief David S. Leonard echoed that sentiment.
“It takes a tremendous amount of courage and skill to do the work Sheriff Blaise Smith and his team were so adept at doing – the type of courage that most do not possess, much less display every single day and night,” Leonard said.
“Sheriff Blaise Smith was full of enthusiasm for his family, for his friends, and for his fellow officers. The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office as well as every surrounding law enforcement agency takes a tremendous loss of knowledge and skill with the untimely passing of Sheriff Blaise Smith. On behalf of all the men and women of the Berwick Police Department, I extend to you my most profound condolences.”
A Facebook post from Sheriff-elect Gary Driskell credited Smith with improving the department in his more than five years as sheriff.
“His dedication, integrity, and unwavering support for his deputies earned him respect and admiration from all who had the privilege of working alongside him,” the statement said.
Smith was born Dec. 7, 1948, to a military family in San Diego. He would also serve in the military and was a Vietnam combat veteran.
After leaving the service, Smith began a 50-year career in law enforcement, and had served as sheriff since winning a special election in 2018.
Smith won the right to serve the remaining term of Sheriff Mark Hebert, who resigned in January 2018.
Smith won re-election in October 2019, getting 55% of the parishwide vote in a three-candidate field.
In March 2022, the Sheriff’s Office announced that Smith was ““suffering from an as yet-undetermined illness and is seeking in-patient medical evaluation and treatment at a medical facility at the present time.” Smith later announced that he would not seek re-election.
Driskell, Smith’s chief deputy, won the October 2023 election but has yet to take office.
Smith’s time in office was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing labor shortage that left many law enforcement agencies scrambling for new hires.
The Sheriff’s Office also began working more closely with local police in response to a wave of gun violence in west St. Mary.
And the Sheriff’s Office, along with municipal police departments and the School Board, played a role in the expansion of the law enforcement presence in schools through school resource officers.
Smith is survived by his wife of 22 years, Karen McGoff Smith, and three children.
NTSB investigating Sunday crash near Patterson
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 10:45am
Federal officials are investigating Sunday’s plane crash at Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport near Patterson.
The lone occupant of the small Pulsar 1 aircraft was transported to a medical facility for treatment.
The crash occurred about 4:25 p.m. Sunday and reportedly occurred during an emergency landing. The crash caused a fire that was quickly extinguished.
The Pulsar 1 is a two-seat aircraft developed by Aero Designs of San Antonio both as a completed ultralight and as a kit.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.
Sunday’s incident was the second crash at Harry P. Williams in a little more than four months. The October crash of a Cessna aircraft killed the pilot and a passenger.
The NTSB has issued a preliminary report in the October crash but has made no official determination of crash's cause..
LEAP tests available for private school, homeschool students
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 10:14am
From the St. Mary Parish Board of Education:
Nonpublic and Home-school students are eligible to take LEAP 2025 tests. Nonpublic school students must pay a fee of $35 per subject. This fee is due at the time of registration.
Parents/guardians are asked to contact Robbi Gouaux at 337-836-6035 or rgouaux@stmaryk12.net to register students who will then be scheduled to take the tests at the school in their attendance zone. All LEAP testing is online. Specific testing
dates and times will be given upon registration.
The deadline for registering is March 15th .
All nonpublic and home-school students planning to enter public school in 5th or 9th grade for the 2024-2025 school year must take either the LEAP 2025 tests in April/May or the State Placement test in the summer before they can enroll.
Morgan City man accused of high-speed flight; Berwick police make bank fraud arrest
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 12:59pm
(Editor’s note: The charges listed here and the narratives that go with them are provided by the police agencies that made the arrests. Guilt or innocence has not been determined in court.)
Morgan City police have arrested a man accused of speeding 88 mph through town, Berwick police they cracked a bank fraud case, and a traffic stop in Assumption Parish led to two arrests on heroin charges.
