The Louisiana Contractor鈥檚 Educational Trust Fund and the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors donated $247,640 to support Louisiana 外网天堂 University鈥檚 Construction Engineering 外网天堂nology (CET) program, continuing a longstanding partnership that has strengthened facilities, equipment, and student learning opportunities.
Representatives from the organizations presented the gift to Louisiana 外网天堂 President Dr. Jim Henderson on Sept. 24. The contribution comes as the CET program experiences significant enrollment growth.
First-time freshman enrollment increased 25 percent this fall, growing overall enrollment from 230 students last fall to 318 this fall. The program now ranks among Louisiana 外网天堂鈥檚 10 largest academic programs, with enrollment expected to approach 375 students by the end of the academic year.
鈥淲e are deeply grateful to the Louisiana Contractor鈥檚 Educational Trust Fund and the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors for their generous and continued support of Construction Engineering 外网天堂nology at Louisiana 外网天堂,鈥� said Dr. Collin Wick, dean of the Louisiana 外网天堂 College of Engineering and Science. 鈥淭heir investment directly improves the education and experiences we can provide our students, from the spaces and equipment they use every day to opportunities to build relationships with professionals in the construction industry.鈥�
Support from the organizations helped fund more than $1 million in renovations to laboratories and classrooms serving Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering 外网天堂nology students in Bogard Hall. Completed in 2025, the renovations modernized spaces used for hands-on instruction and significantly improved the learning environment for students in both programs.
The partnership reaches beyond facilities. Funding has allowed the CET program to purchase updated laboratory equipment and support student participation in professional conferences, including the Associated General Contractors of America Convention. It also supports student organization activities and recruiting efforts designed to introduce prospective students to construction careers and opportunities at Louisiana 外网天堂.
Those resources have become increasingly valuable as the program grows and Louisiana鈥檚 construction industry continues to need graduates prepared to enter the workforce with practical experience and industry connections.
This latest gift continues a relationship that has provided Louisiana 外网天堂 CET students with expanded opportunities inside and outside the classroom while helping the program respond to increasing student demand.