THIBODAUX, La. – When Gerald “Mitch” Dillon graduated from Nicholls State University in 2022, he moved into his own studio apartment and landed two jobs. Now, he is helping ensure other young adults with intellectual disabilities get the same opportunity.
Dillon, a graduate of the university’s Bridge to Independence program, serves as a representative of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council on the state’s Postsecondary Inclusive Education Advisory Council. At a recent meeting, he motioned to approve a multi-million-dollar fund that allocates $150,000 to Nicholls and eight other Comprehensive Transition Programs across Louisiana.
“Inclusive postsecondary education opens doors to learning, independence, employment and belonging,” said Kim Hunter Reed, state commissioner of higher education.
The funding structure stems from legislation, beginning with Act 682 in 2022, authored by Sen. Gerald Boudreaux, which established the council. Subsequent legislation dedicated 3% of annual online sports wagering tax revenue to the cause.
Of roughly $3 million in sports betting revenue, the council approved $1.65 million to fund $150,000 grants for nine established campus programs. It also set aside $75,000 each for two emerging programs.
For Nicholls, the $150,000 will be spread over two to three years to expand resources and support staff within the Bridge to Independence program.
Dr. Mary Breaud, an associate professor of education at Nicholls and the program’s faculty advisor, was appointed by Gov. John Bell Edwards to serve on the advisory council. She said the money will directly benefit students on campus.
Part of the funds will continue paying skills specialist Rebecca Templeton, helping Nicholls maintain a certified teacher for the program. The university also plans to hire a graduate assistant to oversee Equip, a digital scheduling and data collection tool that students can use in college and keep after graduation.
Additionally, Nicholls plans to expand practical life-skills coursework, including home maintenance, budgeting and work in the campus greenhouse. Plans include hiring job coaches to support student internships.
“We want to strengthen their employability and skills so they can transition into paid, sustainable careers after completing the program,” Breaud said.
For Dillon, sitting at the decision-making table reflects the primary goal of the Bridge to Independence initiative. He lives in Covington, five minutes from his parents, and commutes to jobs at Acquistapace’s grocery store and Stone Creek Health Club.
“He loves his independence,” Breaud said. “Seeing a graduate come full circle, from sitting in our classrooms to making motions on a statewide board that funds those very same classrooms, shows exactly why this work matters.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, Aug. 24, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Suire
Media Relations & Publications Coordinator,
985.448.4141 or payton.suire@nicholls.edu