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Unitech Training Academy’s New Orleans Campus Earns Gold in Best of Jefferson 2026

Unitech Training Academy’s New Orleans Campus has been named the Gold Winner in the Higher Education category of the 2026 Best of Jefferson Awards.

The annual community recognition program celebrates the businesses, organizations, and services residents trust and recommend most. The awards are determined through public nominations and voting, recognizing organizations that have made a meaningful impact throughout Jefferson Parish.

The recognition comes as Unitech’s New Orleans Campus recently relocated to a new campus in Elmwood Oaks Office Park. The move was designed to provide students with an enhanced learning environment while increasing accessibility for those pursuing careers in healthcare.

Receiving the Gold award reflects the strong support of the Jefferson Parish community and reinforces Unitech’s commitment to preparing students for in-demand careers through hands-on, career-focused training.

Located at 201 Evans Road, Suite 400, the New Orleans Campus offers career training programs including EKG/Phlebotomy Technician, Medical Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician. Students benefit from experienced instructors, hands-on learning, and education aligned with employer needs throughout the Greater New Orleans region.

More than 1,900 businesses, organizations, and individuals competed across 256 categories, generating over 138,000 votes in The Best of Jefferson contest.

For more information about Unitech Training Academy’s New Orleans Campus and its programs, visit unitechta.edu.

Unitech Training Academy Names Terell Briggs Campus President in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS – Unitech Training Academy has named Terell Briggs as Campus President of its New Orleans campus.

Briggs brings extensive leadership experience in higher education, having served students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), community colleges, and private four-year institutions. Throughout his career, he has focused on advancing student success by building inclusive campus cultures, strengthening student engagement, and using data-informed strategies to improve retention and completion outcomes.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, Briggs is recognized for his collaborative leadership style and his commitment to creating an environment where students feel supported from enrollment through graduation. His experience spans student affairs, enrollment management, and institutional leadership, giving him a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s students.

In addition to his higher education experience, Briggs brings a background in sports and wellness that has shaped his holistic approach to leadership. He believes student well-being is closely connected to academic achievement and emphasizes creating an environment where students can thrive both personally and professionally.

As Campus President, Briggs will oversee the day-to-day operations of the New Orleans campus, supporting students, faculty, and staff while continuing to strengthen partnerships throughout the Greater New Orleans community.

Unitech Training Academy’s New Orleans campus offers career-focused training designed to prepare students for employment in high-demand fields. Programs include EKG/Phlebotomy Technician, Medical Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician.

Unitech Training Academy Receives Six-Year Reaffirmation of Accreditation

Unitech Training Academy has officially received reaffirmation of accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education (COE), extending the institution’s accreditation for another six years, effective June 4, 2026.

The action follows a comprehensive review conducted by COE that included an institutional self-study and a multi-campus site visit earlier this year. The reaffirmation recognizes that Unitech continues to meet the council’s standards for academic quality, student achievement, institutional effectiveness, and fiscal responsibility.

The six-year reaffirmation is the result of months of preparation and years of work across the organization. Faculty, staff, campus leadership, and home office departments all contributed to the review process by documenting outcomes, demonstrating compliance, and showcasing the work happening every day to support students.

This achievement reinforces Unitech’s mission of providing students with a quality career education and the support they need to succeed.

Unitech Training Academy serves students through campuses in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Houma, Lafayette, New Orleans, and West Monroe, and across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama through Unitech Online. The institution offers career training in healthcare, skilled trades, childcare, and information technology.

Founded in 1997, Unitech Training Academy is committed to helping students build better futures through hands-on training, experienced instructors, and career-focused education designed to meet the needs of Louisiana employers.

Unitech Training Academy Relocates New Orleans Campus to New Facility

NEW ORLEANS — A new address, the same mission. Unitech Training Academy’s New Orleans Campus has relocated to 201 Evans Road, Suite 400, with students returning to in-person classes this week at the new facility.

The campus offers training in EKG/Phlebotomy Technician, Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician programs, preparing students for careers in some of the region’s most in-demand healthcare fields.

The move marks a new chapter for the campus, which has served the Greater New Orleans community since opening on Dec. 8, 2011. The new location provides updated classroom and student spaces while allowing the campus to continue delivering the hands-on training and personal support that have become hallmarks of the Unitech experience.

