Dr. Steve G. Horton Named Lifetime Achievement Recipient for the 2026 Go Natchitoches Awards
Posted 02-02-2026
Natchitoches, LA, February 2, 2026: The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce has announced Dr. Steve G. Horton, Executive Director of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA), as the recipient of its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. This recognition coincides with Dr. Horton's upcoming retirement in June, marking the culmination of 40 years of service across K-12 and higher education.
Before returning to LSMSA, Dr. Horton spent nearly 30 years at Northwestern State University, where he served in a series of progressively senior academic roles, including professor, department head, dean, vice provost, and interim provost. His long tenure at NSU shaped much of his leadership philosophy and strengthened his commitment to advancing educational excellence across the state.
Dr. Horton has served as LSMSA's seventh Executive Director since 2016, returning to the institution where his educational career began in the mid- 1980s. His leadership has contributed to the school's continued reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to serving Louisiana's most promising students.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Horton has earned major recognition at both the state and university levels. In 2019, he was named Special Education Leadership Professional of the Year by the Louisiana Council for Exceptional Children. He has also been honored extensively by Northwestern State University (NSU), including induction into the Hall of Distinguished Educators (2017), the inaugural Greek Life Hall of Fame (2022), and the university's premier alumni distinction, the Long Purple Line (2024). In 2022, Dr. Horton was inducted into the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to journalism, communication, and the arts at NSU.
His influence extends nationally as well. In 2021, Kappa Sigma Fraternity named Dr. Horton its Outstanding Alumnus Advisor of the Year for his service to the Theta Mu Chapter at NSU.
His service to the community is equally far-reaching. He has held leadership roles with the Natchitoches Historic District Commission, the NSU Foundation Board of Directors, the City Bank & Trust Co. Board of Directors, and the Mystic Krewe de St. Denis, among others. As part of his responsibilities with the NSU Foundation, Dr. Horton also serves as CEO and Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Mary R. Gallaspy Charitable Trust No. 2, a major trust supporting scholarship funding at the university.
Deeply rooting in family and community, Dr. Horton is married to the former Emilyn Matthews, a retired special educator. They are proud parents of two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary Katherine, and grandparents to one grandson, Cooper.
The community is invited to join the celebration as Dr. Horton and other outstanding businesses and individuals are recognized. Registration for the Go Natchitoches Awards Banquet is now open at GoNatchitoches.com/Awards.
The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. The Chamber is committed to championing business, connecting community, and cultivating growth in Natchitoches Parish.
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Before returning to LSMSA, Dr. Horton spent nearly 30 years at Northwestern State University, where he served in a series of progressively senior academic roles, including professor, department head, dean, vice provost, and interim provost. His long tenure at NSU shaped much of his leadership philosophy and strengthened his commitment to advancing educational excellence across the state.
Dr. Horton has served as LSMSA's seventh Executive Director since 2016, returning to the institution where his educational career began in the mid- 1980s. His leadership has contributed to the school's continued reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to serving Louisiana's most promising students.
Throughout his tenure, Dr. Horton has earned major recognition at both the state and university levels. In 2019, he was named Special Education Leadership Professional of the Year by the Louisiana Council for Exceptional Children. He has also been honored extensively by Northwestern State University (NSU), including induction into the Hall of Distinguished Educators (2017), the inaugural Greek Life Hall of Fame (2022), and the university's premier alumni distinction, the Long Purple Line (2024). In 2022, Dr. Horton was inducted into the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to journalism, communication, and the arts at NSU.
His influence extends nationally as well. In 2021, Kappa Sigma Fraternity named Dr. Horton its Outstanding Alumnus Advisor of the Year for his service to the Theta Mu Chapter at NSU.
His service to the community is equally far-reaching. He has held leadership roles with the Natchitoches Historic District Commission, the NSU Foundation Board of Directors, the City Bank & Trust Co. Board of Directors, and the Mystic Krewe de St. Denis, among others. As part of his responsibilities with the NSU Foundation, Dr. Horton also serves as CEO and Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Mary R. Gallaspy Charitable Trust No. 2, a major trust supporting scholarship funding at the university.
Deeply rooting in family and community, Dr. Horton is married to the former Emilyn Matthews, a retired special educator. They are proud parents of two daughters, Elizabeth and Mary Katherine, and grandparents to one grandson, Cooper.
The community is invited to join the celebration as Dr. Horton and other outstanding businesses and individuals are recognized. Registration for the Go Natchitoches Awards Banquet is now open at GoNatchitoches.com/Awards.
The Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce helps foster a thriving community through transformative leadership, collaboration, and innovation. The Chamber is committed to championing business, connecting community, and cultivating growth in Natchitoches Parish.
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Company Info
Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce
373 Second Street
Natchitoches, 71457