<.b>Morgan City
Chief Chad M. Adams reported that the Morgan City Police Department responded to 155 calls for service over the last 96-hour reporting period and made these arrests:
--Taaj Maleek Delaune, 22, Garber Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 7:36 p.m. Friday on charges of aggravated flight from an officer, aggravated obstruction of a highway of commerce, speeding 88 mph in a 70 mph zone, disregard of traffic controls and no driver’s license.
--Kenneth Honey Flores Hernandez, 28, Roderick Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 1:12 a.m. Friday on charges of disturbing the peace and remaining after forbidden.
--Jason James Ashley, 35, Roderick Street, was arrested at 9:20 a.m. Friday on three counts of failure to pay fine (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
--Jonathan Paul Myers, 30, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 12:29 p.m. Saturday on charges of hit-and-run driving, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and driving under suspension.
--Patricia Ann Jones, 48, Apple Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 4:42 p.m. Saturday on a charge of loud music.
--Deon Ruffin, 51, Terrebonne Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 5:45 p.m. Saturday on a charge of loud music.
--Nicholas Swackhamer, 18, Aucoin Street, was arrested at 9:39 p.m. Saturday on a charge of disturbing the peace.
--Gauge Todd, 23, CJC Lane, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:25 p.m. Saturday on a charge of possession of marijuana.
--Rene Lewis, 37, Fourth Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11:50 p.m. Saturday on a charge of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court).
--Craig James Deshotel, 50, Gen. Patton, Morgan City, was arrested at 10:01 a.m. Sunday on charges of possession of methamphetamine, obstruction of justice and failure to appear for arraignment.
--Bobbie Jo Fitch, 41, Morgan City, was arrested at 3:51 p.m. Sunday on a charge of remaining after being forbidden.
--Ronald Gibbs, 33, Diane Drive, was arrested at 9:06 p.m. Sunday on charges of resisting an officer, two counts of failure to appear for trial (6th Ward Morgan City Court) and as a fugitive from the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office.
--Christopher Wayne Allen, 46, Arkansas Street, Morgan City was arrested at 11:42 p.m. Sunday on charges of failure to appear for arraignment (6th Ward Morgan City Court) and improper lighting.
--Cassie Vinning Rankin, 24, Second Street, Berwick, was arrested at 3:23 a.m. Friday on a charge of simple burglary.
Patterson
Chief Garrett Grogan reported these arrests:
--Semaj Douglas, 18, Carmen Street, Patterson, was arrested at 1:01 a.m. Saturday on a St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office warrant alleging simple battery and a Patterson Police Department warrant alleging simple burglary, theft and criminal damage to property.
Douglas is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with no bond set.
--Shaddrick Neddie, 47, James Street, Morgan City, was arrested at 11 a.m. Saturday on charges of criminal trespass and no driver’s license. Neddie is incarcerated at the Patterson PD Jail with bond set at $4,641.
--Lashana L. Bennett, 43, St. Lucy Street, Patterson, was arrested at 12:28 p.m. Sunday in a charge of second-degree cruelty to juveniles.
Berwick
Chief David S. Leonard reported these arrests:
--Malik Merrick, 26, Kentwood, was arrested at 10:16 a.m. Thursday on warrants alleging theft of a motor vehicle, access device fraud, bank fraud, possession of fraudulent documents for identification purposes, forgery and forgery of certificate of insurance card.
In August, the Berwick Police Department received a complaint from a victim in Texas who advised that their identity had been stolen and used to purchase a vehicle from a dealership in Berwick in June. In the course of the complaint, it was learned that a subject went to a local dealership using the victim’s identity and was able to purchase an $80,000 vehicle.
It was learned that the subject later identified as Merrick was part of a scheme in which several vehicles were purchased fraudulently throughout the state. With the assistance of the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Lafayette Police Department and Louisiana State Police, investigators were able to identify Merrick as the suspect.
Through the lengthy investigation, further evidence was obtained linking Merrick to the crime that took place in Berwick, and warrants were issued for his arrest. On Feb. 20, Merrick was located and arrested in Hammond.
On Thursday, officers with the Berwick Police Department traveled to the Tangipahoa Parish Jail and located Merrick. He was transported to the Berwick Police Department, where he was booked and remains incarcerated awaiting bond.
