Brought To You By NSU; Written by Leah Jackson
An education enhancement fund at Northwestern State University that honors an influential educator has reached the $10,000 mark. Interest from the fund is now eligible be used to enhance teaching and learning in NSU’s School of Education.
The Patrick D. Weaver Education Enhancement Fund was established in memory of an NSU graduate and Oil City native. Weaver earned a degree in business and distributive education at NSU 1967 and a Master of Education from Centenary College. He served as the Distributive Education coordinator in Caddo Parish at Northwood and Byrd high schools for a number of years. In 1993, he accepted a position with the Louisiana State Department of Education, where he worked in the Bureaus of Teacher Certification and Accountability.
At the time of his retirement in 2011, he was serving as deputy undersecretary in the office of the State Superintendent. He died April 12, 2022, at his home in Lafayette.
The Weavers are an education family. His wife, Chris, is a former Louisiana Teacher of the Year who has served education in numerous capacities. His two stepsons, Wade and Cody Strother, and their wives, are currently public school teachers. His stepdaughter, Shannon Strother is the director of a research institute at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. The family sponsored the Distinguished Educator’s Reception in 2022 and 2023 in Weaver’s memory.
“During our years together, we enjoyed many activities and happenings at NSU. We were thankful for the fine education we gained from dedicated individuals in the College of Education. The Pat Weaver Education Enhancement Fund is our effort to support continuing quality teacher education,” Chris Weaver said.
Program enhancement funds are administered to enhance learning, research, travel and/or professional development to meet the needs of the School.