MEDICAL
Ochsner CEO Named One of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare
Warren Thomas, president and CEO of Ochsner Health System, has been recognized by weekly publication Modern Healthcare as one of 2019’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare.
Ranked at number 64 on the list, Thomas is included among notable healthcare executives and policymakers like Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma; Amazon Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Bezos; Apple CEO Tim Cook and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar.
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RANKINGS
Louisiana Ranks First for Software Engineers
Computer Science Online has named Louisiana No.1 in the nation for “Best Opportunities for Software Engineers,” noting over 80% growth in jobs expected by 2022. Louisiana is followed by Colorado, Utah, Virginia, Montana and Washington, DC.
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EDUCATION
Loyola and Nunez Sign Cooperation Agreement
On Dec. 3, Loyola University New Orleans and Nunez Community College signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a transfer agreement that allows students to attain both an associate degree in paralegal studies from Nunez and a bachelor of arts in criminology and justice from Loyola within four years of academic study. The program is open to all students who meet the admissions qualifications of both institutions and who are pursuing the associate degree in paralegal studies at Nunez.
Currently ranked by College Choice as one of the Top 15 criminology programs in the country, Loyola’s program includes both undergraduate and master’s degree offerings, including a new online bachelor and master’s degree programs in criminology and justice aimed at working professionals seeking careers as professionally trained criminal justice leaders, administrators, planners, researchers and private security professionals. More than 1,000 undergraduates have matriculated from the programs since 1960. Many have gone on to careers as lawyers, advocates, and high-ranking leaders in law enforcement.
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The Loyola community has achieved a remarkable turnaround, balancing budgets and restoring enrollment. We have become an innovative and entrepreneurial institution at a crucial moment, a time of greater competition in higher education.
Tania Tetlow, Loyola University President
In response to the Dec. 10 announcement that the university had been removed from a one-year financial probation imposed last December by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) following a downturn in enrollment from 2013 to 2016.
“Through an all-hands effort on campus over the last several years, Loyola has not only found efficiencies and cut expenses, but has also increased and diversified revenue,” said Loyola’s press release announcing the news. “Enrollment has been restored for the past three years, and this fall Loyola welcomed one of its largest first-year classes ever.”
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HOSPITALITY
NOCHI Celebrates Second Graduating Class
On Dec. 20, James Beard Award-winning Chef Donald Link presented the keynote address for the second graduating class of the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI). Over 100 working days, graduates covered 26 subjects to receive either a Culinary Arts Certificate or a Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate. Students then accepted jobs at restaurants including Brennan’s, True Food Kitchen, Justine and Costera.
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RANKINGS
Louisiana’s Top Parishes for Small Business Owners
(Rank / Parish / Small business returns / Small business income / Income taxes / Small business index)
1 Plaquemines 30.95% 15.23% $9,328 55.48
2 Orleans 31.14% 14.36% $9,328 54.60
3 East Baton Rouge 27.40% 17.41% $9,328 54.50
4 Lafayette 31.19% 13.63% $9,328 53.75
5 Saint Tammany 30.63% 13.68% $9,328 53.22
6 West Feliciana 28.01% 15.02% $9,328 52.15
7 Cameron 29.25% 12.14% $9,328 49.86
8 Tensas 28.49% 12.60% $9,328 49.64
9 Jefferson 28.58% 12.47% $9,328 49.57
10 Ouachita 25.83% 11.77% $9,328 45.81
Source: SmartAsset. The study weighed three factors: the percentage of people in a parish with small business income, the proportion of that income to total income in the parish and taxes paid by small business owners.
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