SOWELA Alumni

📣 We're Hiring!

SOWELA is seeking an Adjunct Information Systems Instructor at our Morgan Smith site in Jennings, Louisiana.

If you have a master's degree in Information Systems or a related field and a passion for preparing the next generation of technology professionals, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today: https://careers.lctcs.edu/jobs/495416/adjunct-instructor-information-systems-technology

Join our team and help students build the skills they need for successful careers in the ever-evolving technology industry.

Summer break doesn't mean learning stops! 🚀

This week, K-12 teachers are at SOWELA's Oakdale site for an intensive STEM professional development experience in partnership with ExxonMobil. Through energy-themed research projects and hands-on learning, educators are gaining new tools and ideas to spark curiosity and innovation in their classrooms.

Investing in teachers today helps prepare tomorrow's workforce. 💡

🥈 Nationally Ranked. SOWELA Proud.

Congratulations to Digital Arts and Communication student Autumn Buck for earning a Silver Medal in Screen Printing at the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference! 🎉

This marks the first time a SOWELA student has earned a national medal in the Screen Printing competition—and the first year SOWELA competed in the category. What an incredible achievement!

Join us in celebrating Autumn and all of our SkillsUSA National Championship competitors! 👏

Full Story: 👉 www.sowela.edu/sowela-student-earns-silver-medal-at-skillsusa-national-championships

SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall joined fellow Louisiana Community and Technical College leaders as a panelist at Studer's annual conference today.

The discussion focused on workforce development, strengthening partnerships with industry, and ensuring students are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in today's workforce.

At SOWELA, collaboration with employers remains key to creating opportunities for students and supporting the economic growth of our region.

🍳 Calling all future chefs!

High school students in grades 10-12 can explore the exciting world of culinary arts through SOWELA's Culinary Fundamentals Training.

In just three weeks, you'll gain hands-on kitchen experience, learn industry-standard techniques, and have the opportunity to earn two nationally recognized certifications.

✅ Open to grades 10-12
✅ 3-week training
✅ Two certification opportunities
✅ Potential to earn 9 college credit hours
✅ Available at SOWELA Morgan Smith

Register today: www.sowela.edu/culinary-fundamentals

Six of the nine employees in SOWELA's Information Technology department once attended classes on the very campus they now help support, a reflection of the college’s success in preparing students for high-demand technology careers while strengthening the workforce in Southwest Louisiana.

The students turned staff include Brian Dixon, Caleb Montz (starting this summer), DeQuain White, Josh Rowell, Josh Young, and Shaniece Gradney. All began their professional journeys through internships, student worker opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences while enrolled at the college. Those experiences helped them build technical skills, confidence, and professional connections before graduating.

For these graduates, working at SOWELA represents more than career success, it is an opportunity to give back to the institution that helped launch their futures.

“It’s honestly a full-circle moment,” said Shaniece. “I rally so hard for the students because I know just what they’re going through, and I push them just as all the faculty and staff pushed me.”

“The environment encouraged me to move into an employee role,” said DeQuain. “It didn’t feel like I had a job but more like I’m working with friends. Moving from student to intern to employee was very smooth because of the IT team. They gave me the confidence and encouraged me to do things on my own, especially as an intern.”

“Being able to shadow members of the team as an intern inspired me to continue as an employee,” shared Josh Young. “I knew I would have a chance to continue learning and growing professionally.”

All agree that helping students is what they are most proud of. “Even though we’re not helping directly, I love seeing students working toward their dreams,” said DeQuain.

“SOWELA gave me the opportunity to grow and succeed, and now I get to be on the other side of that helping students doe the exact same thing,” said Shaniece. “The overall support from faculty and staff is really unmatched here, and I love it.”

The success of SOWELA graduates within the IT department also serves as an example for current students considering careers in technology. Seeing former students now working as professionals on campus reinforces the value of hands-on training, industry certifications, and workforce partnerships.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities SOWELA has given me,” said Brian. “SOWELA has helped me learn, grow, and continue building my skills, and I’m thankful to be part of a place that has played such a big role in my life.

Today, the college’s IT department stands as a visible example of that mission in action. Where students are not only trained for successful careers but are also inspired to return and invest in the next generation of SOWELA students.

⚡ Calling all industry professionals!

SOWELA is hiring Industrial Instrumentation and Electrical Instructors as workforce demand continues to rise across Louisiana. Help students gain the hands-on skills needed for today’s high-demand careers while making a difference in our community.

Learn more about the opportunity here:
https://www.theadvocate.com/sponsored/acadiana/sowela/sowela-hiring-industrial-and-electrical-instructors-as-workforce-demand-grows-in-louisiana/article_a8d84a3f-24f3-4534-a9b9-bb97dd478960.html

We are proud to celebrate Practical Nursing Program Coordinator Gary Soileau for receiving the prestigious NISOD Excellence Award! 🏆

At SOWELA’s Oakdale site, Mr. Soileau has made an extraordinary impact on nursing education, leading students to a 100% NCLEX-LPN pass rate while helping the program achieve its highest retention rate to date.

This national recognition reflects his dedication to student success, excellence in nursing education, and unwavering commitment to the future of healthcare in our region. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! 👏

Read the full story: www.sowela.edu/sowelas-gary-soileau-recognized-nationally-with-nisod-excellence-award-for-nursing-program-impact