Nicholls State University recently received a generous contribution that promises to strengthen one of its most distinctive academic offerings, as per this news release from the University. The Contractor’s Educational Trust Fund (LA-CETF) donated $50,000 to support both scholarships and programming in the Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering, specifically within its geomatics program. This program, long recognized for its innovation and workforce impact, has produced graduates who step directly into high-demand roles across Louisiana and beyond.

Kenn Naquin, secretary of LA-CETF, explained that the donation reflected the industry’s need to invest in its future workforce. He noted that the students trained at Nicholls State University would become tomorrow’s employees, and it was in the best interest of Louisiana contractors to ensure the university produced the most qualified graduates possible. Naquin described Nicholls students as the “product” of this educational process, and emphasized the fund’s desire to help the university create the best professionals in the field.

This $50,000 investment was not the trust’s first show of support for Nicholls. Over the years, the LA-CETF has contributed to a range of initiatives that bolstered both student opportunities and faculty development. These past donations included $100,000 toward the Endowed Geomatics Student Scholarship, $25,000 for the Jules Oreste Chustz Endowed Student Scholarship, and $50,000 in need-based scholarships designated for Nicholls students who faced hardship following Hurricane Ida. Additionally, funding has helped the School of Engineering recruit and retain talented faculty members, as well as establish endowed professorships that ensure long-term academic excellence.

Dr. Esra Tekdal Yilmaz, director of the School of Engineering and an associate professor of geomatics, expressed deep gratitude for the trust’s consistent backing. She explained that LA-CETF’s support was vital to sustaining the university’s nationally recognized geomatics program and preparing students to enter a field that required precision, technical knowledge, and adaptability. Dr. Yilmaz underscored that without such partnerships, the program could not continue its record of success in both education and job placement.

The geomatics program at Nicholls has built a reputation for excellence, boasting a 100% job placement rate for its graduates. Students are trained in the fundamentals of surveying and mapping but also gain expertise in cutting-edge technologies. Coursework and hands-on experiences expose them to Global Navigation Satellite Systems, Geographic Information Systems, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and advanced laser scanning techniques. This combination of traditional skills and modern innovation ensures graduates are highly competitive in industries ranging from construction and urban planning to environmental management.

The Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering also extends its impact through collaborative degree pathways. Nicholls students can pursue studies in civil and mechanical engineering through a partnership with the University of New Orleans. This arrangement allows students to complete UNO’s Bachelor of Science curriculum in fields such as mechanical or civil engineering while remaining on the Nicholls campus for most of their undergraduate studies. In their final year, they transition seamlessly to UNO to finish their degrees, creating a flexible and affordable route into the engineering profession.

The Contractor’s Educational Trust Fund itself plays a unique role in Louisiana’s educational and professional landscape. Established as a nonprofit, the fund provides resources to universities across the state that offer programs tied to construction and contracting. Its financing comes from violation fines collected by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors. These reinvested funds ensure that penalties for noncompliance are transformed into opportunities for students, scholarships, and academic advancement.

Taken together, the consistent partnership between LA-CETF and Nicholls demonstrates a forward-looking vision for Louisiana’s workforce. By channeling resources into student scholarships, faculty development, and program innovation, the fund is helping to guarantee that the next generation of geomatics and engineering professionals are well-prepared for the challenges ahead. In doing so, it underscores the importance of collaboration between higher education and industry to secure both academic excellence and economic growth.

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