By Juanice Gray
jgray@natchitochestimes.com
A new roof and expanded programs. That is the announcement made by Central Louisiana Technical Community College Dean Laurie Morrow and President Dr. Monty Sullivan Wednesday, Oct. 17.
In spring 2016, the Natchitoches campus was devastated by flooding. Up to 3 feet of water invaded the classrooms destroying floors, walls and equipment. The campus has rebounded since then, undergoing extensive renovations and remodels to better suit the needs of the students and programs. Sullivan said the $500,000 already invested in the renovations was due in part to Gov. John Bel Edwards. “He made sure the resources for the project were available,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan said the campus would receive a new roof, “because what good are all the renovations, if the roof leaks.”
The project is in the bid process already. “We will accept recommendations as to the type of material based on the bids as long as everything meets the specs,” he said. The process should be completed by the first quarter of 2018 to allow work to begin next spring.
Sullivan also announced $350,000 in funding for their manufacturing and welding programs. “This was finalized Monday,” he said. “Rep. Kenny Cox and Sen. Gerald Long really stood up for us on this.”
“What a statement this makes about the future of this school,” Long said.
“We need the guys who weld, do plumbing and the electricians,” Cox said. “They are the backbone of the US. Companies are looking for skilled labor… and this campus produces people who meet those company’s needs. They work, they pay taxes and they are successful.”
Morrow said the manufacturing and welding programs will utilize the welding shop and offer advanced procedures. Past programs offered internships with local companies and Morrow said those programs are putting their graduates in permanent jobs.
Sullivan also recognized NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio for his contribution in making the partnership between CLTCC and NSU a reality. “It’s a mutual support system like no other,” he said. “It provides opportunities for success.
Sullivan closed by stating, “This (funding) is an investment not only in a building or equipment, but in our students and everyone’s future.”
