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Southeastern’s freshman class grows
More students are choosing Southeastern. The Fall 2019 freshman class grew over 2.2%
over the previous year’s freshman class, for a total of 2,733 students, and the university
welcomed a better-prepared new student as the overall ACT scores increased.
Greater numbers of highly qualified students are choosing Southeastern, proven
with over a 7.4% increase in the number of students with an ACT of 24 or higher, totaling
nearly 800 new students.
“We are very pleased with our 2019 freshman class. Our recruitment efforts emphasize
the quality and value of a Southeastern degree and the incredible caring environment
we provide. As a result, we are garnering more and more interest from new students,”
said President John L. Crain.
Southeastern also saw record attendance at each of its on-campus recruitment
events this past year, including a 55% increase in Lion Pride Preview events over
the previous year.
“All indicators were that this would be a stronger and better prepared freshman
class, and the numbers show exactly what we expected,” explained Assistant Vice President
for Enrollment Management Kay Maurin.
“Enhancements in our admission applications, improved communications to our new
students, and stronger relationships with our high school partners generated positive
results,” said Maurin. “Despite the shrinking high school population around the state,
we are excited about our positive growth and highly qualified students choosing Southeastern.”
As the third largest university in Louisiana, Southeastern continues to focus
on the personal connections with core values of caring and excellence. Currently offering
over 150 programs of study, including many that are regionally and nationally ranked,
Southeastern continues to be a leader in higher education around the region.
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Southeastern biologist discovers new species of crocodile
It has been a while since anyone has found a new crocodile. Thanks to the research
of Southeastern Assistant Professor of Biology Christopher Murray and his colleague
and former Southeastern classmate Caleb McMahan, that is no longer the case.
Southeastern Biological Sciences Department Head Christopher Beachy said that
in an average year, worldwide there are many species of reptile described; however,
most of these are snakes or lizards.
“Discovery of new species is not often a case of being in nature, seeing something
remarkable and exclaiming ‘Wow! This is an entirely new species.’” said Beachy. “New
species are described mostly when experts, like Dr. Murray, are involved. We’re especially
excited that this work began when Dr. Murray was studying to complete his master’s
degree at Southeastern. That this has come to completion now that he is a tenure-track
faculty member speaks to the quality of the training our graduate students receive.
It also speaks to the international reputation that many of our faculty have. We’re
very proud of that.”
Murray said the discovery is important because there are only about two dozen
described species of extant crocodilian.
Read more
 NEW CROCODILE SPECIES DISCOVERED - Southeastern Assistant Professor of Biology Christopher Murray, along with colleague
and former Southeastern classmate Caleb McMahan, discovered a new species of crocodile.
Pictured, from left with the new species at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological
Park, are Jen Brueggen, park social media manager, McMahan, Murray, and John Brueggen,
park director.
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Southeastern hosts 2019 Business Week
Over 20 business leaders will share their experiences and professional advice with
students during Southeastern Louisiana University’s College of Business annual Business
Week, held concurrently with Homecoming Week, Oct. 7-10.
Sponsored by First Guaranty Bank, the event features presentations that will
introduce students to first-hand information about careers and occupations related
to the speakers’ business experience. A wide range of industries and topics will be
represented, with speakers scheduled throughout the week.
All presentations will be in Garrett Hall and are open to faculty, staff, students
and the public on a space available basis.
For a complete schedule, call 549-2258.
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Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band to present concert
The Southeastern Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Lab Band will present its first concert of
the fall 2019 semester Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m., in Pottle Music Building Recital Hall.
The concert is free and open to the public.
The Jazz Lab Band program, under the direction of Lecturer of Double Bass John
Madere, will include “So What” by Miles Davis and “Out of Nowhere” by Johnny Green
and Edward Heyman, arranged by Jeremy Stringer and Tyler Pertuit.
The University Jazz Ensemble program, under the direction of Instructor of Percussion
and Director of Jazz Studies Michael Brothers, will include “Decoupage” by Hank Levy,
“Chet’s Call” by Pat Metheny and Lyle Mays and arranged by Bob Curnow, “Dindi” by
Antonio Carlos Jobim and Ray Gilbert and arranged by Rob McConnell, “New Blues” by
Don Piestrup, “Isfahan” by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, and “Matchpoint” by
Don Schamber.
Joining the Jazz Ensemble will be guest artist and 2013 Southeastern alumni Zakkary
Garner. A native of Tickfaw, Garner received his master’s degree in jazz studies at
Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., after completing his undergraduate degree.
