NSU honors nursing student with $38K in scholarships
NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Northwestern State University awarded Jesci Lord Marchand with its Lauren Vaughn Memorial Scholarship, which is given annually to a student enrolled in NSU's accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program.
'I am pursuing nursing because I deeply want to help and serve others,' Marchand said. 'While all areas of nursing interest me, I feel particularly inclined to neonatal nursing.'
The scholarship was created to honor Lauren Vaughn, who lost her life in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. This was the second year that the Lauren Vaughn Foundation hosted the LV5K on Easter weekend, which celebrated Vaughn's life and raised $38,000 for the scholarship while bringing awareness to the dangers of drunk driving.
NSU's web development program among the nation's most affordable
Marchand is originally from Bastrop but moved to Pineville in 2020 to attend Louisiana Christian University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in biology with a minor in chemistry.
Marchand said she felt a calling to pursue a healthcare career. She initially planned to apply to medical school before learning about NSU's accelerated nursing program. The program allows students with a bachelor's degree to complete the necessary nursing courses for the BSN in 16 months.
'Through communication with [Assistant Professor] Kathy Vaughn, I learned about the accelerated BSN program and how to apply for it, so I jumped at the chance,' Marchand said. 'I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to obtain my BSN in one year.'
Marchand will pursue her nursing degree at NSU's Cenla campus in Alexandria's England Industrial Airpark.
'Because my husband and I live in Ball, Louisiana, I am exceedingly thankful for the convenience of Northwestern State University's Alexandria Campus,' Marchand said. 'I am thankful for every opportunity provided by NSU's nursing program, and I am especially grateful for the Lauren Vaughn Memorial Scholarship. I am thrilled to begin the accelerated BSN program in May.'
NSU School of Business receives accreditation extension
Vaughn graduated from Alexandria Senior High School in 2018 and became interested in medicine on a field trip to LSU Medical Center. She earned a bachelor's degree in biology at Louisiana Tech. Vaughn was enrolled in NSU's accelerated BSN program and scheduled to graduate in August 2023. On March 31, 2023, Vaughn was inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society for Nurses. She passed away just a few days later on April 7.
For information about the Lauren Vaughn Memorial Foundation, visit lv5k.com or the group's Facebook page. Donations to the Lauren Vaughn Scholarship can be made at northwesternstatealumni.com/vaughn-scholarship.
To learn more about degree programs at NSU's College of Nursing and School of Allied Health, go to nsula.edu/nursing.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Celebrity fitness coach Kory Phillips celebrates 14 years of business in Shreveport
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Lovely Body Health & Fitness is celebrating 14 years making Shreveporters sweat. In a city where health and wellness are increasingly becoming a priority, Kory Phillips, better known as @IAmTheKingOfFitness, is celebrating an impressive milestone: 14 years in business as the owner of Lovely Bodies Health & Fitness. The two-day event kicked off with a boot scootin' line dancing class to get the body moving, followed by his signature Revenge Body workout on the second calorie-torching routine aims to burn over 1000 calories in just one session and earns rave reviews from clients and staff alike. His innovative training programs, motivational coaching style, and dedication to client success before and after photos have earned him a loyal gym clientele and nearly 400,000 followers on Instagram. Line dance instructor Breanka Thomas recounts her first time visiting the gym 'I went to the gym and fell in love. All the women from the page were in there with the same results. They all were working out with 50 and 60-pound weights in their hands and that was the wildest thing I'd ever seen.' Over the years, Phillips has made a significant impact not only on his clients but also on the community. For the past 13 years, the dedicated team at Lovely Bodies has consistently provided weekly meals to those in need, a tradition that continues even as the brand expands.. After opening his gym, he expanded to Atlanta and gained a reputation as a celebrity personal trainer, attracting clients from all walks of life, including influencers like Kai Cenat, business professionals like Angela Simmons, musicians, and fitness enthusiasts. For those looking to start their fitness journey or enhance their current routines, Lovely Bodies Health & Fitness offers virtual fitness classes that can be joined directly from the Shreveport studio. For more information or to sign up, you can contact Lovely Bodies Shreveport on Instagram or by calling 318-459-8050. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Free beginner BMX clinic to be held at Cargill Park in Shreveport
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—Cargill Park BMX is hosting a free clinic for new riders and anyone interested in learning more about BMX. More than a game: How sports can support mental health Certified BMX coach and current Zero Moto team member Wells Cornette will host the clinic. 'BMX racing is a sport for everyone! We have pedal bike riders just starting out and guys who raced for Team USA at the World Championships. No one sits the bench! The track is a fun and safe space for everyone. CPBmx is also home to THE BEST track operators, dirt guys, and certified USABMX coaches in the business. Come check us out!' a press release stated. According to the release, the benefits of BMX include: Physical Health: improves heart health, balance, coordination, and strength Mental Health/Life skills: self-confidence, focus, determination, problem-solving, independence Social benefits: BMX is an individual sport, but there is strong camaraderie among track mates both locally and across the state. Cares Krewe celebrates 100 years of golf at Querbes The clinic will be held on Saturday, June 21, at 3:30 p.m. at Cargill Park BMX, 2800 Cargill Dr. in Shreveport. It is free and open to all ages. Guests can also participate in BMX races at the park (weather permitting), with sign-ups beginning at 5 p.m. and starting around 6 p.m. To race, participants must wear Long sleeves and pants, wear a full-face helmet, and have a bicycle. For more information, go to Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Vegan Community Cookout set to bring flavor and wellness to Shreveport
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Come out for the Vegan Community Cookout in Shreveport, where food, fun, and wellness come together! The event will be held on Friday, June 14th, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pamoja Park at 914 Sprague Street. This free event invites the community to explore plant-based living through a vibrant mix of vegan cuisine, holistic vendors, and interactive wellness experiences. SporTran and City Council dedicate bus shelter in honor of domestic violence advocate The cookout features a marketplace of local chefs, creators, and healers, including organizers Linda J. Montgomery, a Plant-Based Culinary Nutritionist with Teal Garden Nutrition, and Patrick 'Sea Moss Pat' Latin, Master Herbalist and founder of Superb Herb Nutrition. Guests can expect vegan food tastings, herbal consultations, fitness demos, handcrafted products, and live entertainment. Organizers say it's a chance to discover the health benefits of plant-based living in a fun and welcoming environment. To RSVP, visit and bring the whole family for a day of nourishment, education, and community connection. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
