LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA — SOWELA Technical Community College Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall was recently appointed to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) Board of Trustees. SACSCOC is a recognized accrediting body for degree-granting higher education institutions in the United States and around the world, including SOWELA.
Aspinwall was elected by fellow members of the SACSCOC College Delegate Assembly to guide the organization’s work and to implement the accreditation process.
Since 2012, Aspinwall has led SOWELA as Chancellor, drastically increasing enrollment to historic levels, including a recent 20% enrollment increase in Fall 2025. During his tenure, the College has acquired additional locations in Jennings, Leesville and Oakdale, La. College facilities across all sites have undergone more than $105 million in renovations and technological advancements to meet the ever-growing needs of business and industry, ensuring students are well-prepared for the workforce.
For nine consecutive years, SOWELA has been named the No. 1 community college in Louisiana by Niche and WalletHub. SOWELA graduates rank first in the region and third statewide for highest median salaries, reflecting a strong return on investment and reinforcing the College’s role as a key economic driver for the state.
For more information about SOWELA, visit www.sowela.edu or contact the One Stop Enrollment Office at (337) 421-6550.