Advisory Committee

SOWELA utilizes the expertise and knowledge of individuals who employ our students to give us advice and guidance. An advisory committee composed of the following individuals works toward the improvement and continued growth of our school:

Organization and Governing Board

Stephen C. Smith (Board Chair)
Vincent St. Blanc, III (First Vice Chair)
Michael "Mickey" Murphy (Second Vice Chair)

Student Members:
Brock Dubois and Jared Hauge

Dr. Joe May, President
Louisiana Community and Technical College System
265 S. Foster Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 219-8700

Accreditation

COE is approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education to accredit these specialized schools.

Address of the COE:

Council on Occupational Education
41 Perimeter Center East, NE
Suite 640
Atlanta, GA 30346
(770) 396-3898

Institutional Mission

Sowela’s mission is to empower students in transfer, career and technical education to become globally competitive citizens through state-of-the-art learning experiences in all programs and services.

Institutional Vision

To become an exemplary institution recognized nationally for excellence in education, training and service.

Institutional Values

A Commitment to Students
Excellence in Education
Community
Access and Diversity
Faculty and Staff
Campus Environment

History

Technical education deals with knowledge, skills, and attitudes that prepare the individual for a specific occupation or vocation. To assist in the accomplishment of this task, the Southwest Louisiana Trade School was established by the Louisiana Legislature in 1938, and in 1940 classes began in five programs of training. In 1962, the name was changed to SOWELA Technical Institute due to expansion of facilities, growth of the student body, increased curricula, and the need for additional technical education.

In 1971, SOWELA Technical Institute gained significant recognition upon its accreditation by the Commission on Occupational Education Institutions of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - one of the most prestigious educational accrediting agencies in the United States.

SOWELA Technical Institute moved to its present location in January 1980. The institute was renamed SOWELA Regional Technical Institute in March 1990, as it served as the regional center for Region Five.

Another milestone was reached on July 27, 1995, when the school was renamed Louisiana Technical College - SOWELA Campus. SOWELA was among the largest and most progressive post-secondary technical colleges in the state.

The Louisiana Community and Technical College Board of Supervisors changed the status of Louisiana Technical College - SOWELA Campus to SOWELA Technical Community College effective July 1, 2003.

Service Area of the Campus

SOWELA is located at 3820 Sen. J. Bennett Johnston Avenue in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This campus is located in Calcasieu Parish and serves citizens of Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, Allen and Beauregard Parishes.