Nunez Coastal Studies Program Manager Recognized with Coastal Stewardship Award

Jacqueline Richard, program manager for Nunez Community College’s Coastal Studies program, was recently named among the winners of the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana’s (CRCL) 2024 Coastal Stewardship Awards.

“At the helm of Nunez Community College’s Coastal Studies program, Jacqueline is shaping the next generation of coastal stewards, instilling a sense of duty toward fragile ecosystems,” read a CRCL press release announcing its 2024 award winners.

Richard will be honored with her fellow award winners at CRCL’s awards event May 9 in Baton Rouge.

Richard has led Nunez’s Coastal Studies and GIS Technology program since 2022, but has decades of experience in the field and the classroom studying Louisiana’s disappearing coast. In 2024 alone Richard and Nunez Coastal students have volunteered to participate in a wetland tree-growth monitoring event with CRCL and Nunez has hosted a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management Facilitation Basics for Coastal Managers workshop.

“As I move into my 18th year of educating, I have learned immense lessons from our unique coastal ecosystem and vulnerable communities, and to share these intricate lessons with students of all ages is the daily highlight of my career,” said Richard. “To be recognized by CRCL, my college, and peers only reinforces my passion for reconnecting students with our coastal ecosystems building interconnective resiliency and finding meaningful career pathways that fulfill both personal and community purpose.”

Prior to joining Nunez, Richard served as interim dean of STEM, an associate professor and department head of science at Fletcher Technical Community College, and a geology instructor at Delgado Community College. She has also taught science and geology classes at Southern University at New Orleans and the University of New Orleans.

Richard has distinguished herself as a key faculty member during her time at Nunez, expanding and enhancing one of the college’s marquee academic programs.

“Jacqueline creates an environment of learning that encourages our students to challenge themselves while actively engaging. Her excitement and passion for coastal restoration is contagious. We are Pelican Proud to have her as part of our College and community,” said Dr. Cherié Kay LaRocca, Nunez Vice Chancellor for Education, Training and Student Success.

Registration is currently open for the Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters at Nunez.edu. Students interested in the Coastal Studies program can take Richard’s Physical Geology course in the summer or fall, along with multiple Coastal Studies courses in the fall.

For assistance applying or registering, students can visit Nunez.edu/advising to contact the college’s Student Success Team.

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 Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.