Nicholls State University, located in Thibodaux, La., is an accredited regional university with a diverse population of about 6,500 traditional and nontraditional students. Since first opening its doors in 1948, Nicholls has been the only university serving the Bayou Region. The family-oriented campus offers more than 100 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, 90-plus student organizations and 14 Division I athletic teams. Nicholls capitalizes on its prime location and rich culture by offering distinctive academic programs in culinary arts, geomatics, maritime management, marine and environmental science, petroleum services and safety technology. The university serves a large population of first-generation college students and has consistently been designated as a Military Friendly School. The 287-acre Thibodaux campus is located approximately 50 miles west of New Orleans and 60 miles southeast of Baton Rouge.