Gov. Jon Bel Edwards on site during groundbreaking at NSU

NATCHITOCHES - Gov. Jon Bel Edwards was among those in hardhats Tuesday when officials at Northwestern State University broke ground on what will be a state-of-the-art academic building named for former NSU President Robert Alost. Edwards said the groundbreaking on the $44 million investment represents the progress Louisiana is making by investing in education. "It is incredibly significant for everybody, and for students that are not even on campus yet, students who are not even born yet. They are going to benefit from this investment, so in a very real way this groundbreaking is a testament to the work that we have all done collectively to invest again in higher education: Edwards said. "Education is the engine for economic growth and diversification. It is the key to opportunity and prosperity for everybody." NSU President Marcus Jones said the groundbreaking marks a historic moment at the university. "Today, we gather to celebrate the start of a new chapter in the life of our institution as we begin construction of the state-of-the-art building that will serve as the hub of innovation, collaboration and learning for generations of students, faculty and staff to come: Jones said. "This groundbreaking is a testament to the unwavering commitment of excellence in education, research and service to our community." Jim Henderson, president of the University of Louisiana System and a past president of NSU, said Louisiana is experiencing a renaissance in higher education and that when complete, Alost Hall will be the preeminent academic building in the state.