Ӱɴý

The Coastal Center

AT NICHOLLS STATE UNIVERSITY

Louisiana's Coastal University

NICHOLLS COMMITMENT TO THE COAST TIMELINE

Ӱɴý has exemplified a longstanding commitment to the coast through education, research, and public initiatives. Beginning in 1948, with the campus’ conception, Ӱɴý has always had strong ties to the coast and community that has been expounded upon to this day.

1948

Ӱɴý State College opens its doors some 50 miles from nearest Gulf coastline.

1948

1958

First petroleum engineering technology program begins

1958

1961

Louisiana Shrimpers Association sponsors research on shrimp life-cycle

1961

1964

First science degree offered

1964

1965

First National Science Foundation-sponsored research

1965

1966

Ӱɴý College Foundation sponsors shrimp research

1966

1967

Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology begins—first baccalaureate marine biology program in Louisiana

1967

1968

National Science Foundation sponsors shrimp aquaculture research

1968

1969

University Farm established (277 acres)

1969

1972

Wisner Foundation signs 50-year coastal land lease with Ӱɴý to support coastal research

1972

1974

• Geographical survey of historical marshland settlements inaugurated by geography professor Dr. Don Davis
• Gulf Dead Zone first described by biology professor Dr. Alva Harris
• Ӱɴý Marine Laboratory established at Fourchon, LA—first permanent coastal laboratory in Louisiana
• Louisiana Offshore Oil Port commissions from Ӱɴý an environmental and ecological
impact study of planned platform and pipeline

1974

1979

LUMCON established by Louisiana legislature; Ӱɴý Marine Laboratory subleased for LUMCON operations and education outreach

1979

1986

Woody Defelice Marine Sciences Center opens at Cocodrie—home of LUMCON; Ӱɴý faculty and administration instrumental in establishing and administering facility; Ӱɴý faculty begin utilizing center for research and educational offerings

1986

1990

• Bio-economic model for Louisiana coastal oyster industry established by biology professor Dr. Earl Melancon; adopted as Lease-Yield (seed-harvest) ratio by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; still used to determine monetary damages for leases following disasters.

• Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP) established, placing the university at geographical center of one of the largest and most important estuaries in the country; over years, Ӱɴý graduates and faculty serve as executives for Program, Management Conference, and Foundation.

1990

1992

BTNEP relocates to campus

1992

1998

National Coastal Wetlands Summit hosted at Ӱɴý

Resource zones for coastal oyster industry established by biology professor Dr. Earl Melancon; become known industry-wide as the “Melancon Maps”

1998

2002

Masters of Science in Marine and Environmental Biology program begins, focusing on regional, thesis-based research training

Ӱɴý joins Long-term Estuary Assessment Group with Tulane University

2002

2003

Calypseaux Expedition inaugurated—annual Gulf education collaboration with LUMCON

2003

2006

University Farm begins service as coastal plants field research station, growing and supplying coastal grasses for plantings and preserving endangered coastal plant species

2006

2010

Institute of Seafood Safety established, sponsored by USDA/NOAA

2010

2013

Ӱɴý begins service in Academic Liaison Group of The Water Institute

2013

2014

Center for Bayou Studies established, focusing on nexus of coastal/estuarine history, culture, and ecology research; center accepts donation of Bobby Jones Collection—papers from early Terrebonne Parish coastal engineer and architect of barrier islands restoration

2014

2015

Ӱɴý begins service on the Executive Committee of the Restore Act Center of Excellence

2015

2018

Ӱɴý celebrates 70th anniversary, some 24 miles from nearest coastline

2018

2019

Plans for Coastal Technology Assistance Center, Coastal Business Incubator, and the NSU Coastal Center are underway

2019

2020

Masters of Marine and Environmental Biology program graduates 100th student; graduates employed by modern coastal agencies such as Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Minerals Management Service/Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and fisheries, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office, and multiple universities.

2020