Baton Rouge Community College Chancellor Willie E. Smith Sr. is prominently featured in the Baton Rouge Business Report’s current 2026 Capital Assets Roundtable issue.
Chancellor Smith is one of six top executives from the Capital Region who participated in the roundtable discussion on the future of Baton Rouge and the capital city's strengths and assets. The roundtable is featured in the January 2026 Baton Rouge Business Report.
The conversation focused on economic outlook, workforce development, and the opportunities to drive the region’s future growth. Dr. Smith represented higher education and workforce training on the panel, emphasizing BRCC’s critical role in the region's economy.
It is estimated that BRCC has an annual economic impact of $300 million to the Capital Region, and 98 percent of BRCC graduates live and work in Louisiana, contributing to the local workforce and economy.
Dr. Smith was joined on the roundtable by leaders Charles Landry (Fishman Haygood), Chuck Daigle (Ochsner Health), David Cresson (Louisiana Chemical Association), Jeff Conrad (Pelican Credit Union), and Connie Fabre (Greater Baton Rouge Industry Alliance).
During the roundtable discussion, Dr. Smith spoke to the thriving Louisiana Community & Technical College System and the value it brings on many levels. He addressed BRCC's assets, its role as the number one talent provider in our region, and the need for cooperation among all of higher education in Louisiana.
"I think there is an opportunity for us to seize the moment to provide the services that this community and this state need," Dr. Smith said of higher education in the state, specifically pointing to the vital work of "attracting and keeping talent."
He also said that in the capital area, we often forget to celebrate our wins, and he urged leaders to tell their success stories, loudly and often.
The Capital Assets issue of the Baton Rouge Business Report is available now in print and online.
