NICHOLLS HOSTS UL SYSTEM ACADEMIC SUMMIT

THIBODAUX, LA. – Faculty, staff and students from the University of Louisiana System’s nine universities will come together Thursday and Friday, April 14 and 15, on the Nicholls State University campus for the System’s fifth annual Academic Summit.

“This annual event is an ideal opportunity to showcase the incredible academic work happening in our system.” UL System Interim President Dan Reneau said. “Bringing our campuses together is an important step to encourage collaboration among students and faculty.”

The two-day event will include service-learning and undergraduate research presentations, a performance art showcase and a visual art exhibition and reception

“We hope that all nine of our system institutions will inspire one another as our students share their research discoveries and service-learning projects. The Summit gives us an opportunity to shine a light on how we are preparing students for successful futures through high-impact activities such as research, service-learning and the arts,” Nicholls President Bruce Murphy said. While the two-day event is meant to showcase our students’ work, it is also a demonstration of how valuable our institutions are to the future of our communities and the state of Louisiana.”

PERFORMANCE SHOWCASE AND ART EXHIBITION

Art will be the focus of Thursday evening activities starting with a performance art showcase. This exciting hour will feature 20 undergraduate student musicians and thespians in six performances. Following will be a reception and a visual art exhibition with 41 pieces of student artwork selected by each of the nine campuses. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to dine at Bistro Ruth, a fine-dining restaurant completely run by Nicholls culinary arts students who write the menus, prepare the dishes, run the front of house and serve dinner guests from the community.

SERVICE-LEARNING

Seven service-learning presenters will showcase community impact projects in diverse areas such as technology, literacy, mental health and education.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

During the two-day conference 81 undergraduate students will present their research, 44 oral presentations and 37 poster presentations. Friday’s undergraduate keynote presentation, Fear of Frying, will be given by Chef Randy Cheramie, senior faculty member of the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute.

The Summit will end with a wrap up and recognition where student presenters receive Academic Summit medals to wear to graduation.

Click here for more information including a complete schedule and registration instructions.