Nicholls State University, located in Thibodaux, Louisiana, is a comprehensive, regional institution that first opened its doors to the student community on September 23, 1948, as Francis T. Nicholls Junior College of Louisiana State University. The university awards graduate and undergraduate degrees, besides offering education in non-degree and certification programs. The various programs offered by the university are spanned across its Academic Colleges, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration, College of Education and College of Nursing and Allied Health, and other units.