Centenary College and Willis Knighton Health sign agreement for career training partnership
SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary College and Willis Knighton Health formally signed an agreement on Friday, February 7, to establish a pathway for Willis Knighton employees to complete courses and certificates through Centenary’s Center for Innovative Learning (CIL). The signing event was held at Centenary College’s Meadows Museum of Art.
“Centenary launched the Center for Innovative Learning back in the fall, and Willis Knighton was there recognizing what we can do to assist them in professional development, workforce development,” said Dr. Holoman. “I truly believe that healthcare is the most important regional driver of our economy for years to come.”
Through the new agreement, Willis Knighton will actively promote career advancement opportunities available through Centenary’s CIL to its employees and will reimburse employees up to $1,500 annually for completing approved courses and certificates. Centenary will create a dedicated web portal for Willis Knighton employees to access CIL offerings and will provide dedicated support to employees enrolled in courses and certificate programs.
Centenary’s CIL, launched in October 2024, provides access to a catalog of over 800 online continuing education courses, certificate programs, and professional development opportunities in areas such as medical health professions, business, cybersecurity and information technology, teacher preparation and continuing education, wellness and fitness, and legal studies.
At the CIL launch event in October 2024, Willis Knighton Health CEO Jaf Fielder characterized the partnership with Centenary as “a win-win for both of our organizations” and noted that the CIL presents an opportunity for Willis Knighton employees to sharpen their professional skills and continue to advance within the organization.
“Willis Knighton places high importance on learning,” said Fielder. “We try to encourage our employees to stay in a constant state of learning because in the medical field, you’ve got constant change.”
Centenary president Dr. Christopher L. Holoman highlighted the ways in which the CIL represents an opportunity to expand the College’s educational mission and scope while addressing critical workforce development needs in the Ark-La-Tex.
Holoman went on to say that as the CIL grows, Centenary will be adding more programs. Fielder noted that the flexibility of the CIL classes is something that is good for his workforce.
“The great thing about these programs is that you can study at your own pace,” Fielder said.
For more information about the Center for Innovative Learning at Centenary College, visit centenary.edu/cil.
