Louisiana Community and Technical College System

The North Carolina Community College System has named Monty Sullivan as its new president. Sullivan previously led the Louisiana Community and Technical College System and held leadership roles in the Virginia Community College System. He succeeds Jeff Cox, who retired last month, marking the fifth presidential change in the system in a decade.

Richard Nelson, president of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, plans to open a charter school allowing high school students to earn workforce credentials alongside their diploma. He emphasizes addressing barriers like financial costs, childcare, and transportation for non-traditional students, with expanded programs such as MJ Foster and Tops Tech to support these efforts.

Louisiana is implementing Workforce Pell Grants, allowing students to access up to $2,200 for short-term workforce training in high-demand fields starting July 1. The program, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, requires 70% credential attainment and job placement within months, with strict reporting. Grants can be combined with state aid like MJ Foster Promise and TOPS Tech, though upfront costs remain a barrier for some students.

North Carolina's Community College System will appoint Dr. Monty Sullivan as its new president, following a national search. Sullivan previously led Louisiana's community college system for 12 years and is credited with doubling graduate numbers and increasing enrollment there. The system has had five presidents in the last decade, including interim president Bill Carver.

Louisiana's colleges and universities will soon offer digital student IDs via LA Wallet, a phone app, under a new law effective August 1. The law, sponsored by Sen. Larry Selders, allows institutions to implement the system, with estimated costs ranging from $100,000 to $800,000 per system. Some universities are currently evaluating implementation, with potential delays before the fall semester.

Louisiana's colleges and universities will receive over $571 million in construction funding and $101 million for research and projects in the 2026-27 state budget. Key allocations include a $50 million STEM complex at Southern University, an LSU library, and upgrades at Louisiana Tech and Southeastern universities.