He has performed with artists such as Ellis, Branford, Jason, and Delfeayo Marsalis,
The Lionel Hampton Big Band, Wycliffe Gordon, Herlin Riley, Victor Goines, Bobby Broom,
Lena Prima, and more.
Garner currently serves as gifted and talented music instructor for Tangipahoa
Parish, while maintaining an active performing career as a bandleader and sideman.
Garner released his debut album “Humble Ambition” on Earthship Records in the fall
of 2018.
For more information about the concert, contact the Department of Music and Performing
Arts at 549-2184.
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Children, teens can audition October 14 for Missoula Children's Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk
 Auditions for the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of “Jack and the Beanstalk”
will be held Monday, Oct. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing
Arts.
A non-profit educational theater troupe, Missoula Children’s Theatre has been
a hometown arts favorite since 1992, often as part of Fanfare, Southeastern Louisiana
University’s fall arts festival.
“Children in grades kindergarten through high school may audition,” said Artistic
Director of Columbia Theatre and Fanfare Jim Winter. “Approximately 50-60 local students
will be cast to appear in the show with a Missoula tour actor/director. Missoula will
cast the young actors on Monday and get started right away teaching them lines, staging,
songs and movement. By Saturday, the children will be ready to perform, complete with
professionally designed costumes and scenery.”
Students wishing to audition must arrive by 4 p.m. and stay for the entire two-hour
session. The first rehearsal begins approximately 15-30 minutes after the audition
and lasts until 8:30 p.m.
“Since it is a group audition, no advance preparation is necessary – but a smile
never hurts,” said Winter. “Students should just be ready to come and have a good
time.”
Rehearsals will be conducted Monday through Friday from 4-8:30 p.m. at the Columbia
Theatre, 220 E. Thomas St. in downtown Hammond.
“Although not all cast members will be needed at every session, those auditioning
must have a clear schedule for the entire week and, if selected, be able to attend
all rehearsals required for their role,” said Winter. “A detailed rehearsal schedule
will be distributed at the conclusion of the audition.”
“Jack and the Beanstalk” will be performed at the Columbia Theatre Saturday,
Oct. 19, at 2 p.m. All cast members must be available for all scheduled rehearsals
and the Saturday performance.
Tickets for the public performances are $20 for adults and $13 for students.
They are available online at columbiatheatre.org or at the box office, 549-4371.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre is a non-profit organization based in Missoula,
Mont. This season, more than 65,000 young people across the globe will take to part
in Missoula productions.
For additional information, contact the Columbia Theatre at 543-4366 or visit
columbiatheatre.org.
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Professional Sales Program holds competition
Southeastern’s Sales Program had its Internal Competition this semester on Friday,
Sept. 27. Representatives from Northwestern Mutual, United Rentals, Sherwin-Williams,
Fastenal, Louisiana CAT, Republic National Distributing Co., Republic Finance, iManage,
and LDC Builds volunteered their time to assist in judging and playing the buyer role
for the competition.
The top competition winner was senior, India Williams. The sales competition
is run by marketing faculty members April Kemp and Tará Lopez.
For more information about the Sales Program, visit southeastern.edu/sales or email prosales@southeastern.edu.
 STUDENTS EXCEL AT PROFESSIONAL SALES COMPETITION - Students participating in the Professional Sales Competition included, front row,
from left, Emily Browning, Karlie McDonald, India Williams, and Jacklyn Mitchell.
Back row, from left, are Zachary Pollard, Brennan Sarah, William Saucier, and Paxton
Page.
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First STEM Cafe of school year held in Hammond
The first event in a series of monthly Community STEM Cafes for the school year, was
held in Hammond at Greenville Park Leadership Academy. On Sept. 28, prek- 12th grade
students and their parents participated by discovering, building, and exploring the
exciting world of STEM with local “STEM Stars.”
These events are volunteer-run and free to the public because of the passion
of the STEM professionals and the sponsors. Sponsors of these collaborative events
include Southeastern, AT&T, and the Collaborative Youth Education Alliance. The events
are organized by the Northshore STEM Coalition, which includes representatives from
industry, education, business, government and community organizations.
The next Community STEM Cafe will be from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Oct. 26 at Greensburg
at the St. Helena College and Career Academy.
Follow the Northshore STEM Coalition (formerly Tangi STEM Coalition) on facebook
for more event information.
To share your passion for STEM by volunteering in a future Community STEM Café,
contact the Northshore STEM Coalition at northshorestem@gmail.com.
 EXPLORING STEM - Dr. Ephraim Massawe of the Southeastern Occupational, Safety, Health, and Environment
program helps youth and parents explore how all the STEM they learn in school helps
make our world safe.
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Southeastern Giving Day merges with Homecoming Week for increased impact
For the first time, Southeastern alumni and supporters will have the opportunity to
give back to the university and make an impact during Homecoming, whether or not they
are able to attend the festivities. The Southeastern Foundation is moving its annual
Giving Day this year to Wednesday, Oct. 9, to coincide with Homecoming Week.
Previously titled All in For Southeastern: A Day of Giving and held annually
in the spring, the fundraising event is now in its fifth year and has garnered over
$400,000 for Southeastern and Southeastern students since its inception.
“Giving Day is a 24-hour giving campaign that provides essential funding to all
areas across the university and inspires Southeastern supporters to come together
and show their Lion Pride,” said Southeastern Foundation Development Coordinator Ashlin
Nicosia.
Nicosia said after last year’s event, in which an increased number of first-time
donors participated over previous years, Southeastern Foundation staff members met
to evaluate the current program and determine the best way to continue elevating engagement
and support for the university.
“Since Homecoming Week and Giving Day both seek to bring together all members
of the Southeastern community, from current students and alums to the local community
and region, out of a shared love for Southeastern and the impact that it has, the
move seemed opportune,” she explained. “Its addition to Homecoming Week also provides
a way for supporters, both those in town for the festivities and those far away, to
give back to their university as part of the Homecoming celebrations.”
Donations can be made to a general support fund or specific campaigns led by
Southeastern departments and organizations. Supporters are encouraged to designate
their gifts to any area on campus about which they feel most passionate, Nicosia said.
For those with no specific department or organization in mind, donations can be designated
to the “area of greatest need,” where gifts will be used across campus as needs arise.
For more information, or to make a donation on Oct. 9, visit SoutheasternGivingDay.org.
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Lectures and art highlight Fanfare’s second week
Lectures and an art exhibit are some of the events highlighting the second week of
Fanfare, Southeastern’s annual fall arts festival.
First up is the return of the Fanfare lecture series titled “Your Best 10 Minutes”
on Monday, Oct. 7. Scheduled at 1 p.m. in Pottle Auditorium, the series brings in
four professors to speak about anything they choose. This edition will feature Ben
Bell of Sims Memorial Library, Todd Delaney of KSLU radio, Bill Robison of the History
and Political Science Department, and Joe Burns of the Communication and Media Studies
Department.
On Oct. 8, the 18th annual Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Homecoming Intramural
Quiz Bowl will be held from 2 to 5:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre. Matchups
will include faculty versus faculty and student versus student teams in this fast-paced
competition.
The Department of History and Political Science’s “Then and Now Lecture Series”
continues on Oct. 9 with the second presentation of the free series. Zachary Isenhower,
a visiting assistant professor of history, will present “The Wild Sawmills of Upstate
New York: The Fight for Land and Legitimacy on America’s Frontiers” at 1 p.m. in Pottle
Auditorium
“In the 1840s a contest between New York settlers and the Seneca tribe over land,
cabins, and sawmills blurred the legality of land claims with the larger issue of
U.S. expansion,” Isenhower said. “From ‘pioneers’ settling ready-made Seneca cabins
and sawmills, to the first Native victory before the Supreme Court, each side staked
claims within American expansion that challenge the nation’s most cherished myths.”
Southeastern’s Contemporary Art Gallery will open a new exhibition titled “Liminal
Landscapes: a video art exhibition” on Oct. 10 with a free opening reception from
5 – 7 p.m. in the gallery.
Guest curated by Southeastern Associate Professor of New Media + Animation Cristina
Molina, the exhibit brings together the works of contemporary video artists whose
work explores the connection between identity and landscape.
“Explored through a variety of techniques such as video collage, projection mapping
and immersive audio video installation, the artists in this exhibition work to reveal
terrains both real and imagined through their own unique visual language,” Molina
explained.
Rounding out the week is a free book festival titled “Helping Hands-Build a Better
World” at the Hammond Library, located at 314 East Thomas St. in downtown Hammond.
Scheduled Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the community event features local nonprofits
and other organizations, local authors, and free refreshments.
For a complete Fanfare schedule, contact the Columbia/Fanfare office at 543-4366
or visit columbiatheatre.org.
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Marketing Breakfast to feature co-owner of Ballard Brands, LLC
 Steven Ballard, whose firm, Ballard Brands, LLC, operates more than 100 restaurants/food
businesses in the southern U.S., will serve as the guest speaker at Southeastern Louisiana
University’s annual Marketing Breakfast on Wednesday, Oct. 9, at the Alumni Center.
Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. and the speaker will begin at 8 a.m.
