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Ӱɴý Geomatics Received $10K Surveying Education Award

THIBODAUX, La. – Ӱɴý’s geomatics program received the 2025 National Council of Examiners for . This $10,000 award recognizes outstanding university surveying programs.

Ӱɴý was the only institution in Louisiana to receive this award. This is the fifth time the program has been recognized with this award as a top ten program in the nation for 2016, 2017, 2021 and 2023 by .

During GIS Day, an annual event celebrating Geographic Information Systems-based technologies, the Louisiana Professional Engineering and Land Surveying Board Executive Director Donna Sentell presented the award to Ӱɴý geomatics.

Ӱɴý’ GIS Day celebration also featured outreach tables hosted by , , , and The Hub, along with hands-on geomatics activities for 45 high school students from Hahnville, Terrebonne High School and Covenant Christian Academy. Students participated in interactive demonstrations, including a drone demonstration.

“The Ӱɴý Geomatics Program is the only four-year geomatics program in Louisiana, distinguished by its hands-on curriculum and strong industry connections that result in graduates being highly competitive in the national workforce.” said Dr. Esra Tekdal Yilmaz, director of Wm Clifford Smith School of Engineering and associate professor of geomatics.

With 100% job placement, the Ӱɴý geomatics program blends traditional surveying and mapping with advanced technologies such as the Global Navigation Satellite System, Geographic Information Systems, Unmanned Aerial Systems and laser scanning.

The Wm. Clifford Smith School of Engineering provides programs in geomatics and pre-engineering, as well as civil and mechanical engineering, in partnership with the University of New Orleans. Through this agreement, students can complete UNO’s Bachelor of Science in mechanical, civil or other pre-engineering pathways on Ӱɴý’ campus, then transfer seamlessly to UNO to finish their degrees in their senior year.

To learn more about engineering and applied sciences at Ӱɴý, click here.

About NCEES

The NCEES Engineering and Surveying Education Awards recognize programs that have a broad and robust curriculum, with the awards intended to encourage programs to engage their students with other professionals, introduce them to new technology and promote licensure. The vision of NCEES is to provide leadership in professional licensure of engineers and surveyors through excellence in uniform laws, licensing standards and professional ethics in order to shape the future of professional licensure.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT: Payton Suire

Media Relations & Publications Coordinator, 

985.448.4141 or payton.suire@nicholls.edu

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