Just over a decade ago, Tech Pointe I opened its doors to a few tenant companies intrigued by the opportunity to house their businesses on Louisiana Tech’s campus. These companies were drawn by access to vibrant students they could employ during and after their studies, as well as proximity to faculty conducting leading-edge research. In 2023, a second building — Tech Pointe II — expanded the opportunity, enabling even more companies to benefit from Tech’s Innovation Enterprise.
Today, more than 20 tenant companies — from young, creative startups to multimillion-dollar tech firms — take advantage of this model.
One of the newest companies is Global Process Automation (GPA). The North Carolina-based engineering and technology firm serendipitously made its way to Ruston. When GPA COO De Robertson moved back to his native north Louisiana after decades away, he had no intention of setting up a Ruston office. However, after meeting with then-University Chief Innovation Officer Davy Norris and learning about the benefits of the Innovation Enterprise, he dove in headfirst.
“I met with De and listened to his pitch and immediately knew he and GPA belonged in Tech Pointe,” Norris said. “In fact, he’s one of the first people to come in and challenge me to think bigger. I knew we needed him on campus.”
Shortly after that meeting, GPA moved into Tech Pointe I with a big vision — not just for GPA, but also for Louisiana Tech.
“I’d like to see an actual small manufacturing plant on campus so that we can create products. We can incorporate the School of Design, the College of Business, engineering, and even have bottling capabilities to involve agriculture and forestry,” Robertson said.
That visionary thinking has led to rapid expansion for GPA’s Ruston post. Since joining the Innovation Enterprise a year ago, they’ve established a manufacturing operation at another Ruston site and have added more than 20 employees.
Although Robertson is not a Tech alum, he recognizes the benefits of having access to students and how Tech prepares graduates for life and career success.
These kids show dedication. They go through stress and learn how to handle it. The soft skills they develop in college are proving to be among the most important aspects we deal with. They’re coming out ready for the professional world, even if their technical skill sets still need refinement.”
– De Robertson
One of those “kids” is intern-turned-full-time employee Grace Beard.
As a Tech undergrad, New Orleans native Beard had her sights set on a career in HR. She started interning with Innovation Enterprise in marketing and discovered another niche, as well as an introduction to GPA.
“When I came to GPA, I was immediately working on a lot of hands-on projects — driving around, filming, taking pictures, and posting,” Beard explained.
After graduating with a 4.0 in the fall, GPA offered Beard a position that captures both of her career interests. She feels especially fortunate, as her role as marketing and learning development coordinator is one that other companies might place in separate departments.
“They gave me my dream job right up front,” she said. “So I have no intention of leaving Ruston anytime soon.”
While working with GPA, Beard is continuing her academic journey in Tech’s Online MBA program. She enjoys the short walk across the street to the College of Business to consult with former professors on real-world work challenges.
Beyond hiring students and graduates, Robertson capitalizes on the broad expertise housed throughout the University’s five colleges.
“Having the Innovation Enterprise is huge from a partnership perspective because they can connect you to the right people,” he said. “We get a close relationship that helps us understand how all the colleges can benefit the company by being on campus.”
One person he was connected with is School of Design professor Tom Futrell. Displayed on the wall in the GPA office is a large poster featuring an updated GPA logo and color standards. In the fall, GPA worked with Futrell and his students to develop a new brand standard for the multi-state company. The Ruston office is working toward implementing the students’ design work in the coming months.
The Innovation Enterprise is always courting new partners for Tech Pointe I, Tech Pointe II, and beyond. One of the roles the team plays is a matchmaking service of sorts. They connect businesses with individuals who possess the skills to address acute challenges, identify funding opportunities, help navigate bureaucratic processes, and introduce companies to talented students who grow individually. The value of this partnership flows both ways — to the company and to the University.
Last summer, the University merged the Innovation Enterprise and University Advancement to create the IA Division, led by Senior Vice President for Innovation and Advancement Davy Norris, Robertson’s original contact. As part of this merger, Donna Johnson was named the University’s chief innovation officer and continues — as her title suggests — to innovate.
“Tech has an incredible opportunity to drive groundbreaking initiatives, foster an integrated culture of innovation, and contribute to the University’s mission of excellence,” Johnson said. “We have a talented team that pushes boundaries in ways that will keep Tech relevant in the changing landscape of higher education.”
Partners like GPA are mission-critical to the University. There are already loud whispers of Tech Pointe III.
To learn more about our tenant companies and industry partners, visit our website.
