GTI Energy and McNeese State University Partner on New LNG Education Initiative

GTI Energy and McNeese State University have formed a strategic education partnership to advance workforce readiness, safety, and innovation across the LNG industry, with a particular focus on meeting growing workforce demand in Southwest Louisiana and along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

The partnership will create an industry-leading post-baccalaureate certificate in LNG engineering to prepare new professionals, existing workforce members, and future students for safe, effective, and leading-edge operations within the LNG industry.

“This program will bridge academic learning with specialized technical and operational knowledge required in the LNG industry and related pipeline infrastructure,” explained Dr. Nikos Kiritsis, Interim Dean of McNeese’s College of Engineering and Sciences. “Partnering with GTI Energy strengthens our ability to deliver industry-relevant training and expand access to high-quality LNG education with regional, national, and international reach.”

"The ability to partner with GTI Energy will position our LNG academic curriculum and workforce development initiatives to be world-renowned,” said Dr. Kedrick Nicholas, Interim President of McNeese. “We will have the highest level of advanced education opportunities available for those in Southwest Louisiana and beyond. As we strive to become the epicenter for LNG education and research, this partnership puts us much closer."

Designed to complement existing industry programs, the asynchronous, online certificate will offer specialized coursework covering LNG processing, pipeline and storage systems, regulatory and hazard management, supply chain operations, and environmental and permitting considerations.

GTI Energy will serve as the lead technical and training development partner, supporting curriculum design, instructional development, and integration of modern learning technologies. McNeese State University will host and administer the certificate program through the LNG Center of Excellence.

“As a McNeese State University alumna, I am excited and proud for GTI Energy to partner with Dr. Kiritsis and the McNeese community to deliver applied, industry-informed training to enable operational and safety excellence for the LNG industry along the Gulf Coast.” said Dr. Paula Gant, President and CEO, GTI Energy. “GTI Energy’s training expertise combined with McNeese’s academic strength will allow us to craft practical and hands-on programs that prepare individuals to safely operate, maintain, and lead in modern LNG facilities. As a native of Southwest Louisiana, I take pride in this community’s contributions to fueling the engines that drive the global economy.”

"Partnering with a well-known company with a CEO in Paula Gant, who is a McNeese graduate and former Student Government Association president, makes me extremely proud. The world sees the level of professionals we produce at our university, and it gives Paula an ongoing connection to her alma mater,” Nicholas said.

The program is currently in the planning and development phase, with a targeted launch in the fall of 2026. GTI Energy and McNeese are inviting industry organizations to engage as sponsors and contributors. Industry participation will help shape curriculum content, support modern training delivery and strengthen the pipeline of qualified LNG professionals.

For more information about the initiative, including engagement opportunities, visit gti.energy/lng-center-of-excellence or email Rdeatherage@gti.energy.

For more information about earning the post-baccalaureate certificate in LNG engineering, visit mcneese.edu/lngpbc.

About GTI Energy

GTI Energy is where complex energy challenges meet bold solutions. With expertise in energy research, technology development, and business innovation, partners across every sector trust us to build and demonstrate solutions for better-performing energy systems. Guided by systems thinking, collaboration, and innovation, we are focused on driving progress that matters for people everywhere.

About McNeese State University

McNeese’s LNG Center for Excellence will serve as a hub for innovation, education, research, industry collaboration and outreach in the LNG and broader natural gas sectors.