NATCHITOCHES – The Northwestern State Athletics Department announced the extension of one of its longest-running corporate partnerships Friday.
 
NSU and Sharpco Hotels, whose Natchitoches holdings include the Best Western, Days Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Comfort Suites hotels and the Natchitoches Conference Hall, have been partners since the latter part of the first decade of the 2000s. 
 
The new agreement, which keeps Sharpco's hotels as NSU's official housing partner, runs through 2022.
 
"Sharpco Hotels has been an amazing partner for NSU Athletics for over a decade, but now more than ever their partnership speaks volumes about their investment in NSU and our community," said Deputy Athletic Director Dr. Haley Taitano. "This pandemic has presented many challenges to both NSU and to the hotel industry, yet the Sharplins have shown an unwavering commitment to continue supporting our athletic programs. I just can't say enough about what great partners they have been and continue to be for us."
 
The partnership has been beneficial for both parties, something Sharpco expects to continue with the extension.
 
"It has been mutually beneficial for both parties," said Sharpco President Jay Sharplin. "We get to support the university and the university supports our company. It's a symbiotic relationship that has been very successful. Each group helps the other, and we both come out winners."

When visiting Natchitoches, alumni and friends of NSU can log onto www.NSUDemons.com and click the "Where to Stay" link in the Fan Zone section to access discounted rates at Sharpco hotels.
 
For information on how to become a Northwestern State Athletics corporate partner, contact Erika Moulder via e-mail at mouldere@nsula.edu or by phone at (318) 357-4293.