Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College celebrated 90 years of providing workforce education and training Friday with a ceremony at its Shreveport campus that highlighted the college’s history, alumni and plans for a major campus transformation.
The anniversary event brought together college officials, elected leaders, community partners, alumni and supporters to commemorate the institution’s founding and announce plans for approximately $30 million in campus improvements.
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College traces its history to July 9, 1936, when the Shreveport Trade School was established through Act 265 on the former Hope High School property. The school was Louisiana’s second technical school and was created to provide practical education and occupational training for residents of Northwest Louisiana.
“Today is more than a celebration of a college. It’s a celebration of a legacy,” Chancellor Dr. Jada Spillers said.
From its first graduating class in 1938, generations of students have passed through the institution’s doors seeking education, workforce training and opportunities for better careers, Spillers said.
Although the institution has operated under several names over the decades, she said its mission has remained consistent: preparing students for meaningful careers while helping meet the workforce needs of the region.
The college’s 90th anniversary celebration also featured recognition of alumni whose careers were shaped by their education at the institution.
Linda Biernacki, a former Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College student and longtime Shreveport business owner (Fire Tech Systems, Inc.), recalled enrolling in the school through the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act program, which provided participants with compensation while they attended school.
She earned a degree in mechanical drafting and credited the education and training she received at the college with providing the foundation for her career in the construction industry.
After graduation, she joined a local fire sprinkler contractor before establishing her own company in 1990. The business eventually expanded to serve customers in six states.
She said she is especially grateful that her daughters have joined the family business and continue its commitment to education and workforce development.
“I’m deeply appreciative of the education I received at NLTCC, and I’m excited about the institution’s future under the leadership of Dr. Spillers,” she said.
The ceremony also included recognition from state and local officials.
A resolution from state Sen. Sam Jenkins’ office commemorated the college’s 90 years of educational excellence, workforce development and service to Northwest Louisiana. The resolution recognized the institution’s role in expanding educational opportunities, strengthening the regional economy and preparing students for successful careers.
Caddo Parish officials also presented a proclamation recognizing the anniversary and the contributions of the college’s administrators, faculty, staff, students, alumni, government leaders and supporters.
The event’s focus then turned to the future of the Shreveport campus.
Spillers said the college has invested approximately $4.7 million in campus improvements since she became chancellor in 2023. The work has included deferred maintenance, HVAC improvements, security upgrades, restroom renovations, interior improvements, asbestos abatement, flooring and painting projects.
The college also installed a new marquee and upgraded security systems with cameras, fencing and key-code access.
Spillers said the improvements were necessary to ensure students have a safe and modern environment in which to learn.
“These improvements were a necessity in ensuring that the college continued to be a place where hopes and dreams of a better future become a reality,” she said.
The larger campus revitalization effort, known as Project Rebuild, is expected to include approximately $30 million in improvements.
Plans call for resurfacing portions of the campus, modernizing building facades and creating a more welcoming environment.
A major component will be construction of a new 35,000-square-foot allied health and administration building. The facility is expected to expand the college’s ability to train the health care workforce needed in the region.
Plans also call for converting Building A into a student center, providing students with space to connect, collaborate and develop a fuller college experience.
Spillers credited state legislators and community supporters for helping the college qualify for funding through Act 35. The funding requires the college to provide a local match, which she said was made possible through donations and community support.
She specifically thanked Jenkins, state Rep. Stephen Jackson and other supporters who helped advocate for the project.
Spillers also recognized donors and community organizations that contributed to the matching funds, including alumni and business supporters.
“We couldn’t have accomplished this without the generosity that followed,” she said.
She emphasized that the campus improvements represent only the first phase of a longer-term vision.
“I’m all about — I’m working on phase two,” Spillers told the crowd.
As the college looks toward its next 90 years, Spillers said its mission will remain focused on preparing workers for regional industries, supporting economic development, creating pathways to prosperity and changing lives through education.
“To each and every one of you that are here today, I want to thank you for being a part of this vision, our story,” she said. “Our college success belongs to all of you.”
The anniversary celebration concluded with an invitation for guests to tour the campus and view displays documenting the college’s nine decades of history.