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Gov. Bobby Jindal told an assembly of educators, business leaders and government officials that Fletcher Technical Community College is doing something right.
Speaking during a ribbon cutting ceremony for the school’s new 99,000 square-foot facility, Jindal said the $21.3 million center is a positive example of what can be accomplished by focusing on the requirements of regional industry and providing a product to meet those needs.
“This is a great day for the entire state,” Jindal said. “Since I’ve been governor we’ve invested more than $500 million in higher education facilities across the state, including $225 million in our community and technical colleges in particular.
“The reason these investments are so important,” he continued, “is because we’ve got the skilled workers we need so we can continue to grow our economy faster than the regional and national average.”
Jindal said companies considering a move to Louisiana are most concerned about finding qualified and skilled workers. In turn, he identified Fletcher’s success as an example for other educational institutions.
“This is a truly historic event for our region,” Fletcher Chancellor Travis Lavigne said during last Tuesday’s on-site dedication ceremony at 1407 La. Highway 311.
Fletcher was founded in Houma as South Louisiana Trade School in 1948, and opened what has been its main campus at 310 St. Charles St. in 1951. For the next half century the school expanded in course offerings, accreditation, academic designation and name changes.
In 2003, Fletcher received a technical community college designation from the state of Louisiana, which launched rapid growth in offerings and influence. In turn, during the past decade Fletcher’s student census increased from 350 to 2,500 students.
Andrew Veros, 20, is a second-year Fletcher student who is studying computer information technology. After earning his two-year diploma he wants to continue working toward a bachelor’s degree.
“This is bigger than I expected,” Veros said of the new facility. “We have a lot more space and a lot more classrooms.”
“This facility provides such an advantage to the students,” Lavigne said. The chancellor said Fletcher offers two-year degrees and is a springboard to four-year college programs. “I’m very pleased.”
“It is a good day for higher education,” said Nicholls State University President Stephen Hulbert. “This [new facility] is going to consolidate program services for Fletcher and it is going to change the attitude of people toward a technical community college.”
Hulbert credited the academic partnership of Fletcher and Nicholls as offering greater educational and career opportunities for the region.
“One of the major items we focus on is workforce development,” South Central Industrial Association President Ted Falgout said. “Certainly having this brand new facility, its capabilities and having industry recognize the need to provide an educated workforce all coming together is just great. Now we’ve got to put this facility to maximum use and I think we will see great returns.”
“It is always helpful in economic development to have a beautiful facility like this to show to potential investors,” Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce President Drake Pothier added. “More than that, Fletcher has for years proven to be a large part of our workforce development. They’re training the future workforce for the region and this facility will help them engage more students and that is a huge deal for the business community.”
Terrebonne Parish President Michel Claudet credited Fletcher as being at the heart of industrial development. “It has provided a competent, qualified and educated workforce and been fuel for the economy,” he said.
Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph said she appreciates knowing that Fletcher is not exclusive to Terrebonne Parish. “I was surprised how quickly we got here from Thibodaux,” she said. “That tells me that this is very well planned as far as distance. I think that is important because it indicates that [Fletcher] wanted to be convenient to all students.”
“[The new Fletcher campus] not only provides the type of training and education that young people need to improve themselves, but the skills that business needs,” state Sen. Bret Allain added. “This will not only help improve the quality of life in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, but extends to Assumption, St. Mary, St. James [parishes] and beyond.”
“Historically, Louisiana has neglected its technical and community college system,” Jindal said. “It is extremely important that we invest in all of our schools, especially our technical community colleges.”
Jindal said state budgeting of capital outlay dollars into higher education, combined with contributions from private corporations and individuals, made the new Fletcher campus possible without placing a financial burden on local taxpayers.
Ribbon cutting at the new 99,000 square-foot Fletcher Technical Community College signifies a new era for education and industry in the Tri-parish region.
