Southeastern, Northshore Technical Community College formalize ‘DirectConnect to Southeastern’ partnership
Thursday, January 18, 2024 
by: Tonya Lowentritt
SIGNED ON THE DOTTED LINE - Southeastern Louisiana University President William Wainwright, left, and Northshore Technical Community College Chancellor Jim Carlson shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding on Thursday (Jan. 18) that formalized and enhanced the two institutions’ ongoing partnership. The DirectConnect to Southeastern program provides solutions to expanding college student access and preparation of students who will complete certificate and/or associate degrees through NTCC and transfer into a baccalaureate program at Southeastern.
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University and Northshore Technical Community
College signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday (Jan. 18) that formalized
and enhanced the two institutions’ ongoing partnership.
Titled DirectConnect to Southeastern, the program is designed to enhance both
the efficiency and effectiveness of students seeking post-secondary education in southeast
Louisiana, particularly in Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, Washington, St. Helena and Livingston
parishes.
Officials said the partnership provides solutions to expanding college student
access and preparation of students who will complete certificate and/or associate
degrees through NTCC and transfer into a baccalaureate program at Southeastern.
“The DirectConnect to Southeastern program ensures that both institutions are
proactive in addressing the ever-changing higher education landscape,” said Southeastern
President William S. Wainwright. “The partnership further ensures that both Southeastern
and NTCC are responsive to relevant actions of the Louisiana Legislature, leverages
the Board of Regents’ ‘Master Plan for Higher Education,’ and encourages ease of transfer
credits between post-secondary institutions and comprehensive community college services
throughout the Northshore region.”
DirectConnect provides enrolled NTCC students with a systematic outline to successfully
complete a baccalaureate degree, Wainwright explained. Under the agreement, NTCC students
will take courses at Southeastern related to the following approved career pathways:
biological sciences (microbiology/molecular, ecology/environmental biology, and integrative
biology), business administration, nursing, psychology, and supply chain management.
“Northshore Technical Community College and Southeastern Louisiana University
are committed to providing students successful paths to graduation and employment
in high demand careers,” NTCC Chancellor Jim Carlson said. “This collaboration strengthens
our commitment and provides a seamless transition for students. The partnership will
provide students expanded access to college and university programming and engagement
in relevant workforce preparation.”
Coursework for students enrolled in DirectConnect will be completed on Southeastern’s
campus. The students will also have access to the university’s Student Union, food
vendors and campus dining meal plan opportunities.
Both officials agreed the partnership will work to enhance the workforce development
of the region.
