NEWS

The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC) generously contributed $275,000 to the Construction Engineering Technology program at Louisiana Tech University. Funding will be used to improve classroom and lab spaces with construction slated to begin next summer.

LSLBC presented the donation to the College of Engineering and Science (COES) Thursday. The event was attended by key figures, including Tech President Jim Henderson, COES Dean Collin Wick, faculty from Louisiana Tech’s Construction Engineering Technology program, members of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors (AGC), the Mechanical Contractors Association (MCA), state legislators including Representative Foy Gadberry and Senator Stewart Cathey, Jr., and representatives from the LSLBC.

“We are most thankful to the LSLBC for their generous support of our Construction Engineering Technology (CET) program,” Wick said. “The program has achieved record enrollment, and this funding will play a crucial role in developing cutting-edge classroom and lab spaces for our CET students.”

These funds, gathered from voluntary contributions made by contractors across the state, are distributed among construction engineering programs in Louisiana. This donation underscores the commitment of the state’s construction industry to fostering the next generation of industry leaders.

“The Construction Education Trust Fund contribution to Tech’s construction engineering program is another example of the construction industry giving back to prepare the future contractors of Louisiana,” said Ken Naquin, chief executive officer of the Louisiana Associated General Contractors. “The industry is the end user of the young men and women that the Program produces, and we want our Louisiana construction programs to be the best. This financial aid to the nationally certified construction programs is just our way of ensuring that this industry gets the best and brightest to stay home and work in this dynamic industry.”

In addition to enhancing student access to cutting-edge construction engineering tools, previous contributions have enabled students to attend national conferences such as the North American Society for Trenchless Technology’s No-Dig Show, the Utility Construction Technology Conference, the Associated General Contractors of America Conference, and the International Trenchless Technology Conference and Exhibition.

“Thank you to the contractors whose generosity makes this gift possible,” Reggie Jeter, the construction engineering program director said. “This donation will enhance our program by supporting student conference attendance, upgrading lab equipment, and renovating CET spaces in Bogard Hall.”

Louisiana Tech’s Construction Engineering Technology program equips students with a robust foundation in math, science, engineering, construction, and business. Graduates leave prepared for leadership roles across a wide range of industries, including construction management, quality control, building inspection, cost estimation, entrepreneurship, and surveying. With hands-on experience and a comprehensive curriculum, Louisiana Tech graduates are well-positioned for success in their careers.