Institute for Industry – Education Collaboration (IIEC)

The Institute for Industry–Education Collaboration (IIEC) at McNeese State University was created to organize and expand university–industry partnerships that strengthen the regional economy and workforce. As McNeese’s liaison to industry, the IIEC connects companies with expert faculty, seasoned practitioners, and industry-grade facilities to deliver measurable training outcomes, technology transfer, and collaborative problem-solving.

The IIEC’s purpose is to enhance workforce skills and productivity while accelerating innovation: we develop customized programs, facilitate applied research and senior design projects, and open our hands-on labs for realistic training scenarios. Offerings include open-enrollment and company-specific courses (in-person and live-online) with CEUs/PDHs, plus guidance on grant-funded upskilling options that lower training costs for Louisiana employers.

Featured Engineering Seminar

Henry Kister

Practical Distillation Technology

November 9–12, 2026
LNG Center of Excellence • Lake Charles, Louisiana

Join internationally recognized distillation expert Henry Kister for a comprehensive program focused on improving distillation performance, troubleshooting operating problems, increasing capacity, and reducing operating costs.

  • Troubleshoot column performance and operating problems
  • Learn practical debottlenecking and optimization techniques
  • Evaluate existing designs and improve separation efficiency
  • Real-world case studies drawn from decades of industry experience
  • Optional Chemical and Refinery Distillation Workshops included at no additional cost
Early Registration: $1,999 through July 31, 2026
Regular Registration: $2,499
Featured Youth STEM Program

Summer Engineering Research Academy

Hands-On Engineering for High School Students

Session 1: June 15–19, 2026
Session 2: July 6–10, 2026

Students explore real engineering concepts through projects led by McNeese faculty using university labs and equipment.

  • Robotics, programming, concrete design & chemical engineering
  • Hands-on engineering labs
  • Projects guided by McNeese professors
Kister Seminar 2025
Technical & Safety Focused

Industry Training

Upcoming in-person and online technical training courses, OSHA-authorized classes, and COSS®/COSM® safety programs. Includes hands-on learning in McNeese’s industry-grade facilities and with nationally recognized industry experts such as Norman Lieberman and Henry Kister.

Request Training
Email iiec@mcneese.edu with:
  • Topic/skills needed
  • Preferred dates & delivery (in-person/virtual)
  • Estimated participants
  • Company/organization
Model Control Unit 2
Hands-On Training

Facilities & Equipment

Train in McNeese’s hands-on labs: Hands-On Trainer (HOT)Glycol FractionationConfined Space Training VesselDeltaV, and dedicated classrooms for applied learning.

  • Realistic scenarios for operators & technicians
  • Cutaways and movable equipment available
  • Reserve space or request a turnkey program
Request a Tour
Email iiec@mcneese.edu with:
  • Your name and job title
  • Company/organization
  • Facilities and equipment you would like to tour
  • Preferred date(s) and time(s) for your visit
Professor Teaching Adult Learning
Advance Your Career

Professional Development

In-person and online options designed for professionals seeking to upskill, advanced training, certifications, and continuing education credits toward license renewals.

Hands-On-Training
Workforce Solutions

Grants & Partnerships

Grant-funded upskilling and collaborative solutions for employers.

  • IWTP (Incumbent Worker Training Program): guidance and application support
  • Workforce grant writing and administration
The IIEC has served as the primary training provider for:

  • Bessette Development Corporation
  • Bryan, Strange, Smith, Insurance Agency, Inc.
  • Firestone Polymers LLC
  • McElroy, Quirk, and Burch (A Professional Corporation)
  • Sasol USA Corporation
  • Southwest LA Small Business Consortium
Paper Marbling
Creativity & Enrichment

Leisure Learning

Explore in-person and online, no-pressure classes that spark creativity and personal growth. Options include arts, hobbies, wellness, photography, and technology basics.

  • Evening & weekend options with local instructors
  • Beginner-friendly, hands-on focus—no grades
  • Online classes in personal enrichment topics such as writing, fitness, and creative skills
Teach a Class
Interested in teaching a Leisure Learning class? Email iiec@mcneese.edu with:
  • Proposed course title & brief description
  • A short bio
  • Your experience/credentials (2–3 sentences)

Contact

337-562-4592

Seed Center 156

Monday - Thursday - 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

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