Louisiana Tech is committed to transformative engineering education
In Bogard Hall, a $1.4 million investment in the building has transformed the space for students, faculty, and staff. Renovated lab spaces hum with activity as students test materials, analyze systems, and collaborate on real-world engineering challenges.
Students in Civil Engineering and Construction Engineering Technology (CET) gain hands-on experience, industry insight, and practical skills that exemplify Louisiana Tech’s commitment to maximizing human potential. Both programs have seen significant enrollment growth, driven by workforce demand and Louisiana Tech’s reputation for producing graduates ready to contribute on day one. College of Engineering and Science Dean Collin Wick notes that CET enrollment grew 12.7% in Fall 2025 over last fall, while Civil Engineering enrollment increased 15.8% over last fall, highlighting the programs’ rising appeal.
That success is rooted in faculty leadership that blends academic rigor with industry relevance. In CET, Program Chair Reginald Jeter, P.E., a two-time Louisiana Tech graduate, returned to his alma mater with a focus on preparing students not only to enter the construction industry but to lead within it.
“Our students graduate with more than technical knowledge,” Jeter says. “They graduate with confidence, perspective, and the ability to step into professional roles immediately.”
In Civil Engineering, that same philosophy is guided by Dr. Elizabeth Matthews, program chair and a two-time Louisiana Tech graduate who earned her doctorate from Louisiana State University. Matthews brings both institutional knowledge and external perspective to the program, emphasizing applied learning alongside technical excellence. As faculty advisor for the Steel Bridge and Concrete Canoe teams through the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), she mentors students through nationally competitive projects that demand teamwork, precision, and project management. These experiences mirror professional engineering practice, and Louisiana Tech teams consistently perform well at regional and national competitions. Under Matthews’ leadership, Civil Engineering students gain hands-on experience that extends well beyond the classroom.
For students, these opportunities translate into meaningful preparation for professional life. That experience is exemplified by CET senior Kate Fortune. She serves as secretary of the AGC and NASTT student chapter, has held leadership roles within Phi Mu Fraternity, and participates in intramural sports. Her academic experience is reinforced through her engineering intern and co-op role at Graphic Packaging International, where she supports front-end maintenance operations and gains exposure to large-scale paper machines and production processes while applying analytical and technical skills.
“I hope to become a project manager,” Fortune says. “Being able to apply what I’m learning in class directly to my internship has made that goal feel very real.”
The renovated lab spaces were designed to support exactly this kind of applied learning across both programs. Modernized Civil and CET labs allow students to simulate professional workflows in environments built for collaboration. Faculty benefit from enhanced teaching and mentoring capabilities, while students gain immersive experiences that reflect the settings they will encounter in engineering offices, on construction sites, and in field operations.
Close connections with industry complete the learning ecosystem. Advisory boards, internships, guest speakers, and sponsored projects keep both Civil Engineering and CET aligned with evolving workforce needs. Employers consistently value Louisiana Tech graduates for their readiness, professionalism, and ability to contribute immediately. The renovations strengthen these partnerships by providing facilities that support industry-relevant training and signal continued investment in workforce development.
The growth of Civil Engineering and CET reflects more than rising enrollment; it reflects a carefully aligned system of faculty expertise, student engagement, industry partnership, and modern facilities. As infrastructure and construction demands continue to expand, Louisiana Tech graduates enter the workforce equipped with the skills, experience, and confidence to lead.