Discover Louisiana Tech’s Exciting New Facilities Transforming Campus Life!

Two exciting ceremonies recently kicked off construction on Louisiana Tech University’s latest additions: the Origin Bank Center for Student-Athlete Success at Joe Aillet Stadium and the Forest Products Innovation Center on South Campus.

Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson emphasized the importance of these facilities for the university’s mission of enhancing learning and research. He expressed gratitude to industry partners, policymakers, and supporters, highlighting their vital contributions to these projects that will benefit many future generations of students.

The morning ceremony was dedicated to the groundbreaking of the Origin Bank Center for Student-Athlete Success. Thanks to a mix of state funding and private donations, this new facility will offer top-notch academic and wellness resources for all student-athletes at LA Tech. Origin Bank, which made the largest corporate gift to the university, is the naming partner for this impressive undertaking. Drake Mills, the CEO of Origin Bancorp, shared that this center will help student-athletes grow into their fullest potential.

The Success Center is part of ongoing enhancements at Joe Aillet Stadium, which already includes features like the Sarah and A.L. Williams Champions Plaza and high-tech LED boards.

LA Tech Athletics Director Ryan Ivey added that this center will be crucial for student-athletes, providing the tools they need to excel both in sports and academics. He acknowledged the generosity of donors and the state’s support for improving student readiness for their future careers.

In the afternoon, another gathering took place on South Campus for the Forest Products Innovation Center (FPIC). This facility aims to address the challenges in the timber industry, which employs over 37,000 people in Louisiana. The FPIC will foster research collaborations across multiple fields, including forestry, biology, and engineering.

Gary Kennedy, dean of the College of Applied and Natural Sciences, noted that the center will be equipped with specialized labs designed to advance the innovative use of wood products. This initiative could be vital for the Louisiana economy, considering the timber industry is a multibillion-dollar sector.

Funding and support for the FPIC come from several industry leaders, including RoyOMartin and Weyerhaeuser, as well as grants from organizations like the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Roy Martin III highlighted the urgency of this project, especially following the recent closure of a major papermill, which underscores the need for new sustainable wood products.

Both these projects are set to be completed by Fall 2026, promising to enhance education and research at Louisiana Tech and contribute significantly to its surrounding industries.

For further insights into the economic impact of the timber industry, visit the USDA Forest Service report.

Source link