SLCC has a plan for the future

Louisiana ranks 48 in the country in educational attainment. The Acadiana area ranks fifth among the eight regions in the state.
“We have a very serious role to play,” Vincent F. June, Ph.D., chancellor, South Louisiana Community College, said during the recent Business Over Breakfast event hosted by the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce.
In spring 2020, nearing the full term of its 2015-2020 Strategic Plan, SLCC launched a process to craft a new strategic plan to guide the institution through 2026.
“Multiple factors influenced the development of this plan, including changes in key leadership positions, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on virtual learning, and a renewed focus on ensuring the long-term viability, sustainability and success of the institution,” June said.
Reimagining SLCC, launched in August, is that strategic plan.
SLCC is comprised of nine campuses in eight parishes covering 6,400 square miles and serving more than 17,000 students annually.
“We impact training in the medical field, automotive, welding, machinists, electricians,” June said. “When you see a truck driver on the interstate, he could have trained here. When you’re waiting for the electricity to be turned back on after a story, that power lineman could have trained here.
“We are a comprehensive community college.”
June noted that “the best way to improve a community is through education — it’s a game changer.”
From the strategic plan, an SLCC College Blueprint was carved which specifies collegewide parameters for key components of the strategic plan focues on the relevance, impact and sustainability of educational programs provided by the institution.
“You can expect to see some consolidating of programs along with some expansion of programs,” June said. “We’ll be eliminating some programs and also adding some new programs.”
Over the next five years, the future of community colleges is strong, according to June.
“Reimagining SLCC positions us to become a national leader among community colleges in America.
“South Louisiana Community College has an extraordinary opportunity to chart a new path for success. We are entering a new era in the history of higher education, away from the old ‘vo-tech and trade school’ images.
“Reimagining SLCC sets the course for our college to grow and thrive in this new landscape and to fulfill a vision to achieve excellence in everything we do.”