“Education has the power to change the course of a person’s life,” said Dr. Noah Brandon, President and CEO of Unitech Training Academy. “Our move to this new location will create more opportunities for students, strengthen our connection to the community, and continue the work we’ve accomplished in New Orleans since 2011. We’re proud to empower students in gaining the skills, confidence, and support they need to move forward.”

Director of Education Berta Jefferson said the new facility reflects the campus’s commitment to serving students and employers throughout the region.

“Our New Orleans Campus has helped thousands of students take the next step toward a new career,” Jefferson said. “This new location allows us to continue that work in a space designed to support growth, learning and opportunity.”

Since opening in 2011, the New Orleans Campus has helped students prepare for careers in healthcare through hands-on instruction, experienced faculty and career-focused training. Students also receive career services support designed to help them transition from the classroom to the workforce.

Located in Jefferson Parish, the campus serves students from across the Greater New Orleans area who are seeking new skills, new opportunities and a path toward a better future.

For more information about programs offered at the New Orleans Campus, visit UnitechTA.edu or call 504-526-1479.

About Unitech Training Academy

Founded in 1997, Unitech Training Academy provides career-focused education and workforce training through campuses across Louisiana and online. Programs are designed to help students gain the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare, skilled trades and business-related fields.

Alexa Ashworth Named Campus President of Unitech Training Academy’s Alexandria Campus

Unitech Training Academy has named Alexa Ashworth as Campus President of its Alexandria campus.
Ashworth brings a background in education, leadership, and community engagement to the role. Throughout her career, she has served as a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, and assistant principal, helping students and educators achieve success both inside and outside the classroom.

A graduate of Northwestern State University, Ashworth earned a Bachelor of Science degree before completing a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Louisiana Christian University. Her experience includes curriculum development, instructional leadership, accreditation support, data-driven decision making, and community service.
“As an educator and leader, I am passionate about helping people succeed and grow,” said Ashworth. “Believing strongly in leading through service, I am excited to support the continued growth of the Alexandria campus and help create opportunities that lead to meaningful careers for students and the community.”
In addition to her work in education, Ashworth has served on the Glenmora City Council, where she supported community and economic development initiatives.

“We are excited to welcome Alexa to the Unitech family,” said Dr. Noah Brandon, President and CEO of Unitech Training Academy. “Her commitment to student success, servant leadership, and community engagement aligns closely with our mission of helping students build better futures through career-focused education.”

As Campus President, Ashworth will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Alexandria campus, supporting students, faculty, and staff while advancing the campus’s role in preparing graduates for in-demand careers across Central Louisiana.

Unitech’s Alexandria campus offers training in Early Childhood Ancillary Certificate, EKG/Phlebotomy Technician, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and Surgical Technology.

Tune In: Turning Struggles Into Success

At a time when conversations around workforce development, leadership, and community impact are more important than ever, Unitech Training Academy President and CEO Dr. Noah Brandon recently joined the Muddy Waters, Clear Vision podcast for an in-depth conversation about leadership, resilience, and the mission behind Unitech’s work across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.

 In Episode 66, “Turning Struggles into Success: Noah Brandon’s Mission to Empower Communities,” Noah shares his personal and professional journey — including lessons learned through adversity, the importance of organizational culture, and why workforce education has the power to transform lives and strengthen communities.

The conversation also highlights Unitech’s continued focus on developing people, creating opportunity, and preparing students for meaningful careers in healthcare, skilled trades, and technology fields. Topics discussed include leadership growth, promoting from within, innovation in career education, and the long-term impact vocational training can have on families and local economies.

One of the themes emphasized throughout the episode is the idea that “culture supersedes process” — a reflection of the people-first mindset that continues to guide Unitech’s campuses, leadership teams, faculty, and staff.

Thank you to the team at Muddy Waters, Clear Vision for the opportunity to spotlight the work being done across Unitech and the importance of workforce-focused education in our communities.

You can listen to the full episode here:
Episode 66 – Turning Struggles into Success: Noah Brandon’s Mission to Empower Communities

Unitech Training Academy Recognizes Q1 Award and Campus Honorees

Unitech Training Academy is recognizing outstanding employees and campuses across the organization as part of its Q1 Awards & Recognition Program, celebrating excellence in student support, workforce development, leadership, culture, and outcomes.

The quarterly awards program highlights employees and campuses that exemplify Unitech’s mission and core values while making a meaningful impact on students, coworkers, and communities across Louisiana and Unitech Online.

Campus of the Quarter

Houma Campus was recognized as Q1 Campus of the Quarter for its strong performance across student success, enrollment, compliance, and campus culture initiatives.

