Welcome | BRCC

Welcome Back, Bears!
2025 Was a Year of Momentum.

"Last year was one of the most impactful in Baton Rouge Community College's history. Together, we celebrated record-breaking enrollment, major expansions, and community engagement that strengthens our role as a hub for education."

Dr. Willie E. Smith, Sr.

Chancellor, BRCC

Message from the Chancellor

Dear Bears,

Welcome back to campus for the Spring 2026 semester! I hope each of you enjoyed a restful break and are returning with renewed energy, purpose, and excitement for the opportunities ahead. And for any new students and employees who are joining us for the first time – welcome to the BRCC family! We’re glad you’re here.

As we step into a new year together, I want to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable progress we made in 2025 and the momentum we now carry into the Spring semester.

Last year was one of the most impactful in Baton Rouge Community College’s history. Together, we celebrated:

Record‑breaking student enrollment that reaffirms BRCC as a top institution for academic excellence and workforce preparation.
Major expansions in workforce training programs, including new partnerships with employers that open doors for hands‑on learning and high‑demand career pathways. One example of this is our partnership with Lowe’s Foundation to build the new Capital City Construction Lab and start our new plumbing program, which begins this semester.
Significant campus improvements that enhance the student experience, from upgraded learning spaces to expanded student support services. This includes the grand opening of our state-of-the-art BRCC | OLOL Nursing & Allied Health Building and our expanded mental health and wellness space and services, located in the Bienvenue Student Center.
Academic initiatives that offer increased options to students, such as the new 2+2 transfer program with Loyola University in New Orleans.
Community engagement initiatives that strengthen our role as a hub for education, innovation, and service across Baton Rouge and beyond. An example is our recent partnership in the Safe Wheels Alliance, in which our automotive training students will perform auto maintenance and repairs for survivors of domestic violence.

These accomplishments are a testament to your hard work, innovation, and commitment — students, faculty, and staff alike. You continue to show what is possible when a community comes together with shared purpose. To read more about these accomplishments and many others, visit our Welcome Back web page.

As we begin the Spring 2026 semester, I encourage you to stay focused, stay connected, and take full advantage of the resources and support available to you. For our students, The Store and The Closet can help you with food and professional clothing needs, and our counseling and academic support services can help you achieve success in all aspects of your life. For employees, please reach out to your supervisor or to Human Resources if you need assistance with anything.

We believe that 2026 will bring even greater achievements, and we look forward to you being a part of it. Let’s make this semester one of growth, discovery, and continued excellence.

Warm regards,

Willie E. Smith, Sr., Ed.D.
Chancellor

Record-Breaking Enrollment

18,390

Total BRCC Students served this year

Driving Our Economy

98%

Graduates who live and work in Louisiana

Making Education Accessible

67%

First-Generation College Students

Record Breaker