UrbanCast Let’s Talk interview with Dr. Amy Dufrene explores how connecting students with local employers can strengthen Central Louisiana’s workforce and future.
ALEXANDRIA, La. (UrbanCast: 10/23/2026) — Central Louisiana’s colleges and universities are among the bright spots in our communities, educating talented young people and preparing them for successful careers. However, as communities across our region, particularly Alexandria, face population challenges, an important question remains: How do we connect more of that talent with opportunities to build their futures right here at home?
That’s what stood out during my recent UrbanCast Let’s Talk interview with Dr. Amy S. Dufrene, Director of Counseling and Career Services at Louisiana Christian University (LCU). Our conversation centered on LCU’s upcoming Fall Career Fair, but it also highlighted something much bigger: the importance of connecting education, employment, and economic opportunity.
The full interview will air Sunday, October 25, at 2 p.m., ahead of the university’s Career Fair on Thursday, October 29.
Bringing Opportunities Directly to Students
LCU is bringing together dozens of employers and community organizations representing health care, banking, manufacturing, energy, government, education, law enforcement, and other industries. Among the participating organizations are Cleco, RoyOMartin, Boise Cascade, Red River Bank, Rapides Regional Medical Center, CHRISTUS Health, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Alexandria Police Department.
Dufrene also credited Dr. Mary E. “Beth” Palmer, LCU’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement, for her significant assistance in recruiting employers for the event. She explained that Palmer helped guide her efforts to connect with participating organizations and was instrumental in bringing employers to the Career Fair.
“I would not have been able to get them here without Dr. Palmer’s help,” Dufrene said, publicly thanking her colleague during our conversation. Their collaboration reflects the university’s broader commitment to connecting students with professional opportunities.
Dufrene explained that exposing students to different industries is especially valuable for those who may have limited experience with certain professions. That includes first-generation college students who may not yet understand the range of careers available to them.
However, the Career Fair isn’t simply about finding a job. It’s about creating relationships that can eventually lead to internships, part-time employment, and full-time careers. Dufrene encouraged students to begin making those connections early, even during their freshman and sophomore years. A simple introduction to an employer today could open the door to an internship or career opportunity years later.
Employers Are Looking for More Than Good Grades
One particularly interesting part of our conversation involved what employers are looking for in the next generation of workers. According to Dufrene, recent discussions with employers revealed a strong emphasis on resilience, determination, and dependability. While education and qualifications remain important, employers also want individuals who can overcome challenges and follow through on commitments.
She described the importance of “seeing failure as a reset button rather than a stop sign.” In other words, employers want people who can adapt, learn from setbacks, and continue moving forward.
Dufrene also offered practical advice for students attending the Career Fair, encouraging them to dress appropriately and bring a well-prepared resume. She stressed the importance of making strong first impressions and taking advantage of opportunities to speak with multiple employers.
LCU’s commitment to career preparation extends beyond the event itself. The university provides career counseling, professional development workshops, and assessments designed to help students identify career interests and prepare for employment.
Connecting Local Talent with Local Opportunities
For me, one of the most important takeaways from this interview was the role our educational institutions can play in Central Louisiana’s long-term growth. I’ve often said that we have some excellent educational institutions in this region. We are producing talented graduates who can compete and succeed in virtually any market, and that’s something we should celebrate.
But the reality is that Central Louisiana is also experiencing population challenges, particularly in Alexandria. Many of the talented young people educated in our region eventually pursue employment and professional opportunities elsewhere. There’s certainly nothing wrong with graduates exploring opportunities beyond Central Louisiana, and their accomplishments reflect positively on the institutions that prepared them.
However, we should also make sure those same graduates recognize the opportunities available right here at home.
That’s why I find efforts like LCU’s Career Fair so encouraging. The university isn’t simply preparing students academically. It’s actively building relationships with employers who can provide career opportunities within our region.
During our conversation, Dufrene made a particularly important observation. “Our college students are the future of workforce development, full stop,” she said.
She pointed to LCU graduates already serving Central Louisiana in education, nursing, law enforcement, and other professions. Our local schools, hospitals, businesses, and public agencies benefit from those graduates every day. Additionally, LCU offers several graduate programs that allow students to continue their education locally while preparing for professional careers.
The larger opportunity is clear. When educational institutions and employers work together, students gain a better understanding of the careers available to them. Employers gain access to talented prospective employees who already have connections to the community. Central Louisiana also gains another opportunity to retain young professionals who may eventually become business owners, educators, health care professionals, and community leaders.
We don’t necessarily need to convince every graduate to stay, but we should make sure more of them have compelling reasons to do so. That’s what makes this kind of collaboration so important.
LCU Career Fair Reaches Capacity
The level of employer participation reflects strong interest in connecting with LCU students. Dufrene confirmed that employer registration has closed because the Career Fair has reached its available capacity. She described the strong participation as a welcome development.
This year’s event is intended for students and is not open to alumni or the general public. However, Dufrene expressed interest in potentially expanding participation in future years. Eligible students do not need to register to attend.
Career Fair Details
- Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Location: Granberry Conference Center, Louisiana Christian University, Pineville
- Parking: Available across from the conference center
- Student Registration: Not required
The conference center is located on the ground floor of LCU’s Student Center.
Watch the Full Let’s Talk Interview Sunday
There is much more to our conversation with Dr. Dufrene, including practical advice for students, what employers expect, and how LCU helps students identify career paths.
The full interview will premiere Sunday, October 25, at 2 p.m., on UrbanCast Let’s Talk. We’ll also share several short video highlights over the following days to help raise awareness of the October 29 Career Fair.
While this event is focused on students, the larger conversation matters to everyone who cares about Central Louisiana’s future. Our educational institutions are doing their part to develop talented young people, and our employers are demonstrating their willingness to connect with that talent. Seeing those efforts come together is encouraging.
Because ultimately, strengthening Central Louisiana isn’t just about attracting new opportunities. It’s also about connecting our people with the opportunities already here, giving them reasons to stay, and helping them build their futures in the communities we call home.
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