Instructor of the Quarter Honorees

The following instructors were recognized for excellence in instruction, student engagement, and commitment to student success:

• Amy Porter – Surgical Technology, West Monroe
• Brittney Stewart – Dental Assisting, Houma
• Lindsey Anadore – Medical Billing & Coding, Online
• Ayuanna Q. Johnson – EPT Lead Instructor, New Orleans
• Portia Iles – EPT Lead Instructor, Alexandria
• Lindsey Peltier – Massage Therapy, Lafayette

Outcome Champion Honorees

The Outcome Champion award recognizes employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student outcomes and institutional success.

Award recipients included:

• Amy Porter – West Monroe
• Bridgette Pierron – Online
• Terrilynn Ledet Sanchez – Houma
• Krystal Blatcher – New Orleans
• Wendy May – Alexandria
• Talisha Walton – Baton Rouge
• Lorynn LeJeune – Lafayette
• Mary-Katherine Hooper – Home Office

Most Core Valuable Player – Workforce Development Honorees

This award recognizes employees who go above and beyond in supporting workforce readiness, employer engagement, career development, and community partnerships.

Award recipients included:

• Damian Wilson – West Monroe
• Terrilynn Ledet Sanchez – Houma
• Sean O’Neal – Online
• Jessica Middleton – Alexandria
• Amber Thomas – Lafayette
• Jobi Arceneaux-Caldarera – Home Office

Most Core Valuable Campus – Community Connector

Houma Campus was also recognized as Q1 Most Core Valuable Campus – Community Connector for its commitment to building meaningful partnerships and strengthening connections within the local community.

Unitech Training Academy has served Louisiana for 29 years with campuses in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Houma, New Orleans, Alexandria, and West Monroe, as well as Unitech Online serving students throughout the Gulf Coast region.

Unitech Training Academy Names Mike Ryan President of Unitech Online

LAFAYETTE, La. — Unitech Training Academy has named Mike Ryan as President of Unitech Online, recognizing his leadership in distance education and his continued impact on student learning and faculty development.

Ryan brings more than 12 years of experience in education to the role. Since joining Unitech in 2021 as Director of Distance Education, his work has included oversight of the learning management system, development of faculty training programs, and hands-on support for instructors to strengthen online teaching practices.

Prior to Unitech, Ryan spent four years at South Louisiana Community College in the Adult Education Department, where he served as a Youth Program Specialist and HiSET instructor. He began his career as an English teacher at Devillier Educational Center.

Ryan holds a Master of Arts in Literary Studies and a Bachelor of General Studies with a concentration in Humanities from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

In his new role, Ryan will oversee the continued growth and performance of Unitech Online, supporting students across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with flexible, career-focused training designed to meet workforce needs.

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Josie, his two children, his soon-to-be stepdaughter, and the family cat, Leo. He is an avid runner and recently completed the Zydeco Marathon in Lafayette. He also enjoys reading, watching movies, and playing guitar.

Unitech Training Academy’s Baton Rouge Campus Earns Silver in 2026 Best of Baton Rouge Awards

BATON ROUGE, La. — Unitech Training Academy’s Baton Rouge Campus has been named a Silver winner in the Community College/Trade School category in the 2026 Best of Baton Rouge awards.

The annual contest, presented by The Advocate and powered by community voting, recognizes top businesses and organizations across the Capital Region. The program reflects strong participation from local residents who cast votes for their preferred providers and services.

The recognition highlights Unitech’s continued commitment to workforce-focused education and hands-on training designed to prepare students for in-demand careers. The Baton Rouge Campus offers programs in Dental Assisting, EKG/Phlebotomy Technician, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician.

“This recognition is a direct reflection of the work our team – Team BR – does every day to support students and serve the Baton Rouge community,” said Britni Smith, Baton Rouge Campus President.  “We are focused on creating opportunities for individuals to build meaningful careers, and it’s an honor to be recognized by the community we serve.”

Unitech Training Academy operates six campuses across Louisiana, along with online programs serving Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The institution is dedicated to providing career-focused education that helps students move quickly into the workforce with the skills employers need.

The Baton Rouge recognition follows similar recent honors across the organization. Unitech Training Academy’s Lafayette Campus was named a Bronze winner in the College/Education category in last year’s Acadiana’s Choice awards, reflecting continued community recognition across the regions it serves.

For more information about programs offered at Unitech Training Academy, visit www.unitechta.edu.