--Anthony Cannata, 45, Stephensville, was arrested at 4:04 p.m. Thursday on a charge of illegal discharging of a firearm in the city limits.
About 3:30 p.m. Thursday, the Berwick Police Department received numerous calls of multiple shots being fired near an apartment complex in the Country Club Estates area, which yielded a large police presence.
Officers spoke with witnesses, who stated it appeared the gunshots were coming from the wooded area. While on scene, the gunshots continued. After further investigation, it was learned a subject was shooting a gun behind a local business in a secluded area within the city limits of Berwick.
The subject was later identified as Cannata. Officers made contact with Cannata, and he was placed under arrest. Cannata was released on a summons to appear in court.
--Sade Harris, 35, Houma, was arrested at 10:38 p.m. Thursday on a St. Mary Parish warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of driving under suspension, failure to yield to emergency vehicles and improper lane usage.
About 10:18 p.m. Thursday, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle traveling on U.S. 90 after a traffic violation was observed. Officers made contact with Harris and learned that she had active warrants through the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Harris was placed under arrest and transported to the Berwick Police Department where she was booked on the above charges.
St. Mary
The St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that over the last 24-hour reporting period, the Sheriff's Office responded to 40 complaints made these arrests:
--Brittany Lane Conrad, 37, Lafayette, was arrested at 11:11 a.m. Thursday on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of possession of a firearm or carrying concealed weapons by a convicted felon, introducing or possession of contraband in any municipal parish prison or jail, transactions involving proceeds from drug offenses, and illegal possession of a stolen firearm.
Bail has not been set at this time.
--Chameka Renea Diggs, 25, Amelia, was arrested at 12:43 p.m. Thursday on a charge of criminal damage to property and on a warrant alleging failure to appear on charges of no child restraint and operating a vehicle while license is suspended, revoked, or canceled. Bail was set at $4,000.
--Emilie Ann Elkins, 31, Franklin, was arrested at 3:18 p.m. Thursday on a charge of leash law violation and a Franklin Police Department warrant alleging simple battery. Elkins is being held for another agency.
Franklin
Chief Cedric Handy reported that the Franklin Police Department responded to 14 complaints over the last 96-hour reporting period and made these arrests:
--Trevontay Kelly, 28, Samuel Street, Franklin, was arrested at 11:46 a.m. Thursday on a warrant for 3rd Ward City Court alleging failure to appear on charges of speeding and driver must be licensed. Kelly was booked, processed and released on a $388. bond.
--Shawn Tolliver, 31, Eida Street, Maurice, was arrested at 6:17 a.m. Friday on charges of resisting an officer by refusing to identify and operating a vehicle while under suspension for certain prior offenses.
Tolliver was additionally arrested on warrants for 15th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on charges of unauthorized use of a movable and criminal neglect of family. Tolliver was booked, processed and held on a $4,500.00 bond.
--Ricky Webster, 63, East Third Street, Franklin, was arrested at 3:30 pm. Friday on a charge of theft. Webster was booked, processed and held on a $2,000 bond.
--Breyonna Verret, 22, Anderson Street, Franklin, was arrested at 6:48 p.m. Saturday on a charge of criminal trespassing. Verret was additionally arrested on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on a charge of theft and on a warrant dated Feb. 17 alleging criminal trespassing. Verret was booked, processed and released on a $3,500 bond.
--Steven Richard Sr., 42, Anderson Street, Franklin, was arrested at 6:48 p.m. Friday on a charge of criminal trespassing. Richard was additionally arrested on a warrant dated Feb. 17 alleging criminal trespassing. Richard was booked, processed and released on a $1,000 bond.
--Kearney Walter, 38, Constance Street, New Orleans, was arrested at 12:30 p.m. Saturday on charges of speeding and reckless operation of a motor vehicle. Walter was booked, processed and released on a $524 bond.
