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What's Happening at SOWELA


Students Named to SOWELA’s Spring 2023 Chancellor’s and Deans’ Lists

SOWELA Marks 85 Years of Exceptional Graduates, Surpasses Pre-COVID and Hurricane Graduation Numbers

SOWELA Announces 100% NCLEX Pass Rate for Practical Nursing and LPN to RN Students During National Nurses Month
Alum Kat Stevens at Presidential Press Event
Alum Kat Stevens at Presidential Press Event
I would also like to invite Kat Stevens, who re-trained and found a job here when she needed it most.
And she got a tremendous story to tell. I want to thank you Kat and also, Kat, where’s Kat? Kat? Where’s Kat?
Thank you.
[Kat Stevens]
Thank you. Nice to meet you.
Hello everyone. My story is more of a journey than a story. It started in 2014 when my husband lost his oil field job. He was a drilling supervisor of 13 years. And ours like Ronald was immediate.
We have seven children from college to elementary school. No income, no insurance It was a lot. I went to the job fair and met several people from Cameron LNG and decided at that point I needed to come back to college. So, I went to SOWELA Community College here in Lake Charles.
(applause)
And with the support of my family, my parents especially and my husband, graduated ahead of time. Got to do my internship out here and just absolutely fell in love with everybody out here. The culture, the people, everything they stand for. And as soon as I graduated, Mr. Dan Callens hired me and I’ve been here ever since and it’s just fabulous.
And everything they stand for they do truly stand for safety above all because they realize that I have a family to go home to. Everyone out here has a family to go home to. We’re all children of someone and that means a lot to me, it really does.
And Mr. Trump and Sempra thank you so much for everything you’ve done. And thank you for your energy independence. It’s gonna be great for my family. Thank you very much
(audience clap and cheer)
The SOWELA Experience

Virtual Campus Tour Video
Virtual Campus Tour
Our campus has changed dramatically over the past five years by adding five new buildings. Our coursework is accredited by SACSCOC, enabling easy transfer to a 4-year program.

Meet Christopher Video
Meet Christopher
SOWELA Welding Student
“I never thought I’d love welding, but I do. What I love about SOWELA class is the instructors. The skills I obtain at SOWELA can take me all over the country.”

Meet Kortney Video
Meet Kortney
SOWELA Culinary Arts Student
“I chose SOWELA because I heard it was such a great program. Everything they offer is so hands on, which I enjoy so much. Also, the positive attitude and everyone being so supportive.”