Month: October 2023

Southeastern and Northshore Technical Community College have each received a three-year, $1.5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities initiative. Southeastern’s grant is to address the growing shortage of nurses and nurse educators in Louisiana, including increasing the number of nurses from underrepresented populations, while NTCC’s grant is to establish new programs in advanced manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, and industrial safety.

“The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities initiative is an essential element to strengthening local workforce ecosystems and economic vitality throughout our region,” said Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Corey Wiggins. “Delta Regional Authority’s partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor ensures that residents receive industry-driven skills training for high-demand jobs in their communities, helping to create pathways to high-quality careers and economic mobility in some of the most persistently impoverished areas of the United States.”

NTCC and Southeastern represent two of only three higher education institutions in Louisiana to receive Delta Regional Authority awards totaling a $3 million combined investment on the Northshore. The parishes to be served by the grant include Ascension, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, Point Coupee, St. Helena, Tangipahoa, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.

“The strategic partnership between Tangipahoa Economic Development, Southeastern, and NTCC has been an integral part of the economic growth and prosperity of Tangipahoa parish over the last several decades,” said Executive Director of Tangipahoa Economic Development Ginger B. Cangelosi. “With this grant, both institutions will be able to continue supporting local industry by providing advanced educational opportunities to our residents that will help build wealth and provide financial stability for our citizens. In turn, we will all continue to reap the benefits of a relationship that has vastly improved the economic landscape of Tangipahoa Parish, as well as the entire Northshore region, and we are pleased to support them in their efforts.”

“Southeastern and NTCC are our closest partners in higher education and workforce training in our region, and this investment into some of our key industry sectors on the Northshore—healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and logistics—will strengthen economic competitiveness, career advancement, and job creation opportunities for the entire region,” said Chris Masingill, CEO of St. Tammany Corporation, the economic development organization for St. Tammany. “Workforce development, talent retention, and talent recruitment are at the top of the list of considerations for businesses when making investment decisions, and Southeastern and NTCC are both cultivating a strong pipeline of talent in these important industry sectors for Southeastern Louisiana.”

Southeastern’s Louisiana Education Advancement Program for Nurses will achieve four goals over the three-year grant period. First, LEAP for Nurses will assist Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Registered Nurses (RN) in increasing skills, attaining good jobs, and increasing wages. Second, it will provide access to workforce development programs for veterans and individuals from historically marginalized and underserved communities. Third, it will also increase the number of nurse educators prepared at the graduate level. Last, LEAP for Nurses will promote economic transformation through increased employment and retention in RN positions within the care economy of the region served.

LEAP for Nurses will target newly graduated or incumbent nurses (LPNs and RNs) who are residents of one of the 10 rural DRA parishes. Priority will be given to nurses who are veterans or eligible spouses of veterans, followed by those from historically underserved groups adversely affected by persistent poverty, discrimination, or inequality, including but not limited to, black, indigenous, people of color; LGBTQ+ individuals; women; and individuals with disabilities.

“We are thrilled to have received this grant, as it will not only help us provide programs for underserved and marginalized communities, but for veterans as well,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “As an economic driver for our surrounding communities, Southeastern prioritizes workforce development opportunities and seeks to provide them whenever possible. We are fortunate to have strong partnerships with Hood Memorial Hospital, Lakeview Regional Medical Center, Lallie Kemp Medical Center, North Oaks Health System, and St. Tammany Health System that serve as training grounds and educational resources for our students.”

As part of Southeastern’s grant, NTCC will receive sub-awards to provide assistance with tuition and fees. In return, NTCC will provide an LPN-to-RN (ADN) education program, promote the program to LPN and RN students, and participate in advisory council and strategic planning meetings.

NTCC’s grant will help establish new programs in advanced manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, and industrial safety programs. NTCC Interim Chancellor Jim Carlson said it will significantly enhance the educational opportunities and workforce training capabilities at NTCC, ensuring that students are well prepared for the demands of today’s rapidly evolving job market.

In partnership with Greater New Orleans, Inc. and St. Tammany Corporation, these new programs will serve as an onramp into high-wage, high-demand careers, he explained.

“This grant represents a significant milestone for NTCC and the local community,” Carlson said. “It will not only strengthen the college’s educational offerings, but it will also contribute to the economic development of the region by producing a skilled workforce that meets the needs of our local industries.”

Southeastern has experienced growth in two key areas – enrollment and retention of students – this academic year.

The university realized solid increases in enrollment across both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate enrollment rose by 2.1 percent, while graduate enrollment experienced an increase of 13.3 percent.

“Reaching my 100th day in office bears with it the great news of our fall 2023 enrollment report. Southeastern has been working on a concerted and university-wide effort to strengthen purposeful enrollment,” said Southeastern President William Wainwright. “Seeing growth in so many student categories indicates that we are certainly moving in the right direction and have a post-pandemic path forward. I know this is only the beginning.”

With an overall enrollment of 13,888, an increase of 2.9 percent, Southeastern experienced growth in several categories. New or incoming student increases included transfer students, graduate students, dual enrollment students, and reentry students. Southeastern experienced its largest-ever dual enrollment of high school students, and the Honors Program had a significant increase of 16.2 percent, resulting in the largest enrollment in the program’s history. Also, the university saw a 30.9 percent increase in international students.

“While growing our new student base is important, having gains in retention demonstrates our commitment to student success. Ensuring every student has the greatest possibility to graduate is one of our paramount goals,” added Wainwright.

In addition to enrollment growth, Southeastern also reported successful increases in retention of students. The freshman retention rate, for example, was the highest ever at 76 percent. A significant increase in retention of African American students was realized, as well as increases in retention of male and dual enrollment students.

Southeastern currently offers over 150 programs of study, including many that are regionally and nationally ranked.

Southeastern Laboratory School recently announced that it has earned accreditation by Cognia™, a non-profit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.

Formerly AdvancED, Cognia nationally recognizes districts that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation that meets the needs of learners, and effective leadership. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the school is accredited and that Southeastern Laboratory School is recognized across the nation as a school that meets Cognia standards of quality, maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement.

“School accreditation as conferred by the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission provides the Southeastern Lab School a nationally recognized mark of quality for the school,” said Dean of the College of Education Paula Calderon. “It demonstrates to our community our commitment to excellence, our openness to external review and feedback, and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve.”

“Our staff has committed itself to not only student growth but also professional growth,” said Southeastern Lab School Principal Stephen Labbe. “Our Cognia accreditation shows the hard work of our teachers, our students, and our school community. Also, the feedback we received from the review will help us to continue to grow in all areas of our school.”

To earn Cognia accreditation, a school district also must implement a continuous process of improvement, and submit to internal and external review. Schools in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a five-year term.

“Cognia Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school and its community on the primary goal of preparing lifelong learners in engaging environments where all students can flourish,” said President and CEO of Cognia Mark A. Elgart. “Southeastern Laboratory School is to be commended for demonstrating that it has met high standards and is making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.”

Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, Northwest Accreditation Commission, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement. Parents and interested community members can learn more about Cognia Accreditation at cognia.org.