SCIA awards Fletcher professorship

Fletcher Technical College Foundation established its first $100,000 endowment professorship with a donation from South Central Industrial Association.

“Through the support and commitment of SCIA, Fletcher can continue to fulfill its mission of workforce development and addressing industry needs in these challenging economic times,” Chancellor Travis Levigne said.

One of the main focuses of SCIA, according to the organization’s president Tony Boudreaux, is workforce development.

SCIA, established in 1997, serves a network of businesses in the Tri-parish area. Executive Director Jane Arnette said the organization is dedicated to regional development of business and industry and encourages the exchange of ideas and opinions on matters of common interest.

“SCIA has donated $17,900 from funds collected through several memorials and through SCIA fundraising activities,” she explained.

In developing the fund, SCIA had help from some local businesses. The association was only asked to donate $40,000 to secure the professorship. The board of regents put up the other $60,000.

“This professorship is a way for SCIA to honor them (Fletcher) and keep their efforts alive in our community,” said SCIA board member Kenneth Smith of T. Baker Smith and Sons.

SCIA fell under the old endowment rule, Lavigne said. However, in coming months, the foundation will be required to secure a $60,000 base of private dollars, and the board of regents will match that with a $40,000 appropriation to make a $100,000 endowed professorship.

Fletcher Technical Community College is a two-year public institution that offers quality, cost-effective technical programs and academic courses to individuals looking to prepare themselves for immediate employment, career advancement and future learning, Lavigne said.

Fletcher’s foundation was chartered in 2008 to support and enhance one or more of Fletcher’s technical programs. The board of regents established the professorship for the purpose of recruiting top-quality instructors and retaining those faculty members whose research, teaching and public service have contributed to the institution.

The endowment was announced at last week’s Louisiana Technical and Community College board meeting that was held in Houma at the Allied Health Building.