--Jacolby Westley, 36, Big Four Corners Road, Jeanerette, was arrested at 5:41p.m. Saturday on charges of possession of marijuana (second offense) and resisting an officer, and on a warrant dated May 17, 2022, alleging two counts of principal to simple battery on persons with infirmities, principal to disturbing the peace (language) and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.
Westley was additionally arrested on a warrant for 16th Judicial District Court alleging failure to appear on charges of operating a vehicle while license is suspended, possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles, and operating a vehicle with
an unlit license plate, and on a warrant for the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office alleging operating a vehicle while license is suspended, insurance required on vehicle, and failure to appear on a charge of improper lane usage.
Westley was booked, processed, and held with no bond set at the time of press release.
--Ronald Lumpkin Jr., 22, Railroad Avenue, Franklin, while incarcerated at the Franklin Police Department, was arrested at 6:45 a.m. Sunday on a charge of contraband taking to and from penal institutions. Lumpkin was booked, processed and transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center.
--Ricky Webster, 63, East Third Street, Franklin, while incarcerated at the Franklin Police Department, was arrested at 7:02 p.m. Sunday on a warrant dated Feb. 24 on a charge of theft. Webster was booked, processed and held on a $2,000 bond.
Assumption
Sheriff Leland Falcon reported these arrests:
-- Jaron Flynn Foret, 30, Pond Drive, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Feb. 21 on charges of possession of heroin and driving on roadway laned for traffic.
--Madison Noel Cobb, 20, La. 663, Bayou L’Ourse, was arrested Wednesday on charges of taking contraband to or from a penal institution, possession of heroin, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The charges arise from a traffic stop on La. 308 and the La. 70 Spur
A narcotics unit on assignment observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation and initiated a stop of that vehicle.
The deputy made contact with the driver, now identified as Foret and engaged Foret in an interview.
The passenger now identified as Cobb was also interviewed. During the interview of Cobb, deputies recovered a quantity of illegal narcotics off her person.
At the conclusion of the interviews, deputies summoned a K-9 to the scene. The K-9 conducted an open-air sniff of the suspect vehicle and alerted positive for the presence of illegal substances.
A quantity of suspected heroin was seized from Foret.
Deputies arrested Foret and Cobb and transported both to the Assumption Parish Detention Center for booking. They remain incarcerated pending a bond hearing.
Blaise Smith, sheriff since 2018, dies Saturday
Sat, 02/24/2024 - 4:14pm
Staff Report
Sheriff Blaise Smith died Saturday afternoon, according to a statement from the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office.
Smith, who for the last few years suffered from ill health and decided not run for re-election in October, died about 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Sheriff, Blaise Smith. Sheriff Smith, a dedicated Army veteran with combat experience in Vietnam, passed away today ...," the Sheriff's Office said.
The statement said "Sheriff Smith's commitment to service was evident throughout his tenure as Sheriff of St. Mary Parish, a role he assumed after winning a special election in 2018. Known for his 'open door' policy, Sheriff Smith fostered an environment of trust and collaboration within the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office, leaving an indelible mark on our organization.:
The statement credited Smith with improving the department in his more than five years as sheriff.
"His dedication, integrity, and unwavering support for his deputies earned him respect and admiration from all who had the privilege of working alongside him," the statement said.
"As we mourn the loss of Sheriff Smith, we ask for your prayers and understanding during this difficult time. The coming days will undoubtedly be challenging for Sheriff Smith's family, friends, and colleagues. We kindly request that you respect their privacy as they navigate through their grief."
More information regarding arrangements and tributes will be shared with the public in the coming days. In the meantime, let us honor Sheriff Blaise Smith's memory by continuing to uphold the values of service, integrity, and community that he exemplified."
Smith defeated Scott Anslum, who had become interim sheriff when Sheriff Mark Hebert retired in January 2018, in a special election later that year.
Smith went on to win re-election in October 2019, getting 55% of the parishwide vote in a three-candidate field.
Smith's chief deputy, Gary Driskell, won the October 2023 election to succeed Smith but has yet to take office.
