(Lake Charles, La.) – SOWELA Technical Community College is pleased to announce the promotion of two distinguished members of its leadership team, Allison Dering and Dr. David LaFargue, from Executive Director positions to Vice Chancellor roles, recognizing their exceptional contributions to student success, workforce development and institutional advancement. These appointments reflect SOWELA’s continued commitment to strengthening student services, enrollment growth, workforce partnerships and economic development throughout Southwest Louisiana.
“The promotion to Vice Chancellor for Ms. Dering and Dr. LaFargue is a testament to the tireless efforts they put forth each and every day to ensure that SOWELA remains one of the most valuable assets in Southwest Louisiana,” said SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall. “Their leadership and management in conjunction with the vision they have for their respective divisions of the College have contributed to the tremendous growth we have experienced and the outstanding reputation for workforce development we have established. I am grateful and honored to work with them and all the SOWELA faculty and staff.”
Allison Dering Named Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
Dering brings more than two decades of higher education experience to her new role, having served SOWELA in progressively responsible leadership positions since 2007. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, overseeing enrollment management, academic advising, financial aid, recruitment, registrar services, testing, career services, counseling, accessibility services and student support programs across multiple campuses.
Throughout her tenure, Dering has championed strategic enrollment initiatives, enhanced student communications and onboarding processes, strengthened retention efforts and provided leadership for more than 40 staff members serving students throughout the region. She has also played a key role in implementing institutional strategic plans, expanding student engagement opportunities and advancing the College’s commitment to student success.
A graduate of McNeese State University, Dering holds a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Science in Management and Marketing. She serves on numerous campus committees and professional organizations, including the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and the Louisiana Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Dr. David LaFargue Named Vice Chancellor of Workforce Solutions
LaFargue has served as Executive Director of Workforce Solutions since 2021 and has built a reputation as a visionary leader in workforce development, technical education and industry engagement. In his new role, he will continue to provide executive leadership for workforce training initiatives that serve healthcare, manufacturing, energy, construction, transportation, technology, hospitality and business sectors throughout the region.
Over the course of his career at SOWELA, LaFargue has led major workforce and academic initiatives, secured millions of dollars in grant and proposal funding, developed strategic industry partnerships, advanced STEM education efforts and helped establish innovative training programs that respond directly to employer needs. His leadership has contributed significantly to workforce development efforts across Louisiana and has positioned SOWELA as a leader in customized training and economic development.
LaFargue holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a Master of Arts in Business Management and Leadership from Liberty University, and degrees in Engineering Technology and Process Technology from McNeese State University. He is widely recognized for his work in workforce development, STEM education, training innovation and industry collaboration.