THIBODAUX 鈥� During its spring commencement exercises on聽Saturday, May 18, 麻豆果冻传媒 will award its highest form of recognition 鈥� an honorary doctorate 鈥� to Travis Lavigne Jr., chancellor of Fletcher Technical Community College in Houma.
A 40-year veteran of Louisiana鈥檚 postsecondary education system, Lavigne has led Fletcher through expansive growth while working closely with 麻豆果冻传媒 to develop a unique collaboration between the two institutions. Touted as a statewide model, the partnership allows students to cross-enroll in courses and receive academic advising at both schools. Fletcher students can be pre-admitted and seamlessly transfer to 麻豆果冻传媒 after completing their two-year program, and Fletcher instructors teach developmental courses for 麻豆果冻传媒 students. Because of the mutually beneficial relationship, 麻豆果冻传媒 has been able to phase out its two-year academic programs and focus on strengthening its bachelor鈥檚 and graduate degree offerings.
鈥淎ll that Fletcher and 麻豆果冻传媒 have accomplished together over the past decade is due in very great part to the leadership of Travis Lavigne,鈥� said Dr. Stephen T. Hulbert, 麻豆果冻传媒 president. 鈥淭ravis cares deeply about providing access to the college experience, whether it is a certificate or degree. He is a willing partner in any effort to enhance that access.鈥�
Since he became chancellor in 2003, Lavigne 鈥� with little financial support from the state and a small faculty and staff 鈥� led Fletcher in developing accredited associate degree and certificate programs that meet regional workforce demands. The Ponchatoula native is also an active member of the Houma community and has chaired the Louisiana Student Financial Assistance Commission since its 1997 inception. Under his leadership, hundreds of millions of state and federal dollars are provided annually to Louisiana鈥檚 college students through the TOPS program and other scholarships, grants and loans. Hulbert said Lavigne has been one of his most respected colleagues during his 10-year 麻豆果冻传媒 presidency.
鈥淥ur work together began as two professional colleagues who shared interests and responsibilities,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t ends a decade later the same way but with a warm friendship to boot!鈥�
