LSUA and Cleco Advance Healthcare Initiatives in Central Louisiana
Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA) has secured initial funding for the development of a state-of-the-art health education center in downtown Alexandria, Louisiana. The planned 70,000-square-foot facility is designed to address the region’s growing demand for healthcare professionals by providing students with access to advanced technology and modern training environments across multiple healthcare disciplines.
This project is supported through collaborations with local partners and the state legislature, with Cleco contributing $1.4 million to the LSUA Foundation in support of LSUA’s Health Education Campus.
“At Cleco, our responsibility goes beyond delivering reliable energy – it’s about powering the future of our communities,” said Bill Fontenot, president and CEO of Cleco Corporate Holdings LLC. “That’s why we’re proud to invest in healthcare education. Strong, healthy communities are the foundation of a strong workforce and economy. By supporting healthcare education programs, we’re not only helping students pursue meaningful careers, we’re building thriving communities where we can live, work, and succeed.”
Like many states, Louisiana faces a shortage of nurses and allied health professionals. There are currently over 550 vacancies for registered nurses and 170 for allied health positions within area hospitals, clinics, and physicians’ offices.
In partnership with regional stakeholders, LSUA seeks to respond to local workforce needs by enhancing existing programs and utilizing the new facility to increase its annual number of nursing graduates to approximately 250. The Health Education Campus will offer interdisciplinary learning opportunities and advanced technological resources, equipping graduates to meet the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals while strengthening ties with the broader community.
“Our new LSUA Health Education Campus in downtown Alexandria will play a vital role in addressing the critical shortage of nurses and allied health professionals in our region. Cleco’s partnership on this transformative project is a powerful example of private industry stepping up to support health workforce development. We are deeply grateful to Cleco and CEO Bill Fontenot for their leadership and commitment to improving the quality of life for communities across Louisiana,” said Paul Coreil, LSUA Chancellor.
Strategically located in downtown Alexandria near major hospitals and healthcare providers, the LSUA Health Education Campus will expand capacity for all health education programs.
Cleco's contribution was instrumental in demonstrating community backing and securing essential state funds for initiating construction of the project. This investment forms part of the broader $43 million committed to downtown Alexandria’s revitalization efforts. LSUA, the LSUA Foundation, and regional healthcare organizations acknowledge Cleco’s pivotal role in advancing the future of healthcare in central Louisiana.
Individuals interested in supporting LSUA may contribute to the LSUA Foundation. Further information is available at www.lsuafoundation.org.
Written by Adam Lord
Photo credit - Nathan Parish
Image [L-R]: LSUA Chancellor Paul Coreil, Cleco President & CEO Bill Fontenot, LSUA Foundation President Kelly Pepper
