LSU Eunice Raises the Bar in Teaching and Online Education

LSU Eunice continues to grow as one of Louisiana’s top higher education institutions, driven by innovative faculty and a leadership team committed to accessible, high-impact learning. This spring, the campus celebrated its largest graduating class and welcomed a record number of dual-enrollment students. Total enrollment hit 3,292 students, a record high for a spring semester. These students registered for 29,974 credit hours, the highest credit hour count in a single semester since 2010. 
 
“Our faculty have dug deeply into making changes in the course design and how they are delivering the courses,” said LSUE Chancellor Dr. Nancee Sorenson. “They have looked at the way they are delivering material and the way they are testing and how they can streamline the curriculum.” 
 
Many faculty members also serve as tutors in the Student Success Center and collaborate to find new ways to engage students in and out of the classroom. Their dedication is paying off as LSUE students are demonstrating stronger academic performance. Math sections have seen a 37.1 percent increase in overall success since last year, and introductory English courses have improved by 7.3 percent. 
 
“Math is always the biggest area where students need help or lack confidence,” Dr. Sorenson added. “It’s about believing you can do it and demonstrating its practical applications in daily life. I’m so impressed with the huge progress that they have made. We still have room for improvement, but we’re really pleased with seeing a big turnaround.” 
 
Online learning is playing a significant role in LSUE’s growth. Flexible course formats make it easier for working adults and nontraditional students to pursue a degree or certificate on their schedule. With growing demand, LSUE is expanding its online offerings and plans to introduce new accounting, management, and entrepreneurship certificate programs. 
 
“This ability of our faculty to be more nimble and think outside of the box has given us the confidence to really operate a little differently within the higher education space,” said Carey David Lawson, executive director of the LSUE Foundation. “This has enabled us to receive investments from private partners such as the Louisiana Blue Foundation, Ochsner Lafayette General and the Rapides Foundation. I feel that has come about because we have been bold and committed to doing what is best for students.” 
 
That commitment includes regularly reviewing academic programs to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with workforce needs. LSUE is enhancing its Chemical Technician certificate, which has broad applications across multiple industries. It recently updated its Computer Information Technology offerings based on industry feedback and current trends. 
 
Faculty have also earned recognition for their innovation. LSUE Assistant Professor Nikki May recently received the Innovative Contributions to Online Learning Award from LSU Online & Continuing Education for her work on the online Associate of Applied Science in Management degree, highlighting her contributions to course planning and instructional design. 
 
“I’m really proud that we have created an environment where faculty are always learning something new and leaning into what our students need and want,” Dr. Sorenson said. “We are above the national average in almost all categories in our most recent student satisfaction survey, which also had great representation among all age groups. We want that feedback to know if we are meeting students’ needs and to make adjustments if there’s something different we need to provide.” 

About LSU Online & Continuing Education 

Through LSU Online & Continuing Education, LSU Eunice offers affordable, high-quality online degrees and certificates designed to fit your schedule and support your goals. With flexible learning options, dedicated faculty, and a strong focus on student success, LSU Online makes it easier to start or continue your academic journey. 
 
Ready to take the next step? Explore available programs and apply today!