Pi Kappa Phi member Jake Bryan has been named 2012 “Mr. NSU,” the highest honor a Northwestern State University student can receive. Bryan, along with “Ms. NSU,” Lauren Waguespack, were selected by the student body as part of a continuing tradition dating back to 1956. The Student Government Association holds elections for the honor each fall semester, with Mr. and Ms. NSU being presented at a home football game. These two outstanding students can be seen at other campus events and activities throughout the year.

Bryan, a senior from Pollock, Louisiana, is pursuing a degree in health and physical education. A tight end for the Demon Football team, he was also one of 26 Freshman Connectors working with incoming freshman during visits to campus this summer. In November, he was elected Warden of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi, having previously served as Historian. NSU Homecoming in October brought two significant awards for Bryan. He was named to the 2012 Homecoming Honor Court and was awarded the David Morgan “Extra Mile” Scholarship for Pi Kappa Phi. He also volunteers as a Demon VIP.

Campus involvement is critical, he says, to any student’s experience at NSU. “Northwestern State provides opportunities unlike any other to become part of what is truly a family and close-knit community. It makes the college experience that much more enjoyable and memorable.”

Jake Bryan addressing the New Student Convocation

He was also selected in August to give a keynote address at Northwestern State’s annual New Student Convocation, offering insight, advice and humor for incoming students. The ceremony welcomes incoming freshmen and other new students. Northwestern President Dr. Randall Webb, the President’s Cabinet and department heads participated in full ceremonial regalia with guest speakers introducing the new students to university history and traditions.  The event is the university’s official start of the new academic year.

A transfer student, Bryan’s advice comes from time spent at another university. He says NSU is a truly special place. “It offers the small-town environment that fosters relationships and interactions among all students, faculty, and staff members, as well as a comforting, safe, at-home feel, he said. “Equally, NSU offers the opportunities to excel as both students and individuals that one might find at a much larger university — it’s the best of both worlds.”

Jake Bryan on the gridiron at NSU’s Turpin Stadium.

Bryan has 10 career catches as a Demon for 117 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown grab in a win over Southeastern Louisiana two years ago, according to a news release. The two-year letter winner saw limited playing time during the 2012 football seasons due to knee surgery and played six games in 2011 as injuries were a continuing issue. Bryan started seven games in 2010 for NSU after transferring from LSU, where he was a member of the 2008 Tiger team that defeated Georgia Tech in the Chick-Fil-A bowl and the 2009 squad that fell to Penn State in the Capital One Bowl. In 2010, Bryan was a recipient of the Chris Waddell Award, presented annually to the walk-on player who best demonstrates an unselfish approach with a tremendous work ethic and strong leadership qualities, achieving beyond expectations on the field while setting a positive example for his teammates academically, socially and in the community. He was also named to the Southland Athletic Conference Commissioner’s Fall Academic Honor Roll.

Bryan joins two other Pi Kapps as recipients of the “Mr. NSU” award: L.C. Cathey in 1960 and Roland McKneely, Jr. in 1961.

Pi Kappa Phi member Scott Mayeaux was also named a 2012 finalist for the “Mr. NSU” honor.