South Louisiana Community College

09/04/2026

Today kicks off our brand-new program video series, giving you a fresh look at the high-impact career paths waiting for you right here in Acadiana.

Starting with our Power Line Worker training felt right. Every hurricane season, these crews step up as true hometown heroes, restoring comfort, safety, and light to our neighborhoods when bad weather passes through Acadiana.

Through our hands-on Power Line Worker program, you master real-world skills in a supportive, safety-focused environment. You train on industrial vehicles, pole-climbing techniques, cable stringing, and essential line testing, gaining everything you need to step confidently into a high-demand field.

Take a look at the video below to discover what you can accomplish, and follow along as we spotlight more exciting opportunities designed around your future.

Our short-term Power Line worker Training lets you master real-worl...

09/03/2026

Balancing classes, jobs, and family responsibilities demands incredible dedication, and no student should have to navigate hunger on top of that. Across the country, food insecurity impacts college students every single day, creating a real barrier to finishing a degree and changing their lives.

That is why community support matters so much.

Earlier this week, the generous team at EDG, Inc. delivered food products, bottled fresh water, and essential personal care items straight to our campus food pantry. Their delivery stocks our shelves with reliable staples, giving our students the peace of mind they need to stay nourished, focused, and ready to thrive in the classroom.

We truly appreciate EDG investing directly in our student community! 💙

Featured in the photo left to right: Stacey Walker, Stephanie Menard, Randy McCall, and Kodie Blaine with EDG, and Thomas Falgout with SoLAcc

09/02/2026

Strengthening Acadiana’s workforce requires a shared commitment to people and regional progress.

We are so happy to announce that to that end, SoLAcc and the Lafayette Economic Development Authority LEDA (LEDA) received national recognition from the International Economic Development Council, earning a Silver Award in Excellence in Talent Development and Retention for the "Skill Up for Economic Resilience" initiative!

Funded through a U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration grant, this initiative created new curricula and brought cutting-edge equipment to our Precision Machining, Industrial Automation Technician, and Airframe & Powerplant Technology programs. Together with LEDA’s community outreach, roundtables, and hiring events, we continue expanding career pathways across our region.

Dr. Vincent June, highlighted the importance of this collaboration:

“This recognition reflects what is possible when education, economic development and business and industry are truly aligned around the needs of our region. Through our partnership with LEDA, we are connecting people with training for high-wage, high-demand careers while ensuring our programs respond directly to the workforce needs of Acadiana’s employers. This award celebrates a partnership that is creating real opportunities for our students, supporting our businesses and strengthening our region.”

Thank you to our dedicated faculty, local industry partners, and hardworking students who turn workforce training into lasting regional success!

Read the full story:

The Lafayette Economic Development Authority and South Louisiana Community College received a national Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council for their joint workforce tra…

09/01/2026

We are proud to announce Tim Marks and Christopher “Tipper” Esponge as SoLAcc’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni!

We celebrated both honorees during this year’s Legacy Luncheon, recognizing the incredible dedication, leadership, and heart they bring to our Acadiana communities every day.

Tim Marks – Guiding Light Award
Tim graduated in 1996 from our Practical Nursing program in Opelousas and has dedicated his life to caring for his neighbors by strengthening healthcare access across Louisiana. Today, he leads partnerships for Opelousas General Health System and continues giving back through his service on the Foundation for SoLAcc Board.

Christopher “Tipper” Esponge – Rising Star Award
After a life-changing injury sustained during his service in the Louisiana National Guard, Christopher found a fresh start and earned his Industrial Technology (INDT) degree in 2013. He went on to build E&L Construction Group and now serves his hometown family and friends as the Mayor of Delcambre.

“At SoLAcc, we believe our greatest measure of success is found in the achievements of our graduates,” said Dr. Vincent June, Chancellor of South Louisiana Community College. “Tim and Christopher have each used their education as a foundation for lives of purpose, leadership and service. Their stories remind our current students that where you begin does not define where you can go, and we are proud to recognize them as our 2026 Distinguished Alumni.”

Please join us in sending a warm congratulations to Tim and Tipper! 🎓

See the full release in the comments below.

