07/22/2025
Representatives from Northwestern State University addressed the Rotary Club of Many at its meeting on July 17, 2025. Pictured with Rotarian Jeff Morrow are NSU Executive Director for Economic Development and University Advancement, Laurie Morrow (center), and Jill Leo, Assistant Director for Innovation.
The two presented information on the proposed Innovation Park. This $18 million facility is a joint initiative between Northwestern State University and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts. It will be located on a 12+ acre site that fronts University Parkway and is immediately adjacent to both NSU and LSMSA. The state-of-the-art Center will house a Business Development Center, a Conference Center, and the Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
The showcase of the Center will be The New Family Makerspace, creating an immersive and inclusive learning environment for LMSMA students that supports them as they complete projects, build new skills, research, and engage in play. Included is an open 3D studio, an open 2D studio, a woodworking shop, a media production studio, two labs, a meeting space, and faculty offices.
For NSU students, specifically those majoring in industrial engineering technology, electronics engineering technology, and biomedicine, the New Family Makerspace will provide a space to problem-solve, communicate technical ideas, lead project teams, and mentor LSMSA students who are considering careers in similar fields.
The facility is being funded through both Capital Outlay and Private and Federal Sources. Anyone interested in funding and naming opportunities for any of the individual spaces in the facility should contact NSU for more information.