LSU Eunice, Ochsner Lafayette General to Host Nursing Symposium

LAFAYETTE, La. — Louisiana State University Eunice and Ochsner Lafayette General will host “Transforming Lives: The Powerful Legacy of Nursing Education,” a professional symposium focused on the impact, challenges, and future of nursing education in Louisiana.

The symposium will be held Thursday, October 23 inside the Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center Auditorium beginning at 8:15AM with featured speakers going until 2:30PM.

The event will feature healthcare leaders, policymakers, and academic experts sharing insights on workforce development, education innovation, and strengthening the state’s healthcare system through collaboration.

The symposium will highlight the pivotal role of nursing education in transforming lives and communities. By fostering discussion among educators, healthcare partners, and state leaders, LSU Eunice and Ochsner Lafayette General aims to strengthen Louisiana’s nursing pipeline and ensure continued excellence in patient care.

Event Schedule – “Transforming Lives: The Powerful Legacy of Nursing Education”

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
Location: Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center Auditorium
1214 Coolidge Street, Lafayette, LA 70503

8:15 – 9:00 a.m. — Registration & Breakfast
Breakfast buffet and networking

9:00 – 9:40 a.m. — Welcome & Opening Remarks
Topic: HERO Grant Overview; Industry & Academics

• Dr. Nancee Sorenson, Chancellor, LSU Eunice
• Carl Tholen, Vice President of Academics, Ochsner Lafayette General

9:40 – 10:00 a.m. — Shaping the Future of LSUE Nursing
Topic: HERO Grant: Plan for Increasing Student Enrollment and Retaining Faculty

• Kristie Leger, Dean of Health Sciences, LSU Eunice

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. — An Alumni’s Perspective

• Elizabeth Savoy, MSN, RN, LSU Eunice Alumna and Adjunct Faculty

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. — Networking Break

10:45 – 11:15 a.m. — Discussion

• Sen. Brach Myers, Louisiana State Senator, District 23

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Fireside Chat

• Bruce Greenstein, Secretary, Louisiana Department of Public Health

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. — Lunch and Networking

1:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Building a Legacy

• Al Patin, CEO, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center

1:30 – 2:15 p.m. — Workshop: Designing the Perfect Nursing Program
Interactive session for faculty

2:15 – 2:30 p.m. — Closing Remarks and Adjournment

• Carey Lawson, Executive Director, LSU Eunice Foundation