RUSTON, La. — Louisiana Tech University’s Innovation Enterprise has partnered with Stephenson Stellar Corporation to participate in the Department of Defense SkillBridge program, which connects service members nearing the end of active duty with civilian industry partners for real-world training and employment experience.

The SkillBridge program allows participants to gain practical skills during the final 180 days of military service while helping businesses access experienced, mission-driven talent. As a SkillBridge-authorized organization, Louisiana Tech’s Innovation Enterprise coordinates these partnerships and supports service members as they transition to civilian roles.

Stephenson Stellar, a nonprofit research and development organization focused on advancing U.S. leadership in the space sector, collaborated with the Innovation Enterprise to engage retired and transitioning military personnel.

“The DOD SkillBridge program aligns with the Innovation Enterprise’s goals, from supporting a strong talent pipeline for regional businesses to fostering a culture of innovation,” said Dr. Donna Johnson, Louisiana Tech’s chief innovation officer. “We serve as a conduit between these service members preparing to transition to civilian life and the growth-focused companies who benefit from their unmatched discipline, leadership, and technical expertise.”

One participant, U.S. Air Force Col. Ray Spohr, has served more than 30 years in military IT and cybersecurity roles, including as chief information officer at Barksdale Air Force Base. Through SkillBridge, he joined Stephenson Stellar to gain business operations experience in the private sector.

“The opportunity to better understand the private sector from a business operations perspective is what drew me to the SkillBridge program,” Spohr said. “During my time at Stephenson Stellar, I’ve been able to recognize what I bring to a private organization as a service member, develop insight into their processes, and learn how to integrate into a corporate setting.”

Jamie O’Quinn, Stephenson Stellar’s Shreveport site lead and project manager, said Spohr has strengthened project teams by sharing expertise in enterprise IT and cybersecurity.

“Ray has enhanced our perspective into base operations and policies, enabling us to proactively address gaps and identify areas to enhance in ongoing projects,” O’Quinn said. “Having his historical knowledge ensured we were on the appropriate path forward for certain projects and even saved us man hours.”

Spohr’s 90-day placement includes leading meetings to ensure project milestones are met, advising on future initiatives, and developing cybersecurity policies and procedures. His participation is overseen by Katie McGowan, the Innovation Enterprise’s director of talent sourcing and strategy.

Before joining the program himself, Spohr encouraged his team members to explore SkillBridge. “I would tell any service member thinking of participating in SkillBridge to take advantage of this opportunity,” he said. “It’s beneficial to continue building out skillsets and broaden your perspective.”

The partnership between Louisiana Tech’s Innovation Enterprise and Stephenson Stellar underscores the university’s ongoing commitment to connecting military and civilian talent with industry opportunities and strengthening workforce development across the region.