The Morgan City Police Department posted this on its Facebook page:
"Chief Chad M. Adams and the Morgan City Police Department want to offer their heartfelt condolences to the family of Sheriff's Blaise Smith and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office on the passing of Sheriff Smith.
"May God be with you all during this difficult time and the days to come."
Berwick police: Target shooting leads to shots-fired calls
Fri, 02/23/2024 - 9:39am
Berwick police say they received reports of shots fired Thursday near Country Club Estates and found that a man was target-shooting. He was cited.
From the Berwick Police Department:
This afternoon on February 22 ,2024 at approximately 3:37 pm the Berwick Police Department received numerous calls about shots being fired in the Country Club Estates area. Officers responded to the area and spoke with witnesses who advised the shots appeared to be coming from the wooded area behind a local business. While officers were in the area, multiple shots were continuing to be fired. Upon further investigation it was learned that Anthony Cannata was shooting a gun at a target in a secluded area. At no point was any residents or members of the public in danger. Due to the nature of the call and the large police response that this situation brought, Cannata was subsequently placed under arrest for Illegal Discharging of a Firearm. He was released on a Summons.
Jeremy Alford and David Jacobs: Reversal of criminal justice policy begins
Fri, 02/23/2024 - 6:00am
By JEREMY ALFORD and DAVID JACOBS
Gov. Jeff Landry opened his special session on crime with an attack on the 2017 bipartisan criminal justice overhaul, before acknowledging the parents of a murder victim who were in the chamber.
By doing so, he introduced a theme he would return to frequently during his speech — the current system puts too much emphasis on protecting the rights of criminals and not enough on protecting the public and providing justice for victims. “Our criminal justice system has lost its balance,” Landry said.
The substance of Landry’s claims, and the question of whether rolling back the 2017 changes would be helpful or counterproductive, will be debated over the course of a special session which must end no later than March 6.
Goals the governor endorsed included proposals to:
— Allow residents to carry a concealed firearm without a permit.
— Create a permanent State Police “Troop NOLA” that would have jurisdiction over the entire city of New Orleans.
— Expand methods to carry out the death penalty and make it a felony to release information about implementation.
— Raise the minimum penalty for carjacking from two to five years, or 20 years if the crime results in bodily injury.
— Provide additional protection from civil liability for law enforcement officers who make a “good faith error” or are “faced with a meritless accusation.”
— Create mandatory deadlines following conviction for inmates to file claims requesting post-conviction relief, and provide a 90-day notice to victims prior to any hearing.
— Share more information about activity in the courts.
— Require 17-year-olds accused of a felony to be tried as an adult and, if convicted, held for at least three years.
— Expand the use of drug courts.
— Revamp the public defender system.
In a prepared statement, Sen. Royce Duplessis, D-New Orleans, argued the session’s call was drawn too narrowly, forcing lawmakers “to yet again go down the road of being tough on crime but soft on actual safety.” He called for “violence intervention and trauma response programs; expanding mental health services; increasing access to housing; and reducing poverty,” and said “relatively simple things” like reducing blight and improving street lighting can help make neighborhoods safer.
Prior to the governor’s speech, Democrats repeatedly objected to suspending House rules to allow bills to move more quickly, which the GOP supermajority shot down each time. Rep. Denise Marcelle said their effort was aimed at slowing down the process to allow for greater transparency.
RESET Louisiana — composed of the Council for a Better Louisiana, the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana and the Committee of 100 business group — cautioned against undoing the 2017 changes.
“Little evidence exists to show that imprisoning criminals with longer sentences reduces crime or recidivism, though it definitely will cost taxpayers more money and put a greater strain on the budget,” the groups argued. “The governor and lawmakers should focus prison beds on those who pose a serious threat to public safety and continue to reinvest other corrections dollars into evidence-backed prison alternatives, rehabilitation and reentry programs aimed at helping people return to society and productive jobs.”
In a report made public Monday, the Louisiana legislative auditor says the 2017 Justice Reinvestment Initiative saved the state almost $153 million through June 2022, which will provide fodder for supporters. Landry, perhaps anticipating this argument in his speech, claimed the costs of the changes he supports will be more than offset by a reduction in crime.
