Your time in the College of Engineering shaped more than your technical skills. It sharpened how you think, built your confidence, and connected you to a community of innovators. When you graduated as a proud Ragin' Cajun, you became part of something that will outlast your diploma. Now, students are following a similar path and benefiting from opportunities donors like you have helped make possible.
Your support creates opportunities for engineering students to succeed in the classroom, gain hands-on experience, conduct undergraduate research, develop leadership skills, and prepare for rewarding careers. It also allows us to invest in innovative initiatives that strengthen student success and enhance the educational experience across the College.
As we look ahead this year, we're excited to continue building momentum by:
- Expanding our AI-Ready Engineers Initiative through the integration of artificial intelligence across the engineering curriculum, preparing students to use AI confidently, responsibly, and ethically while strengthening the critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that define great engineers.
- Growing our Engineering Structured Apprenticeship Program (ESAP), launched in fall 2025 to integrate academic learning, paid industry experience, professional credentials, and faculty and industry mentorship into a seamless educational pathway. Beginning with construction management, ESAP will serve as a blueprint for expanding structured apprenticeships across the College and preparing students to enter the workforce ready to contribute from day one.
We begin this academic year with bold ideas, record-breaking success, and Momentum Like Never Before! Our undergraduate enrollment grew 11% this fall, building on an 11% increase in 2025 and making the College of Engineering the fastest-growing college at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for the second year in a row. Fall 2026 also marks the College of Engineering’s largest first-time freshman class in more than a decade, an 80% increase over the past five years.
With the continued support of donors like you, industry partners, and friends, we will build on this momentum, create transformative experiences for our students, drive innovation, and prepare the next generation of Ragin’ Cajun engineers to lead Louisiana and beyond.
So much more awaits the College and our students. To continue to be among those who help build what’s next, make a gift today.
With heartfelt thanks and lasting Ragin’ Cajun pride,
Dr. Ahmed Khattab
Dean, College of Engineering