October 10, 2023

BATON ROUGE, LA - Willie A. Louviere, PhD is the Program Director for the new LSU Integrative Community Studies program, which promotes independent living, employment opportunities, and social interaction for individuals with moderate disabilities. The goal of the LSU Integrative Community Studies Program is to provide a life-changing university learning experience for individuals selected for admission. "Take 5" to get to know Dr. Willie and learn more about #CommunityLSU!

Tell us about you professionally and personally!

"For the past 24 years, I have served students in the rural public classroom and worked to guide them throughout their journey to post-secondary learning. My research interests include providing increased access to post-secondary learning to underserved student populations. My dissertation research focused on providing and improving rural access to college using Advanced Placement Language and Literature coursework; nevertheless, as the mother of a child with special needs, providing access to the college experience for all young adults has always been a driving force. I remember the concern of what happens next? What happens after they age out of traditional high school? Is there a next chapter? The LSU Integrative Community Studies Program is a culminating “next chapter” that is driven by providing community, education, and purpose. My hobbies include cruising in my Jeep, road trips that lead to spontaneous destinations, eating at delicious restaurants, leading children’s ministry at my church, watching TV, thrift shopping, and color guarding with my daughter Addie Claire."

What is the Integrative Community Studies Program?

"The LSU Integrative Community Studies Program, known as the LSU Community, is a residential program that promotes independent living, employment opportunities, and social interaction for individuals with moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal of the LSU Community is to provide a life-changing university learning experience for individuals selected for admission. LSU faculty, staff, and students are directly involved in the development of “community” for the program’s exceptional residents."

What does a typical day as Program Director of the ICS Program look like?

"The mission of the LSU Community is to provide students with an integrative and inclusive educational experience using comprehensive transitional programming to prepare them for successful competitive employment and the opportunity to actively participate in their communities. Each component incorporated into the daily schedules of the ICS residents is designed to provide an increased sense of belonging on the college campus and build the skill set necessary to be an active participant in their community. A day in the life of the ICS Director requires the superb ability to multitask and to switch roles rapidly. What I love most about my schedule is that it is always changing. My day usually starts early with responding to emails and returning calls, while the residents are eating breakfast. I appreciate the flexibility to interact directly with our program residents and academic mentors who provide direct support throughout the day and in all activities. The program’s talented graduate assistant and the phenomenal academic mentors are the true angels of the LSU Community because they are committed to assisting me in providing the most wholesome experience for our exceptional friends. Our days are crazy-busy, but I enjoy the rapid pace and ever-changing breathtaking scenery of the LSU Campus. The campus is our classroom on most days, many steps will be taken, and you never know who you will meet and the fantastic connections that will be made!"

What are you most looking forward to as Program Director of the Integrative Community Studies Program?

"The roots of LSU run deep in my family, and I am absolutely thrilled to have been blessed with the opportunity to create and implement a program that will have a monumental impact on an exceptional group that has been quiet in postsecondary learning for too long. In providing the next chapter that is full of concept, access, and opportunity to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their villages drives the mission and vision of the LSU Community and gives this program an undeniable purpose."

Anything else you'd like us to know?

"Please follow the daily chronicles and life-learnings of the LSU Community on social media! @communitylsu #CommunityLSU The future is bright for this crew, and I am absolutely thrilled that the road led me back to LSU. The LSU Community will change lives and generate opportunities for students with exceptional needs throughout our community, across our state, and is well on its way to becoming a staple program in the nation. It’s a great day to be a TIGER! I have become known on campus as Dr. Willie and I am the 5th generation of female "Willies" in my family—no, it is not short for anything, and yes, it was absolutely done on purpose!"