SHREVEPORT, LA – In a move aimed at strengthening workforce development and career advancement, Centenary College and Willis Knighton Health have announced a new partnership that will provide employees of the healthcare system access to continuing education and certificate programs. The agreement will be formally signed on Friday, February 7, at Centenary College’s Meadows Museum of Art.
This partnership will utilize Centenary’s Center for Innovative Learning (CIL), an online educational platform offering more than 800 professional development courses in high-demand fields such as healthcare, business, cybersecurity, IT, wellness, and legal studies. The CIL, launched in October 2024, is designed to address workforce needs in the Ark-La-Tex region by providing flexible learning opportunities.
Investment in Employee Growth
As part of the agreement, Willis Knighton Health will actively promote these training programs to its employees and will reimburse up to $1,500 annually for those completing approved courses and certificates. Additionally, Centenary will develop a dedicated web portal tailored for Willis Knighton employees, ensuring streamlined access to CIL course offerings and personalized support throughout their learning journey.
Workforce Development Impact
At the CIL launch event in October, Willis Knighton CEO Jaf Fielder emphasized the mutual benefits of this partnership, calling it “a win-win for both of our organizations.” The initiative aligns with Willis Knighton’s mission of career growth and internal talent development, allowing employees to enhance their skills and advance within the organization.
Centenary College President Dr. Christopher L. Holoman also highlighted the broader significance of this initiative, stating that CIL expands the college’s educational mission while directly addressing workforce shortages in critical industries.
Bridging Education and Industry
This collaboration between a leading liberal arts college and a major healthcare provider reflects a growing trend of higher education institutions partnering with businesses to enhance workforce readiness. With healthcare, IT, and cybersecurity identified as key growth industries, initiatives like CIL at Centenary play a crucial role in upskilling the workforce and boosting regional economic development.
Looking Ahead
The formal signing ceremony is open to the public and media and will be held at 10:00 a.m. on February 7 at Centenary College’s Meadows Museum of Art.
For more information on Centenary’s Center for Innovative Learning, visit centenary.edu/cil.