Gonzales, LA – River Parishes Community College (RPCC) will welcome new and returning 

students for the Fall 2026 semester beginning Monday, August 17, offering expanded opportunities 

for students pursuing university transfer, workforce credentials, and high-demand technical 

careers.

Momentum for the Fall 2026 semester was on full display this past weekend as RPCC hosted its 

largest registration event of the year. More than 240 current and prospective students, along with 

more than 150 parents and family members, attended the event to meet with faculty and staff, 

finalize schedules, explore academic programs, and prepare for the first day of classes. The strong 

turnout reflects growing interest in the College's expanding academic and workforce training 

opportunities across the River Parishes region.

"This incredible turnout demonstrates that students and families recognize the value of an RPCC 

education and the opportunities available right here in our region," said RPCC Chancellor Quintin 

D. Taylor. "As Louisiana continues to experience unprecedented industrial growth, our mission is to 

ensure students have access to affordable, high-quality education that leads directly to rewarding 

careers and continued educational success."

As one of Louisiana's fastest-growing community colleges, RPCC continues to invest in programs 

that meet the evolving needs of students, employers, and the communities it serves. This fall, 

students will benefit from expanded workforce training opportunities designed to prepare them for 

careers in manufacturing, energy, healthcare, business, and skilled trades.

Among the College's newest offerings is the expansion of its Process Technology program to 

Donaldsonville, where evening classes are now available at Donaldsonville High School. The new 

location increases access for working adults and parents throughout Ascension Parish while 

helping prepare the workforce for thousands of industrial career opportunities expected across the 

Capital Region.

RPCC has also expanded its Instrumentation & Electrical Technology associate degree program 

with a new Electrical Concentration, giving students additional flexibility to pursue careers in 

industrial electrical maintenance while continuing to meet the growing workforce demands of 

regional employers.

These program expansions complement ongoing construction of the RPCC Hyundai Training 

Center in Donaldsonville, which will further strengthen workforce training opportunities in 

advanced manufacturing when completed in 2027.

Whether students are preparing to transfer to a four-year university, earn an industry-recognized 

credential, or launch a career in one of Louisiana's fastest-growing industries, RPCC provides 

affordable, high-quality education with hands-on instruction, dedicated faculty, and strong 

partnerships with business and industry.

Prospective students interested in enrolling for the Fall 2026 semester are encouraged to visit 

www.rpcc.edu to explore programs, apply for admission, and register for classes.

RPCC, a member of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTC), is committed 

to providing equal opportunity and nondiscrimination to all educational and employment 

applicants and to its students, faculty, and staff. This commitment extends without regard to race, 

sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, 

age, disability, military service, covered veteran’s status, or genetic information. It encompasses 

the administration of education policies, programs, and activities, including admissions policies; 

scholarship and loan programs, athletic programs, and other Institution-administered programs. 

This commitment to non-discrimination is in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 

(Title VII), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), Sections 503 and 504 of the 

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the ADA Amendments 

Act of 2008, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), Executive Order 11246, 

Executive Order 13988, the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 as 

amended by the Jobs for Veterans Act, the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment 

Rights Act, as amended, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. Additionally, it 

is in compliance with any other applicable Federal and Louisiana State laws against discrimination.

Any student who believes they have experienced discrimination or harassment should report their 

complaint to the Title IX and Section 504 Coordinator, Dr. Shalither S. Cushenberry, via email 

at titleix@rpcc.edu or by phone at 225-743-8526. Employees should direct any complaints to Brian 

Vermeire in the Office of Human Resources at hr@rpcc.edu or 225-743-8539. RPCC prohibits 

retaliation against any individual who reports a complaint or participates in an investigation. This 

includes protection against any adverse action taken for making a good faith report of 

discrimination or harassment. Upon receiving a complaint, the designated coordinator will 

acknowledge receipt and initiate an investigation. This investigation may involve interviews with the 

complainant, the accused, and any witnesses. The investigation will be conducted promptly and 

confidentially to the extent possible. All parties involved, including the complainant and the alleged 

perpetrator, will receive updates on the investigation’s progress. At the conclusion of the 

investigation, the coordinator will provide a summary of findings to both the complainant and the 

accused. Appropriate action will be taken based on the investigation results, which may include 

disciplinary measures up to and including termination or expulsion. This policy aligns with the 

standards outlined in LCTCS Policy 9.001 and aims to create a safe and equitable environment for 

all members of the RPCC community.

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About River Parishes Community College

River Parishes Community College (RPCC), a proud member of Louisiana Community and Technical 

Colleges (LCTC), is a comprehensive, open-admission institution committed to transforming lives and 

building stronger communities. With campuses in Gonzales, Reserve, the Westside Campus in Plaquemine, 

and the United Way of St. Charles Campus in Boutte, RPCC provides accessible, high-quality education and 

training opportunities to individuals across our region. 

RPCC offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, technical diplomas, and short-term 

training certificates designed to meet the needs of today’s workforce. In addition, the college provides nocost adult education services, such as high school equivalency preparation, digital literacy training, and 

English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

Through its innovative partnerships with business, industry, and community organizations, RPCC is dedicated 

to preparing students for success in their educational and career journeys. Learn more about our programs 

and services at www.rpcc.edu.