Greetings to all,
The year 2026 has brought tremendous momentum and growth to both the College of Nursing and Health Sciences and the University as a whole. In February, Dr. Ramesh Kolluru was appointed as our sixth University President, and we are deeply appreciative of his leadership, vision, and dedication as we continue advancing in innovation and excellence.
On March 21, 2026, the College proudly hosted its 75th Anniversary Diamond Soirée. This memorable evening welcomed more than 300 alumni, supporters, and colleagues for a celebration filled with recognition, live music, and dancing. It marked a meaningful kickoff to a year dedicated to honoring 75 years of excellence in healthcare education.
Progress continues on the College’s transition to the Health Sciences Campus, with construction of the Regional Simulation Center scheduled to begin in Fall 2026. Several naming opportunities have already been secured, and I am collaborating closely with the Office of Development to expand philanthropic support for this state-of-the-art facility.
Enrollment remains strong, with Fall projections expected to surpass those of 2025, continuing our steady growth in both undergraduate and graduate programs. The Academic Success Program, now integrated into the BSN curriculum, has significantly improved year-to-year retention and will positively influence the RN workforce across the state. The UL Lafayette Ochsner Lafayette General Accelerated BSN program has recently welcomed its third cohort, and student outcomes continue to be outstanding.
Additionally, the Faculty First initiative—supported by Our Lady of Lourdes Health and the Louisiana Department of Health—is now in its second year, helping expand the pipeline of master’s-prepared nursing faculty, with the first cohort on track to graduate in May 2027. Students in the inaugural cohort of the Cancer Registry Management Program will complete their studies in August and will be eligible for certification as Oncology Data Specialists.
With so much progress and achievement, we are excited about the future and all that lies ahead.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Lisa Broussard
Dean, College of Nursing & Health Science