09/01/2026

Here's to you, Andrew!

08/31/2026

Please join our SoLAcc family in celebrating an incredible milestone and wishing a happy retirement to Youlonda Donatto!

For an extraordinary 36.5 years, Youlonda served as a cornerstone of our campus community and our Purchasing Department. Behind decades of classroom resources, college milestones, and daily operations, her dedication helped keep our institution thriving.

Her warmth, steady guidance, and SoLAcc spirit touched generations of colleagues and students across Acadiana. While our Ardoin building halls will not be quite the same without her daily presence, we're so happy for her as she begins this well-deserved new chapter.

Thank you, Youlonda, for nearly four decades of dedication to our students, faculty, and community. From SoLA, with Love. 💙🎉

08/30/2026

Alumni Spotlight: Chelsea Thomas

Chelsea Thomas attended SoLAcc online from 2020–2022, earning a degree in General Studies. Today, she is helping other students discover their own paths as a Career Coach at SoLAcc.

Chelsea says her college journey was not a straight line, but each experience helped her build confidence, strengthen her communication skills, and discover her passion for helping others. Being a student worker in Career Services gave her hands-on professional experience and eventually opened the door to a full-time career at the College.

“SoLAcc didn’t just help me earn a degree. It helped me discover my voice, believe in my abilities, and build a career where I can help other students realize their own potential.”

Her advice to current students is to step outside their comfort zones and say yes to new opportunities.

“You never know which experience could change the course of your life. Believe in yourself, keep an open mind, and don’t let fear keep you from discovering your potential.”

Are you a SoLAcc alumni? Join our Alumni Network here: South Louisiana Community College Alumni

08/29/2026

Looking to build a versatile skill set this fall?

Step behind the screen with MCOM 1110: Introduction to Mass Media on the Lafayette Campus. Over 12 focused weeks starting September 11, you explore how modern media networks operate, evaluate the messages reaching our communities, and gain 3 transferable credits toward your goals.

This class starts soon! Be sure to add it to your schedule today! Check out the comments below for an easy guide to adding classes. 🦉

08/28/2026

The Foundation for SoLAcc proudly welcomes its newest Board of Directors and newly appointed officers. Each leader brings deep community roots, invaluable experience, and a shared dedication to helping our students thrive.

New Board Members:
• Roya Boustany (City Court Judge, City of Lafayette)
• Brennan Castille (Chief Talent Officer, DMR Technology)
• Penny Gennuso (Owner, The Best Stop)
• Anna Goodson Stringer (Marketing Director, SHK Restaurant Group)
• Robert Torian (Attorney, NeunerPate)

Appointed Officers:
• President: Mike Flash (Vice President, DXI Electric, LLC)
• Vice President: André Breaux (Vice President of Policy Initiatives and Governmental Affairs, One Acadiana)
• Treasurer: Cheryl Bartley, CPA (Cheryl L. Bartley CPA, LLC)
• Secretary: Paul Molbert (Vice President of Clinical Integration, Ochsner Lafayette General Health)

"Our new members bring valuable experience, strong community connections and a shared commitment to creating opportunities for students across Acadiana. I look forward to the perspective they will bring as we continue growing the Foundation’s support for SoLAcc and its students."
— Mike Flash, Foundation President

Please join South Louisiana Community College in celebrating these leaders as they work to expand scholarships, strengthen programs, and open new doors for your success. 🎓

08/27/2026

Adult Education Instructor Ashley Hymel marks 10 years at SoLAcc with a deep commitment to student success. Celebrating Ashley as our Employee of the Month highlights the dedicated support behind our students every day.

In the classroom, Ashley guides adult learners toward their high school equivalency diplomas and career goals, creating an environment where individuals can rediscover their potential.

"What motivates me most is seeing students accomplish goals that they once thought were beyond their reach. Progress does not always happen quickly, but every step forward matters."

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys gardening on the family farm, playing mahjong, and baking sourdough with a starter named Gertrude.

Join us in celebrating Ashley Hymel for making a meaningful difference across our campus community! 👏