Nunez Joins Forces with Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council

Nunez Community College signed a memorandum of understanding with Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council last week to combine resources in the struggle to rejuvenate Louisiana’s coastline.

The partnership will couple resources and support between GCERC and Nunez Community College to explore mentoring, internships and career service opportunities to students in Nunez’s Coastal Studies and GIS Technology degree program. GCERC is also seeking to provide curriculum assistance to Nunez’s Coastal Studies instructors.

In return, Nunez will use its deep ties to coastal industries and communities to promote GCERC initiatives and garner community engagement.  

“We’re excited to engage in this endeavor. I can’t imagine a better partnership given our location and Coastal Studies program,” said Nunez Chancellor Dr. Tina Tinney during the Nov. 17 MOU signing ceremony on the Nunez campus. “We share the same mission: Providing opportunities for students to be active in understanding, supporting and improving our coastal ecosystem.”

GCERC Executive Director Ben Scaggs, who is set to retire shortly, said the MOU with Nunez is a goal that has been on his radar for some time.

“I couldn’t imagine my last official act being something more meaningful than this,” he said. “This is a great time for us to partner with Nunez, and we’re going to be sending people to you with regularity.”

The five-year MOU between Nunez and GCERC will see the formation of a program committee composed of representatives from both entities. The committee plans to meet regularly to identify and enact cooperative activities between Nunez and GCERC.

Registration for Nunez’s Spring 2021 semester, including the Coastal Studies program, is open now at Nunez.edu.

About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.

About Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council
In 2012, following the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill, the Council was established by federal law. The Council is charged with undertaking projects and programs to restore ecosystems in the Gulf region. These activities include restoring and conserving habitat, restoring water quality and quantity, replenishing and protecting living coastal and marine resources, enhancing community resilience, and restoring and revitalizing the Gulf economy. The Council funds its activities using 60% of the civil and administrative settlement funds paid into the RESTORE Trust Fund by DWH responsible parties under their civil settlement with the federal government in connection with the DWH spill. For more information, visit www.restorethegulf.gov.