Southeastern Louisiana University is celebrating its strongest fall enrollment in 13 years, reporting a 7.8% overall increase to 15,570 students. Undergraduate numbers rose 3.1%, graduate enrollment climbed 3.4% to its highest level in more than a decade, first-time freshmen grew 1.2%, and incoming transfer students jumped 6.8%. The College of Honors and Excellence saw record growth, with a 17.1% enrollment increase and its largest freshman honors class, surpassing 1,000 students for the first time in its 45-year history. President William S. Wainwright credited the university’s mission-driven recruitment and strong regional ties, while Chief Enrollment Management Officer Kay Maurin emphasized meaningful academic experiences and local connections. Dean Claire Procopio highlighted outreach to dual enrollment and AP students as key to the Honors Program’s expansion. Southeastern, which contributes more than $1 billion annually to the regional economy, offers over 150 nationally and regionally ranked programs of study.
–Hammond State Representative Nicholas Muscarello and the Northshore Delegation will host a public Town Hall on Wednesday, September 17, at 11:30 a.m. at the Columbia Theater in downtown Hammond. Citizens of Tangipahoa and St. Tammany Parishes are invited to hear from House Speaker Phillip DeVillier and key House committee chairpersons about recent developments in Louisiana state government. The free event is presented in partnership with Southeastern Louisiana University, the Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, and attendees are encouraged to register at https://bit.ly/DeVillier-Northshore-Forum.
–The Restore the Mississippi River Delta coalition will host a Community Ideas Workshop in Lacombe on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Northshore Technical Community College, 65556 Centerpoint Blvd. Residents are invited to learn about Louisiana’s 2029 Coastal Master Plan and share their own project ideas for potential inclusion. Attendees can discuss coastal land loss and flood risks, explore how these challenges may change over the next 50 years, and collaborate with experts on solutions. Organizers stress that community input is crucial in shaping the future of Louisiana’s coast.
–The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Explore Northshore Business Expo on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 1–4 p.m. at The Harbor Center in Slidell, offering free admission to business professionals and the public. Nearly 100 exhibitors will showcase products and services while attendees network, discover new offerings, and compete for door prizes. The event also features a Northshore Young Professionals Summit with three free sessions on burnout prevention, personal branding, and business growth led by Dr. Lisa Brady, Dr. Tommy Karam, and Lauren Navarre, sponsored by Fussell Group. Preceding the expo, a ticketed “Business & Growth in Southeast Louisiana” luncheon at noon will feature GNO, Inc. CEO Michael Hecht discussing economic trends. Highlights include an on-site blood drive by The Blood Center and sponsorship support from leading local organizations such as American Bank, Hancock Whitney, Ochsner Health, and Visit The Northshore. Exhibitor spots remain available by contacting Eva Snapp at 985-273-3008, and full details and registration links are at www.StTammanyChamber.org.
–The Southeastern Louisiana University Police Department has welcomed a new four-legged officer, K9 Perci, a 1½-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever trained to detect explosives, firearms, and ammunition. Donated by West Virginia nonprofit Hearts of Gold and descended from a championship bloodline, Perci recently completed a 14-week training program with handler Sgt. Michelle Blanchard under certified trainer Kathy Scanlan of Ace Solutions of the South. Police Chief Carmen Bray thanked the organizations for their support and said the team adds an important layer of safety to campus. UPD reminds the public that while Perci is friendly, she is a working dog and should only be approached with the handler’s permission.
–The City of Slidell’s Bayou Jam Concert Series continues Sunday, Sept. 21, with a free outdoor performance by Southern Roux Band in Heritage Park, part of a beloved tradition spanning more than 20 years. Mayor Bill Borchert invites residents and visitors to gather for live music each Sunday this fall from 5–7 p.m., with upcoming shows featuring the OZONE Music Foundation showcase on Sept. 28, Audio Beach on Oct. 5, Monster Crawfish on Oct. 26, a Veterans Day Concert with the Northshore Community Orchestra on Nov. 9, and Vince Vance and the Valiants on Dec. 7. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets; food and drinks will be available for purchase. Weather-related cancellations will be announced by 1 p.m. the day of each concert on the city’s website and Facebook page.
–The City of Mandeville has announced the lineup for its Mandeville Live! Free Friday Fall Concert Series, which will bring five free shows to the Mandeville Trailhead beginning September 19. The series will feature performances by Flow Tribe on September 19, Chase Tyler Band on September 26, Bottoms Up on October 3, Little Freddie King on October 10, and Jourdan Blue on October 17. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and dancing shoes, while food and drinks will be available for purchase from local food trucks. To help keep the concerts free, the city asks that attendees support vendor partners, as outside food, drinks, and coolers are not permitted. More information is available at www.ExperienceMandeville.org.
–Tangipahoa Parish officials announced that Old Spring Creek Road will be closed Friday, Sept. 19, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for bridge maintenance. Parish President Robby Miller said no thru-traffic will be allowed during the work, and detours will be clearly posted. Drivers are encouraged to check Tangipahoa.org and the parish’s social media channels for real-time updates on the closure and other road projects.
–Southeastern Louisiana University has named Marcia King Galatas as the 2025 Distinguished Alumna for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, honoring her lifelong dedication to service, leadership, and global outreach. A New Orleans native and former member of the Colonel’s Pride Precision Marching Team, Lady Lions Rugby, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Galatas now leads the Gouri Village Project in Chad and has served on the Southeastern Foundation Board since 2010. The university will celebrate her accomplishments, along with other alumni award recipients, during the upcoming Alumni Awards Evening, with details and registration available on Southeastern’s website.
–The St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation is promoting a free three-part virtual series from the University of New Orleans’ Henry Bernstein College of Business Administration aimed at helping small business owners harness the power of artificial intelligence. AI Essentials for Small Business Owners will run on Microsoft Teams with one-hour sessions on Oct. 1, Oct. 23, and Nov. 13, covering AI basics, practical tools for automating tasks, and strategies for content creation and lead generation. Speakers Susan Westwater, Taylor Radey, and Andy Crestodina will offer plain-language guidance with no technical expertise required. Participants can register for any or all sessions after completing a brief survey to gain time-saving, growth-focused skills tailored to small businesses.
