As the Spring 2024 semester was winding down this April and May, Nunez Community College Coastal Studies Program Manager Jacqueline Richard’s schedule was brimming with high profile opportunities to represent the college.

In addition to grading tests and papers and guiding her students toward the end of the semester, Richard found time to join a panel discussion on Louisiana’s offshore wind supply chain April 25 in New Orleans for the International Partnering Forum’s (IPF) Oceanic Network Conference, then took a trip to Baton Rouge May 9 to accept a Coastal Stewardship Award from the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana (CRCL).

“This is a truly exciting time of year, as we are focusing on placing students in careers and expanding the green career workforce,” said Richard.

As program manager and associate professor for Nunez’s Coastal program, Richard has been instrumental in preparing the curriculum for the college’s new Wind Energy Technology program, which will begin training students to maintain offshore wind turbines starting with the Fall 2024 semester. Her expertise in offshore wind earned her an invitation from IPF to join a panel that would examine “Louisiana’s unique capabilities and infrastructure, offering insights into the local, national, and international roles it can play in the offshore wind supply chain.”

The six panel participants answered questions to help unpack the information contained in the “Louisiana Offshore Wind Supply Chain Assessment,” a 79-page, collaborative report issued in April by Xodus, a global energy consultancy firm, The Pew Charitable Trust, Greater New Orleans Inc., The Southeastern Wind Coalition and The Center for Planning Excellence.

“Sitting on the IPF offshore wind panel between GIS Shipyards and the Port of Lake Charles, representing academia and workforce development truly shows how committed Nunez Community College is towards the development of a sustainable energy workforce,” said Richard. “It was an illuminating discussion of how our programs developed thus far, the future for Louisiana’s citizens within these pathways, and ways we can develop these industries in a meaningful and accessible way.”

Two weeks later, Richard’s expertise landed her at another event concerned with coastal issues, only this time she wasn’t explaining the complex relationship between nature and industry. Richard was one of 10 Louisianans recognized by the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana with a Coastal Stewardship Award at CRCL’s annual gala.

“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.

“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,” she said.

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 while laying the groundwork for the wind program, which will be one of the only programs of its kind in the nation.

“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.

To jumpstart the program, Nunez is offering a full scholarship to the first 20 students to enroll in the associate degree program for Wind Energy Technology. The scholarships are funded by a National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Gulf Research Program grant awarded in December 2023. Students can learn more about scholarship requirements by emailing wind@nunez.edu.

Registration is currently open for the Summer 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters at Nunez.edu.

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.