Alexandria, LA, December 28, 2021 — A record-setting performance by students in national competition, continued investments by community partners, recognition as one of the top-performing community colleges in the nation, and the opportunity to return to traditional in-person instruction and activities are among the highlights of 2021 for Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC).
“We had one of the best years in the history of the college,” said CLTCC Chancellor Dr. Jimmy Sawtelle. “We know we’ve said that more than once recently, yet, we have been truly blessed to have outstanding business, industry, and community partners. In addition, we’ve had resilient students as well as devoted faculty, and staff members committed to our mission of workforce development. Following the challenges of 2020, CLTCC was eager to return to action and the results show that. We are incredibly proud of the year we’ve had and we’re looking forward to 2022 being another outstanding year.”
As the year draws to a close, here is a look at the stories the college ranked as the Top 10 CLTCC stories of 2021:
Honorable Mentions:
- CLTCC featured as NC3 “School on the Rise.” The NC3 Selection committee recognized CLTCC for “demonstrating uncompromising dedication to its students and surrounding community, and it certainly reflects in the success of their career and technical education training programs."
- CLTCC announces LCTCS Board of Supervisors realignment impacting four CLTCC Campuses: Lamar Salter Campus to SOWELA Technical Community College; Natchitoches Campus and Sabine Valley Campus to Bossier Parish Community College; and Ward H. Nash-Avoyelles Campus to South Louisiana Community College.
- Cenla manufacturers, community leaders, and CLTCC conduct another successful Manufacturing Month educating potential students and joining stakeholders for Manufacturing careers.
- CLTCC’s COVID-19 “Safe Start” eases as traditional classes resume with many restrictions lifted over 2021, resulting in a more conventional college experience.
No. 10 [Tie] – CLTCC, Rod Brady Campus in Jena responds to regional demand for Heavy Equipment Operator and Commercial Driver Program. CLTCC credits Louisiana State Senator Glen Womack for facilitating this expansion.
No. 10 [Tie] – CLTCC and Natchitoches Parish School Board sign an agreement that offers secondary students the opportunity to graduate from high school with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Office Administration in addition to their high school diploma.
No. 9 – PracticalNursing.org names CLTCC, Rod Brady Campus a “Best LPN Programs in Louisiana” for 2021. The Jena-located campus ranked No. 9 from colleges across the state.
No. 8 – CLTCC sees record fourth consecutive SGA President elected as Student Representative to the LCTCS Board of Supervisors. Over the past four years, Jeremy Gray (2018), Shanco Williams (2019), Joshua Turner (2020), and Josh Couvillion (2021) have served on LCTCS’s governing board.
No. 7 – CLTCC named one of 150 candidates for the prestigious $1 million Aspen Institute Award. This award focuses on certificate and degree completion, employment and earnings, and high levels of access and success for minority and low-income students.
No. 6 – LCTCS and CLTCC honor AFCO Industries, Inc. with the 2021 Manufacturing Extension Partnership of Louisiana Small Business Award. The award recognizes businesses exemplifying Louisiana’s entrepreneurial spirit. The award was in partnership with Louisiana Economic Development and the U.S. Small Business Association.
No. 5 – Fort Polk, The U.S. Army's “Soldier for Life,”' Linde, and CLTCC partner to graduate 46 U.S. Army soldiers in Commercial Trucking and Essential Skills. Graduates received full scholarships from Linde, who has made generous investments for “Skills Pipeline” training.
No. 4 – CLTCC expanded Allied Health Programs, launching two Evening Practical Nursing Programs, Medication Attendant Certified, and Pharmacy Technician, promising more in 2022.
No. 3 – Louisiana and Cenla adults will be able to access new grants for high-demand, high-wage career training next summer at LCTCS colleges including CLTCC. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and the Louisiana Legislature approved the “MJ Foster Promise” program providing a maximum $6,400 in student financial aid. What LCTCS System President Dr. Monty Sullivan has termed ‘TOPS for grown folks’ begins implementation in 2022.
No. 2 – CLTCC received nearly $1.9 million in private funds, scholarships, and in-kind investments for high-wage, high-demand career and skills education. Supporters include Cleco, Rapides Foundation, AT&T, Caterpillar, the Coughlin-Saunders Foundation, and The Community Foundation of North Louisiana.
No. 1 – A tie between two historic events:
- CLTCC students earned a record four Gold Medals at the SkillsUSA National and 57 medals at Louisiana Post-Secondary Championships
- The school’s return to traditional graduation honoring the 347 members of the 2021 graduating class with two-time U.S. Olympic Medalist Hollis Conway delivering the commencement address.
Enrollment for Spring and Summer sessions is ongoing. To enroll and register, visit www.CLTCC.edu/apply. For more information, contact the school via email at [email protected] or call 800-278-9855.