On June 28, 1995, Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) was established as a State of Louisiana open-admissions, two-year comprehensive community college serving an eight-parish area surrounding Baton Rouge. Despite Louisiana’s strong vocational and technical college programs, prior to BRCC’s inception, the state had only three existing community colleges located in the Shreveport and New Orleans areas. The creation of such an institution stemmed from an effort to provide greater access to higher education to a larger number of citizens in the Baton Rouge area. Initially, the community college was jointly administered by Baton Rouge’s four-year universities, Louisiana State University and Southern University.

In January of 1996, Dr. Marion Bonaparte of New Jersey became the first Chancellor of the college, which then began operations at its temporary location at the Computer Center on the LSU campus. In April of 1996, BRCC formed a Citizens’ Advisory Committee to address issues related to the college and to establish ties with the community. Dr. Bonaparte, with the help of community leaders and Governor M. J. “Mike” Foster’s administration, began developing a master plan for the college’s site and facilities.

In May 1997, Commissioner of Administration Mark C. Drennen and the Louisiana Legislature approved the purchase of a 60-acre tract of land. The property, located near the geographic center of Baton Rouge, allowed ample space for the future development and expansion of the campus. On July 24, 1997, construction began on the first building of the college at Florida Boulevard and Rebel Drive.

Community and college leaders adopted a plan for the future growth of the college. Architects developed the “Millennium Master Plan,” which was approved in May of 1998. The plan set up a framework for the future expansion of the physical environment of the college campus.

BRCC officials received the keys to the first building on June 1, 1998. State and school officials originally projected enrollment of 700 students. When the college opened its doors on August 20, 1998, the number of students enrolled had risen to 1,866.

The community marveled at the massive response when students from all over the eight-parish region came to BRCC. The student body reflected the diverse demographics of the region, including traditional and non-traditional, first-generation, and continuing education students.

Curricular offerings encompassed courses and programs leading to associate degrees, transfer credits, diplomas, and certificates. Articulation and cross-enrollment agreements with Louisiana State University, Southern University, and Southeastern Louisiana University were established. This allowed students to transfer to four-year colleges/universities without loss of any academic credit.

The need for additional space became evident as BRCC’s enrollment climbed. To handle the increase, the state appropriated the 60,000 square foot James M. Frazier, Sr. Building, located on Highland Road, east of the Mississippi River Bridge. After renovations were made, BRCC began operating at the site in the fall of 1999.

In May of 1999, the Louisiana Board of Regents approved a new specialized program for an associate degree in Process Technology to be offered at the College. BRCC’s program was a direct link to the chemical industry, one of the largest industries in the greater Baton Rouge area and Louisiana Gulf Coast region.

On July 1, 1999, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) became BRCC’s governing board. The LCTCS appointed Dr. Sammie W. Cosper as the Interim Chancellor of the college on July 2, 1999, and he served in this capacity until September 2000. Dr. Raymond L. Garrity served as Interim Chancellor from September to November of 2000.

In the fall of 2000, Dr. Walter G. Bumphus became BRCC’s second official Chancellor. Under his leadership, the college took pride in responding to the changing needs of both students and the community by adapting and creating programs for degree opportunities, workforce development, and continuing education. In December 2001, Dr. Bumphus was appointed as the LCTCS president. Upon his appointment, Dr. Leana Revell was appointed as the Interim Chancellor of BRCC.

In the spring of 2001, several significant events occurred in the college’s history. In February 2001, BRCC solidified the Dual Enrollment Program with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System, offering area high school students the opportunity to earn college and high school credit simultaneously by successfully completing BRCC courses. In addition, the college applied for accreditation candidacy with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

With enrollment steadily increasing and predicted to reach 4,000 students in the fall of 2001, the state appropriated funds for additional buildings on BRCC’s main campus. BRCC’s second classroom building, the Louisiana Building, which complemented the structure of the first building, the Governors Building, opened for classes August 2002.

On September 9, 2002, Dr. Myrtle E. B. Dorsey became BRCC’s third Chancellor. Taking the reins and carrying on the tradition of providing a “world class” institution, Chancellor Dorsey announced in December 2002 that BRCC had reached candidacy status with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

During Spring 2004, Baton Rouge Community College became a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. On April 8, 2004, 79 students were inducted into the Beta Mu Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.

Campus growth continues to flourish. The campus has expanded its facilities to accommodate the expected increase in enrollment. A 912-space parking garage opened August 2003. The central mechanical plant was completed June 2004. The Student Center (Bienvenue) , which opened August 2004, houses a “one-stop-shop” for students needing services such as admissions, advising, testing, counseling, and student activities (club space, game room, and other menities). The Center also includes a bookstore and cafeteria.

Two other buildings, opening in 2005, will be the Science and Technology Building and the Learning Resources Center which will feature a library, a theater, and academic learning center.