12/22/2025
CLTCC is grateful to our many Partners and Students as we recall our significant accomplishments and milestones of 2025.
“Bobcat Nation is once again celebrating an exceptional year, made possible by the strength of our supportive community, business & industry partners, and education partners,” said outgoing Chancellor Dr. Jimmy Sawtelle, “While I am proud of our accomplishments over this year and the past 13 years, I am also excited about CLTCC’s future under the leadership of incoming chancellor Dr. Heather Poole. Dr. Poole has been a vital member of our leadership team and brings the skill and passion needed to advance CLTCC’s mission of guiding students to high demand, high wage, high skill careers in Central Louisiana.”
As the year draws to a close, here is a look at some of the stories the college ranked as the biggest CLTCC stories of 2025:
• CLTCC exceeded the Louisiana Community & Technical College System’s 'Reaching Prosperity by 2030' initiative goal by 40%. The college produced 2,818 completers, well above the stretch target of 2,008, across short-term credentials through associate degrees. These results include both traditional academic programs and workforce development training. CLTCC now stands at a cumulative performance level 25% above target, since 2021.
• 2025 saw CLTCC students earn 400 Allied Health credentials in 400 days including Practical Nursing, Pharmacy Technician, Patient Care Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, and more.
• 2025 enrollment was up 13% marking four consecutive semesters of increased enrollment.
• Members of the college’s Welding Fabrication Team, along with individual student competitors, won top honors at the SkillsUSA - Louisiana Postsecondary State Competition. The Welding Fabrication Team captured a gold medal with team members Harley Burton, Angel Guerrero, and Gabe Marcotte. Also, Jonathan Dry won an individual gold medal in Welding while Kyjhai Garcia received a Bronze Medal in Internetworking.
• With overwhelming community and legislative support, our Rod Brady Campus in Jena was expedited for a new campus on property donated by the LaSalle Economic Development District. Additionally, our Ward H. Nash Avoyelles Campus is poised for a significant building project funded through Act 35 of the 2025 Louisiana Legislative Session.
• The Coughlin-Saunders Foundation donated a 2,500-square-foot building in Downtown Alexandria worth $360,000 for expansion and multi-purpose use.
• The Allen and Jeannette Guillory Thomason Foundation donated $375,000 to CLTCC to create endowed scholarships in Construction and Nursing & Allied Health.
• CLTCC continued its strongest financial administration and leadership position as supported by its most recent Louisiana Legislative Audit, which reported zero findings.
• CLTCC achieved an The Aspen Institute “three-peat” by receiving its third consecutive recognition as one of the top community colleges in the nation.
• CLTCC was ranked as No. 1 ‘Best Community College in Louisiana’ by Niche.
• CLTCC entered its record tenth year of maintaining tuition at 2015 prices for student affordability and access.
Applications for the upcoming semester are now open, for information visit www.CLTCC.edu/apply.
