New Name, New Look Unveiled at Growing Louisiana College

Lafayette, LA (KPEL News) - "Rebranding" has become a buzz word over the last few years. In simple terms, it involves a company or organization changing its outward image. We've seen that across Louisiana with companies who change their logo or the colors that represent them. UL Lafayette has changed things up a few times over the years, and now another institute of higher education has unveiled their new look.

On Thursday, April 17, South Louisiana Community College hosted an invitation-only unveiling ceremony to reveal the updated image. The components were well-received with a resounding applause from attendants. I was honored to be in attendance.

The initiative began two years ago at the growing college. A team began researching, strategizing, and collaborating with the community to find out how best to visually portray their core values and how they are perceived outside the academic walls. The goals were, in part, to increase recognition, improve recruitment, and bolster pride in the institution.

WHAT IS SOUTH LOUISIANA COMMUNITY COLLEGE?

South Louisiana Community College serves 8 parishes in the Acadiana area with 9 campuses. The largest of the campuses is in Lafayette, with others in Acadia (Crowley), Evangeline (Ville Platte), Iberia (New Iberia), St. Landry (Opelousas), St. Martin (St. Martinville), St. Mary (Franklin and Morgan City), and Vermilion (Abbeville) Parishes.

Their course offerings span professions and educational paths from licensed practical nursing to culinary arts, and commercial truck driving to information technology. The college also bills themselves as a place where a student can begin their college career and then transfer to UL or another four-year university to complete their bachelor's degree. As a matter of fact, the college has grown its academic offerings by adding 50 new programs to its repertoire.

Not only will their public-facing logo and colors change, so is the name... sort of.

WHAT EXACTLY IS CHANGING?

The academics, course offerings, and locations won't change. The adjustment is more in the attitude. Leadership wanted the new look to be reflective of the student body, the college's agility in responding to the needs of the business community, and the passion it has for serving Acadiana.

The school has been referred to since it was named South Louisiana Community College as SLCC. Chancellor Dr. Vincent June explains the nickname change and why:

Our new brand allows our College, SoLAcc (pronounced SOLA-see-see), to fully embody its authentic personality – one that is energetic, optimistic, jovial, connected, tenacious, and accessible. It reflects who we are at our core and is anchored in pride for the unique culture and place of South Louisiana (SoLA).

The new friendly moniker isn't foreign. The school's website address is solacc.edu, and the shift makes sense.

The highlight of the reveal was the brand new logo. It's fresh, simple, and meaningful. It features the iconic shape of Louisiana with an arrow pointing to Acadiana.

Congratulations to Dr. June and the entire staff and student body of SoLAcc on your new look. You have been doing great things for south Louisiana.