The LLA also found that inmates released under JRI provisions do not appear to be rearrested more often than the overall return rate, and stated that “there is no consensus among criminal justice stakeholders” on the impact of the changes. That last point, at least, seems to be indisputable.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on X @ LaPoliticsNow.
Alabama track holds up Amtrak service on Gulf Coast
Fri, 02/23/2024 - 6:00am
STEVE WILSON, The Center Square
Delays with new track in Alabama are being cited by Amtrak officials as the holdup for new service on the Gulf Coast.
The Surface Transportation Board at a recent hearing ordered Amtrak, freight railroads, the city of Mobile and others to make a “detailed” status report in 30 days. Amtrak said an operating agreement for land use for a station with the city of Mobile has not been finalized.
Board Chairman Martin Oberman criticized Amtrak for taking 15 months to reach a negotiated settlement.
At issue for Mobile is 3,000 feet of layover track that would allow shared track by Amtrak and CSX freight trains. While the Feb. 1 status report says that the Mobile project – funded separately from the other parts of the line by Amtrak – is the subject of a design and construction agreement by Amtrak and CSX, Amtrak officials when questioned by Oberman couldn’t offer a timeline for its completion.
In a Feb. 9 letter, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Alabama, said, “It has been and will continue to be of utmost importance that the return of Amtrak to the region does not impede operations at the Port, which is vital for the economy in all 67 of Alabama’s counties.”
In November 2022, the parties involved in the bid to bring twice-daily service between Mobile and New Orleans reached a tentative agreement that satisfied the concerns of CSX, Norfolk Southern and the Port of Mobile. Mississippi has already committed about $15 million in state taxpayer money to the project, with Louisiana adding $10 million.
After the settlement was reached, the Southern Rail Commission and Amtrak applied for a $178 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Program grant to help improve trackage and other infrastructure needed to restore service to the coast. The two announced the award of the grant on Sept. 21.
Passenger rail service on the Gulf Coast has been a priority of the Southern Rail Commission, an Interstate Rail Compact created in 1982 by Congress and consisting of commissioners appointed by the governors of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Service was stopped after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 amid declining ridership.
According to the Amtrak 2015 feasibility study for restoration of Gulf Coast rail service, total trips declined 45.2% from 148,387 in fiscal 1993 to 81,348 in 2005. The study blamed reliability issues and delays with the trains, plus the loss of taxpayer funding from the three states.
Nicholls' graduate nursing program receives recognition
Fri, 02/23/2024 - 6:00am
The Master of Science in nursing at Nicholls State University has been recognized as one of the top 50 nursing graduate programs in America according to Money Magazine. It is also the only ranked nursing program in Louisiana.
Money partnered with College Factual to find the country’s top value programs. Graduate programs were ranked on a five-star scale based on annual costs, typical debt burdens, employment rates and graduate salaries, with Nicholls ranked at 4-1/2 stars.
“We are extremely honored and appreciate the recognition of our nursing faculty and staff’s dedication to providing high-quality, affordable educational opportunities for our nursing student," said Dr. Raquel Engolio, dean and assistant professor for the Nicholls College of Nursing. "It is especially exciting for our current students who will soon graduate from the family nurse practitioner, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, or nurse educator concentrations that we offer.
“This investment in their education provides nurses with better job opportunities and potentially higher salaries in nursing. Our Master of Science in nursing graduates will increasingly experience a high return on their investment in education as we continue to remain focused on student success and affordability. We thank our alumni, health care community, and all who have contributed to our success.”
The master’s degree program in nursing is offered through the Intercollegiate Consortium for a Master of Science in nursing. The consortium is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and is composed of Nicholls State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette and McNeese State University.
The consortium universities work collaboratively to provide a comprehensive curriculum preparing graduates to participate in a number of opportunities in the healthcare profession. Faculty members are expertly engaged in distance education, clinical practice, research and mentoring students.