Sponsored by the Southeastern Marketing Association, the marketing faculty, the
College of Business, and G. Dean Brunson, CPA, of Richmond, Va., the breakfast is
part of Business Week scheduled during Homecoming Week.
The program is open to students and the general public. Registration is available
online at southeasternmarketing.simpletix.com and is limited to the first 100 registrants.
Tickets are $11.63 online or $10 in the Marketing office in Garrett Hall, room 74.
“We are very excited to present an entrepreneur and marketer that has so many
successful businesses making a positive impact throughout the region,” said Professor
of Marketing Mike Budden.
Formed in December 2001 by brothers Paul, Scott and Steven, Ballard Brands is
a privately held, multi-branded restaurant, food and coffee company, based out of
Covington, La. After starting the company with one restaurant and two coffee house
franchises, Ballard Brands now owns, operates and manages restaurants and food and
beverage concepts in 28 states and three countries.
The company’s restaurant portfolio includes retail brands WOW Café, PJ’s Coffee
of New Orleans, The Original City Diner, Boardhouse Serious Sandwiches, and Ole Saint.
Through their Outstanding Management Group, the company manages Eloisa Restaurant
and Filmore in the Oaks. These brands collectively total nearly 155 locations in both
traditional and non-traditional models and continue to grow.
For more information about the Marketing Breakfast, contact the Department of
Marketing and Supply Chain Management at 549-2277.
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Foundation seeks applicants for Anne M. Ferguson Endowed Scholarship
The Southeastern Foundation is seeking applications for the Anne M. Ferguson Endowed
Scholarship. The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support to a deserving
student who is a dependent of a Southeastern faculty/staff employee.
Criteria for the awarding of the scholarship include: (a) the student must have
achieved a minimum high school/college grade point average of 2.5, (b) the student
must demonstrate involvement in leadership activities/programs, (c) the student must
be enrolled full-time, and (d) the student must demonstrate financial need. The recipient
may retain the scholarship as long as he/she meets the criteria.
Scholarship application forms are available in the Office of University Advancement
in Dyson Hall, room 142, and in the Scholarship Office on North Campus, Building A,
room 120.
To request an application to be sent to you via e-mail, contact Jodie Chain at
549-5545 or jodie.chain@southeastern.edu.
The deadline for returning completed applications is Friday, Nov. 8, and completed
applications should be sent to jodie.chain@southeastern.edu or to the following address:
University Advancement
Attn: Jodie Chain
SLU 10293
Hammond, LA 70402
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Teaching Development Center hosts grand reopening Oct. 1
 The College of Education hosted a grand reopening of the Teacher Development Center
on Oct 1. The new and improved space now houses supplies, materials, and Praxis study
aids for all teacher education students, in all content areas and all grade levels.
At the ribbon cutting are, from left, Lisa Kea, Teaching and Learning administrative
assistant, Dean of the College of Education Paula Calderon, Director of Clinical Practice
and Professional Development Jordan Ahrend, and Teaching & Learning Department Head
Colleen Klein-Ezell.
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Office of Admissions seeks Orientation Leaders
The Office of Admissions is searching for the best and brightest students to be a
part of our 2020 Orientation Leader team.
Faculty and Staff are encouraged to refer a student to be considered for this
position. Once students are referred by a faculty or staff member, the Admissions
Office will contact the student and encourage them to apply.
Referral forms are simple to complete online at: southeastern.edu/orientationreferral.
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Southeastern Phi Kappa Phi recognized
 The National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi awarded Southeastern’s chapter with the
Gold Circle of Excellence. Each year, this award recognizes chapters for work in promoting
excellence on the local campus and engaging the community of scholars.
The awards utilize data submitted by the chapter to the national office regarding
yearly activities and initiation efforts. Additionally, chapter members must submit
annual reports and participate in activities at the national level.
“Our chapter actively recruits qualified new members and celebrates academic
achievements at our annual banquet,” said Chapter President Dr. Alan Cannon. “We also
encourage our members to attend Phi Kappa Phi activities and apply for scholarships
to continue their education. This is an honor for our organization, and we appreciate
the recognition of our efforts.”
Phi Kappa Phi sponsors campus scholastic events including the Homecoming Quiz
Bowl and activities that engage artists, authors and scientists.
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Southeastern Symphony Orchestra to open season with concerto winners on Oct. 2
Football, Inside Southeastern Football with Frank Scelfo, Tope La Catering, 7 p.m.
(KSLU 90.9 FM) (Kajun 107.1 FM) (The Highway 104.7 FM) (The Boss 103.7 FM/1400 AM
WFPR)
