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Leaders for Louisiana's Future
LSU has created its own "think tank" of incredible visionaries, leaders, and activists whose sole purpose is to discuss, brainstorm, and act upon issues affecting the future of Louisiana. One might think this group is composed of the best researchers and faculty LSU has to offer. Actually, it's a team of dynamic LSU undergraduates who have a passion and deep appreciation for Louisiana and its potential. The Vision Louisiana program, the newest residential college offered at LSU, is designed to develop the movers and shakers of tomorrow who want to create and implement change in the state. The four-year program provides an interdisciplinary academic curriculum focused exclusively on the advancement of Louisiana. Taught by LSU faculty with expertise in the fields of community, social, and economic development, Vision Louisiana also invites statewide and national business and political leaders on a weekly basis to lecture and interact with the program participants. Even more interesting is the fact that students live and learn in the same residential hall, using a wireless environment.
Having such lofty goals requires the proper preparation. In addition to the curriculum requirements from their own academic major programs, Vision Louisiana students take 16 hours in courses specifically created for the program including, "The State of Louisiana: Where We Are and How We Got Here." Required English composition classes are simultaneously linked to the Vision Louisiana classes so that reading, research, service work, and writing assignments address principles of economic and community enhancement. Vision Louisiana students are also required to complete a team thesis project based on one of the objectives contained in the Louisiana Department of Economic Development's Vision 2020 plan.
For Carey, a student studying business administration with a concentration in pre-law, the Vision Louisiana residential college program keeps him on his toes, "By living in the residence hall with others who have the same goal as myself, I am further inspired to excel right alongside them." On the whole, the opportunity to help Louisiana has attracted these students to the program. "Coming from out of state, I liked the idea of being able to make a positive change and impact here in Louisiana." says Logan, an international trade and finance major from Elizabethtown, Kentucky. "I wanted an opportunity to give back to the community I am now part of. Louisiana is a great state with great people and abundant natural resources." These highly motivated young men and women are determined to make a difference in the lives of Louisiana's citizens. "I love my state. I love the people, the history, and the culture," says Christine. "Obviously, Louisiana has its problems, but in a state with so much potential, there is much room for change. I feel that through Vision Louisiana, a group of young students who believe in a positive outcome and are led by an extremely educated, dedicated, and passionate staff can accomplish something that will benefit Louisiana as a whole." Contact Robin Dunkin | LSU
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Thirty-five freshmen entered the new program last fall, including 11 students from out of state. "Our students are very ambitious and motivated young men and women," says Associate Professor Perry Prestholdt, program rector. "They have solid leadership skills and a strong desire to affect change in Louisiana. They have big goals for themselves. Fourteen of our students say they want to be governor of Louisiana one day." 
For many of the participating students, the residential college experience has been extremely beneficial. "I've enjoyed being with the same people day after day," says Christine, a mass communication major. "Having the same classes and living together makes it easy for study sessions. If I ever have a question, there are 30 people that live down the hall who will know the answer." 
