Photo by: Vesna Dies

Gov. Edwards cutting the ribbon at the opening of the Nicholls Athletics Covered Practice Facility (11/7)

Nicholls State University welcomed Gov. John Bel Edwards for two events on campus Tuesday.

Gov. Edwards has been to Nicholls a few times in the last couple of years, including attending the dedication of the Boucvalt Athletic Facility, Nicholls’ covered practice facility and the breaking ground ceremony for the Coastal Center on Tuesday.

The university also celebrated the announcement of a new nursing building with Edwards.

Edwards attended the events on behalf of the state and its investments in the university

“The projects were made possible through the $40 million the school received in capital outlay last year,” according to the Houma Times.

Edwards, a self-proclaimed advocate of state education, addressed the importance of these facilities at a state-run school.

“All three projects together show what happens when you’re investing in higher education[…],” Edwards said.

Edwards believes that in addition to the educational ventures, the athletic facility will help to bring in students.

“Every university,[…] they are competing with one another, not just for athletes, but students,” Edwards said. “Students want to go where there is going to be a wonderful experience overall. For a lot of students that depends on what athletic programs they have.”

Edwards added that these projects add to student’s quality of life at the university and that it is a draw for students to enroll.