Louisiana’s Board of Regents, led by Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed, is focusing on three core priorities that affect students and families across the state: raising post‑secondary credential rates, ensuring campus food security, and giving institutions more flexibility in accreditation.
Credential attainment goal
In 2019 the Board set a target that at least 60% of Louisiana’s population should hold a credential of value beyond high school. The goal was based on a Georgetown Center projection that a majority of jobs in 2030 will require such credentials. At the time of the interview the state was at 44% credential attainment; recent reporting shows the figure has risen to just over 52.5%.
Reed emphasized that the Board does not graduate students directly; rather, it works with colleges and universities to make affordable, accessible pathways to degrees, certificates and other credentials. The upcoming September report is expected to show continued progress toward the 60% target.
Hunger‑free campus program
Addressing student nutrition, the Board has launched a “hunger‑free campus” initiative. Recognizing that many students arrive on campus still relying on K‑12 food‑support programs, the Board secured $1 million in legislative funding to bolster campus food pantries. The money will fund expanded pantry hours, secure‑access lockers for after‑hours students, and partnerships with local food banks and churches.
Reed noted that the program aims to remove the hidden barrier of food insecurity, which can impede academic success and increase dropout rates.
Accreditation flexibility
During the current legislative session, Louisiana passed a law requiring the Board of Regents to create a process for institutions that wish to change accrediting agencies. The change follows a federal push, begun under the Trump administration, for greater competition among accreditors. Under the new policy, a university would petition its governing board, and the Board of Regents would maintain a list of Department of Education‑approved accreditors to guide any transition.
As of the interview, no university had expressed interest in switching accreditors, but the framework is now in place should the need arise.
Work‑based learning and talent retention
Reed also highlighted the Board’s work‑based learning initiatives, which connect students with Louisiana businesses for internships, apprenticeships and cooperative education. The theory is that early exposure to local industry will encourage graduates to stay in the state, helping to curb the long‑standing brain drain.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to diversify the state’s economy and retain talent, moving the Board’s focus from purely talent development to talent retention.
Looking ahead
The Board of Regents will continue to monitor progress on credential attainment, expand hunger‑free campus resources, and finalize the accreditation policy. Reed indicated that additional policies tied to recent legislative changes are pending approval, signaling ongoing work to align higher education with the state’s economic and social goals.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
