NEWS

A new addition to Louisiana Tech University’s Enterprise Campus — Tech Pointe II — has officially opened.

The plans for the construction of Tech Pointe II were announced in 2019 by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards. Four years later, Edwards attended the building’s ribbon-cutting ceremony and stressed the importance of a statewide commitment to higher education and to growth of universities like Louisiana Tech.

“This represents that we are, in Louisiana, again strategically investing in our most critical priorities,” Edwards said. “And there are none more important than higher education.”

Edwards pointed out that the facility is not the only testament to his words and referred to the Integrated Engineering and Science Building across the street from Tech Pointe II, another large, campus-enhancing project that was funded in part by state support.

Like the rest of the Enterprise Campus, Tech Pointe II serves both its tenants and Louisiana Tech students, fostering partnerships that will lead to world-class career paths for home-grown talent.

“Tech Pointe II will bring new life to the Enterprise Campus of Louisiana Tech,” Tech President Dr. Les Guice said during the ceremony. “I look forward to the unparalleled learning opportunities and experiential research that will take place within its four walls.”

Tech Pointe II expands on the efforts of the original Tech Pointe to welcome industry partners to the University. Three companies — Radiance Technologies, Louisiana New Product Development Team, and Crossmark Management Group — currently call Tech Pointe II home. The companies enter a five-year lease to occupy the building.

“When I think about the opportunities that will be created for students here at Tech Pointe II, that every time a tenant comes here and is successful by working with a Tech student … I believe we are going see a virtuous cycle of success begetting success,” Edwards said. “That’s what the leadership here in Lincoln Parish, Ruston, and Louisiana Tech understands.” 

Kyle McDonald, Argent CEO and President of the Tech Pointe II LLC Board, said in his opening remarks that “it’s been a great honor to work on this project, and I look forward to what is going to come from the work in this beautiful building.”

Others in attendance included Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker, Representative Chris Turner, members of Representative Julia Letlow and Senator Bill Cassidy’s teams, and other state leaders.