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HAMMOND – DirectConnect to Southeastern, a successful partnership between Northshore Technical Community College and Southeastern Louisiana University, is being featured in an education publication as a model for student success. The article, “Creating Bridges, Not Barriers,” appears in the April/May 2026 edition of Community College Journal. It showcases how community colleges are scaling frameworks to streamline student transfer pathways.
DirectConnect is designed to enhance both the efficiency and effectiveness of students seeking post-secondary education in southeast Louisiana, particularly in Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, Washington, St. Helena and Livingston parishes. The partnership provides solutions to expanding college student access and preparation of students who will complete certificate and/or associate degrees through NTCC and transfer into a baccalaureate program at Southeastern.
“The DirectConnect to Southeastern program ensures that both institutions are proactive in addressing the ever-changing higher education landscape,” said Southeastern President William S. Wainwright. “The partnership further ensures that both Southeastern and NTCC are responsive to relevant actions of the Louisiana Legislature, leverages the Board of Regents’ ‘Master Plan for Higher Education,’ and encourages ease of transfer credits between post-secondary institutions and comprehensive community college services throughout the Northshore region.”
DirectConnect provides enrolled NTCC students with a systematic outline to successfully complete a baccalaureate degree, Wainwright explained. Under the agreement, NTCC students take courses at Southeastern related to the following approved career pathways: biological sciences (microbiology/molecular, ecology/environmental biology, and integrative biology), business administration, nursing, psychology, and supply chain management.
“Northshore Technical Community College and Southeastern Louisiana University are committed to providing students successful paths to graduation and employment in high demand careers,” NTCC Chancellor Jim Carlson said. “This collaboration strengthens our commitment and provides a seamless transition for students. The partnership provides students expanded access to college and university programming and engagement in relevant workforce preparation”. Both officials agree the partnership works to enhance the workforce development of the region.
The article is available at https://www.ccjournal-digital.com/ccjournal/april_may_2026/MobilePagedArticle.action?articleId=2120459#articleId2120459
