Louisiana

UL Lafayette launches Louisiana’s first applied computing Ph.D.

Published

4 weeks ago

February 12, 2026

Press Room

UL Lafayette launches Louisiana’s first applied computing Ph.D.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has launched a new Ph.D. program in applied computing and information sciences.
This program will focus on how users interact with technology and how information moves through organizations.
It will emphasize practical applications of AI, data science, cybersecurity, and machine learning in business contexts.
Courses will be offered both on campus and fully online starting in the Fall 2026 semester.

For those interested in a Ph.D. in applied computing and information sciences, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette announced yesterday the launch of the new program.

According to UL Lafayette, the program is the first of its kind and will prepare students to make strategic, research-based leadership decisions and improve business efficiency.

“Unlike programs that focus solely on computer science or computer engineering, the applied computing and information sciences program examines technology from a user’s perspective — how people interact with systems and how information moves through organizations,” said Dr. Azmy S. Ackleh, dean of the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences, said.

The program also will emphasize the practical application of computing technologies, including artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity and machine learning, with a focus on organizational and business contexts.

UL Lafayette’s Graduate School said it is currently accepting applications for the program. Courses are set to begin with the Fall 2026 semester, both on campus and 100% online.

Dr. Mary Farmer-Kaiser, dean of the Graduate School, said the new Ph.D. program’s online delivery will allow students to enroll from anywhere in the country while maintaining their careers in the field.

Students complete the same curriculum, work with the same faculty, and meet the same degree requirements whether they attend online or on campus, according to Farmer-Kaiser. The program emphasizes advanced research, project management and problem-solving skills that prepare graduates for careers both inside and outside academia, while allowing working professionals to apply what they learn to real-world challenges, UL Lafayette said.

“A Ph.D. is no longer preparation for a single career path,” Farmer-Kaiser said. “It builds the depth of knowledge and transferable skills that are increasingly essential across today’s business, government and nonprofit sectors.”

Learn more about UL Lafayette’s new applied computing and information sciences Ph.D. program on campus and online.

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Louisiana

More Storms Monday – Severe Storms Possible by Midweek

Published

7 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

More Storms Monday – Severe Storms Possible by Midweek

(KMDL-FM) You might not have realized it, but you’re on a roller coaster. No, not the kind of roller coaster you look forward to riding, but the kind of roller coaster only Mother Nature can devise in the form of Louisiana’s annual up and down weather conditions, also known as spring.

READ MORE: Louisiana Parishes That Have the Most Tornadoes

Much of Louisiana was affected by strong storms with heavy rains and gusty winds during the day on Saturday and extending into Sunday morning. By later afternoon yesterday, conditions had improved, and it looked as though the work and school week would be off to a much calmer start.

Heavy Rain Possible in Louisiana To Start the Work Week

The start of the work and school day will be much calmer; however, the ride home on this first day of “extra sunlight” thanks to Daylight Saving Time will include a decent chance of showers and storms. Oh, and there are already reports of thick fog.

So, after a foggy start this morning, you could be picking up kids from school or driving yourself home from work in a torrential downpour. And you’ll get to do all of this while you’re mentally addled from the twice-a-year time change.

Rain chances are listed at 50% for this afternoon, but they do taper off quickly after the sun goes down. The Weather Prediction Center is forecasting a slight risk of an excessive rain event for portions of Louisiana later today. The area of concern is generally along and well north of US 190.

When Is The Next Threat of Severe Storms in Louisiana?

Tuesday should be a cloudy but breezy and warm day. Then on Wednesday, the rain chances and the next threat of severe storms will move into Louisiana.

weather.gov/lch

The Storm Prediction Center outlook for Wednesday’s severe weather potential suggests that the northern and central sections of the state might be more at risk for stronger storms than the I-10 corridor might be.

READ MORE: Who Is Appearing at Patty in the Parc in Lafayette?

We will know more about that potential later this morning when the SPC updates its forecast. The outlook for the remainder of the week, including the Patty in the Parc Weekend event in Downtown Lafayette, looks to be spectacular.

Patty in the Parc Entertainment 2011-2025

Gallery Credit: Dave Steel

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Louisiana

Tech companies could receive large tax breaks in Louisiana as data centers begin construction

Published

20 hours ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

Tech companies could receive large tax breaks in Louisiana as data centers begin construction

RICHLAND — Tech companies could receive significant tax breaks in Louisiana as data centers break ground in the state.

According to a report by The Advocate, Meta officials told state officials in 2024 that they would need significant tax breaks while negotiating the $27 billion data center project currently being built in North Louisiana.

Based on projections of Louisiana’s tax exemptions and the expected expenditures of the companies, state and local governments could potentially give billions in tax breaks to the tech giants.

Several states, including Louisiana, have seen backlash to data centers as residents worry about potential rising electric costs and strain on water systems.

Virginia is currently debating whether or not to repeal tax exemptions for the tech companies, as it has cost state and local governments in Virginia $1.9 billion in 2024 alone.

The tax break exempts data centers from state and local taxes for multiple things data centers require, including servers, chillers, electric infrastructure and construction costs.

The scale of the data center projects, which include tens of billions in spending, coupled with Louisiana’s sales tax of 10%, means tax breaks could be worth huge amounts.

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Louisiana

Why tech giants could reap massive tax breaks in Louisiana as data centers break ground

Published

1 day ago

March 8, 2026

Press Room

Why tech giants could reap massive tax breaks in Louisiana as data centers break ground

Gov. Jeff Landry speaks at an event Monday, Feb. 23, 2026, at Shreveport Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport, La., held to announce that Amazon plans to build data centers in Caddo and Bossier Parishes. He is joined by Roger Wehner, left, vice president of Economic Development for Amazon, and Matt Vanderzanden, CEO of STACK Infrastructure.

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