LSUS Student Life team brings home three statewide awards

SHREVEPORT - When Angel Brown first stepped onto LSU Shreveport's campus in 2019, first-generation students were recognized by the campus but not fully supported.

Fast forward to 2026 when Brown returned to LSUS as the Campus Leadership Coordinator, and her evaluation of how the university supports students has shifted.

Brown has been part of that change since returning in April, and her Rising Professional of the Year award is one of three LSUS Student Life awards the division received at the Louisiana Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators earlier this month.

"Anyone who works in higher education knows that it is an interesting yet rewarding field, and just to be spotlighted for my work means a lot to me," said Brown, who holds a public health degree from LSUS in addition to a master's in higher education administration from Wiley College. "LSUS has improved in this area since I first started as a student, and the freshman process looks completely different now.

"I feel like now, the acknowledgement of the transition in being a first-generation college student and what that entails mentally and physically is a lot louder. There's all types of communities that support first-generation college students, and it's become a lot more of a culture for educators now to at least acknowledge that every student comes from different paths and to use that information to adjust our encounters with them. I'm proud that we're seeing the students holistically."

LSUS Student Life finds ways to serve the entire student population, but more than half of Pilots are first-generation, meaning that neither parent holds a four-year college degree.

Brown isn't the only new Pilot to be recognized on the state level.

Ricki Rebollar-Becerra, director of student life, captured the Outstanding Mid-Level Professional of the Year after beginning in his role in March.

"Since joining LSUS, I have had the opportunity to work alongside colleagues who care deeply about our students and to get to know student leaders who are passionate about making a difference on campus," Rebollar-Becerra said. "I think LSUS is continuing to make important strides in creating a more traditional college experience where students have opportunities to connect with one another, get involved, and feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves.

"A big part of that is recognizing that the college experience extends beyond the classroom. It is also about the friendships that students build, the organizations they join, the events they attend, and the leadership skills they develop along the way."

Developing meaningful relationships, particularly for first-time freshmen, is one key indicator whether that student persists toward a college degree.

What better way to encounter those interactions than at the LSUS Color Run during the first week of the fall semester - dubbed "Week of Welcome."

The Color Run was recognized as the best Program or Practice of the Year by LACUSPA.

The event features students clad in white running/walking on a course while getting sprayed with colorful blasts of different powders.

"More than a fun, colorful event, this annual tradition sets the tone for the year by creating an atmosphere of excitement, positivity, and connection," said Rebekah Hensley, assistant director of student life who holds an LSUS degree in community health and played college soccer. "The Color Run provides students with an opportunity to begin the semester by engaging with their campus community, building relationships, and developing school spirit.

"By bringing students, faculty, staff, and volunteers together, the Color Run reinforces the idea that a successful academic year is built not only on academic achievement but also on involvement, collaboration, wellness, and a shared sense of belonging."

The recognition for LSUS Student Life comes as the university is reaching new heights in strengthening a residential, traditional college experience.

Pilots Pointe, LSUS's on-campus apartments, was completely full with a waiting list this year after a years-long renovation overhaul since the university gained ownership of the property in 2020.

Some Student Life members live on-site at Pilots Pointe, which provides a perspective more in tune with the student experience and offers opportunities for more robust programming.

"There is a growing emphasis on creating experiences that encourage students to spend more time on campus, engage with their peers, and develop a stronger connection to LSUS" Rebollar-Becerra said. "We have a strong foundation, and we want to continue building on it so students see LSUS as not only a place where they earn a degree, but a place where they find their community, discover their interests, and make memories that stay with them long after graduation."

Students can get involved in more than 70 clubs and organizations, including Student Government, Greek life, seven LSUS athletics teams, club and recreational sports, discipline-specific organizations, and an international student organization.

For more information on organizations and opportunities, visit LSUS's Anchored In platform.