Nunez Breaks Ground on New Student Testing Center

Nunez Groundbreaking Ceremony

Partners from the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, state and local government, the Nunez Community College Foundation, architects and contractors joined executives from Nunez Community College Dec. 19 at Nunez’s campus in Chalmette to break ground on a new 17,000-square-foot Student Testing and Career Counseling Center. The new “welcome mat” facility on Paris Road is expected to open in Spring 2024.

Nunez Community College’s profile on Paris Road in Chalmette will never be the same after the college broke ground on a new Student Testing and Career Counseling Center in December of 2022.

Officials from the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS), including President Dr. Monty Sullivan, joined Nunez executives, leaders from state and local government, and representatives from the involved architectural and construction firms on Dec. 19 to “turn some dirt” and signal the beginning of construction. The 17,000-square-foot “welcome mat” facility on Paris Road is expected to open in the spring of 2024.

Nunez Chancellor Dr. Tina Tinney said during her remarks at the groundbreaking that the Student Testing and Career Counseling Center (STCCC), although initially delayed by the coronavirus pandemic, is being built at an opportune time to support an anticipated influx of industry jobs, which will require training.

“With developments like the governor announcing $800 million in funding for the Port of New Orleans’ container terminal in St. Bernard, our parish is on the cusp of so much expansion,” said Dr. Tinney.

LCTCS President Dr. Monty Sullivan echoed Dr. Tinney’s comments on Nunez playing a key role in training the future workforce of southeast Louisiana.

“What’s happening here will fundamentally change the economy, and it’s coming right through Nunez,” said Dr. Sullivan.

The STCCC will join Nunez’s Administration Building on Paris Road between West Magnolia Drive and West Libereaux Street. The prominently located facility will be the first stop for new students to receive all the services they need for a successful start to their time at Nunez. In addition to the stated testing and career counseling services, the STCCC will also feature multi-function spaces for community use and a coffee shop with a drive-through lane.

The STCCC project originated during the 2013 Louisiana Legislative Session as part of the ACT 360 initiative, which authorized 29 projects to improve facilities at Louisiana community colleges. Additional funding was also provided by the Nunez Community College Foundation.

The building was designed and engineered by Holly & Smith Architects and will be built by Landis Construction.

Registration for the Spring 2023 semester is open now at Nunez.edu. Students will receive course texts and required supplies free of charge for the Spring 2023 semester via the Follett Access program, a partnership between Follett, LCTCS and Nunez.

Students in need of advising can contact their Student Success Coach or submit an Advising Request Form at Nunez.edu/advising.

About Nunez Community College     
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.