We are all so tired of hearing about the state our State budget is in.

Will there be TOPS? What could additional cuts to Technical and Community colleges do to impede workforce development for our employers and Industries?

The most recent news out of Baton Rouge is that construction projects at Universities will not be funded and construction will be halted.

Because of the rapid and generous support of St. John the Baptist Parish, residents of the River Parishes, including St. John, St. Charles and St. James, the River Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry Partners, South Central Louisiana Technical College Reserve Campus is not one of those projects.

The 12 percent match required by the ACT 360 Program was donated early in the process, which led to a quick signing of contracts. The bid process was then undertaken and the contractor chosen by that bid process.

There is a rainbow hovering over the Reserve Campus. Because of the planning process, we are far ahead of the curve and missed the cuts. The foundation was poured this past week and even the rain couldn’t keep it from being a joyous occasion.

Residents should see the steel delivered and begin to go up in the next two weeks. At that point, the concept will become a reality and we can begin to look forward to move-in date and a grand ribbon cutting.

Meetings were held this past week to begin the process of choosing furniture, fixtures and flooring. The project we have all been working so hard on is beginning to really take shape.

Students, instructors and administration are counting the few short months before moving day will be here.

The current buildings are at capacity, with currently 847 students enrolled for the Spring Semester.

The new building will add classrooms to hold an additional 500 students.

A specialized training area for Industry trainings, computer lab and full service testing center, financial aid offices, admissions and administration offices are part of the project.

The faculty, staff and student body would like to sincerely thank all of you who have made this new building a reality.

Penelope Freeman is Campus Dean for South Central Louisiana Technical College. She is at the Reserve Campus. Email her at
penelopefreeman@scl.edu.