VILLE PLATTE ROTARY CLUB

NOVEMBER 24, 2015

     The Rotary Club of Ville Platte today (Tuesday) heard from new LSU-Eunice Chancellor Dr. Kimberly Russell. Dr. Russell has served for the past sixteen years  at Tyler Jr. College in Tyler, Texas.

     In her comments to the Rotary Club, Dr. Russell said LSU E is partnering with business and industry in the Lake Charles area to pre for the 62 billion dollar investment in the oil and gas industry. She said the region will need nurses and other professions to meet the growing demand. The region is expecting to grow in population by 50,000.

     She reported LSU Eunice is looking to meet industry needs in the Lafayette and St. Landry parish areas. She noted that that the Krotz Springs area will be getting a $400 million dollar investment that will create 300 new jobs.

    LSU Eunice will be expanding its nursing program since there is a shortage of nurses. The college is working with the C.E.O’s of local hospitals to assist in filling the need.

    She recognized Dr. Renee Robicheaux who accompanied her who is in charge of the nursing program.

    It was reported that LSU E students transfer at a much higher rate than average two year universities. She said the average tutition cost for a student at LSU in Baton Rouge is $12,000 a year while at LSU E is only $3500 a year, much more affordable for the average family. Rotarian Dr. Ted Ardoin was in charge of the program.

    In other news, it was announced by Ville Platte Mayor Jennifer Vidrine that the holiday lights will be turned on December 1 on city streets and at city hall.

   Rotary Club members welcomed its newest member Maggie Ortego from Cabot Corporation.