Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math

Raymond R. Duplessis, Jr. is a New Orleans native and serves as Dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at Delgado Community College. He has been a member of the Delgado faculty and leadership team for many years, serving in roles that include Professor of Physics, Chair of Physical Sciences, Assistant Dean, and Interim Dean. Throughout his career, he has focused on expanding access to STEM education, strengthening academic pathways, supporting transfer and workforce opportunities, and developing programs that prepare students for continued education and employment in high-demand fields.

Duplessis has led and supported significant curriculum and program development at Delgado, including work in physics, astronomy, environmental science, water operations, and science laboratory technology. He served as a program leader and helped develop course sequences and credentials designed to meet regional workforce needs. His leadership has also included major facility and laboratory projects, including planning and relocation efforts for science and math instructional spaces and the development of an advanced chemistry laboratory to support chemistry and chemical technology students.

He and his team have been involved in securing and managing grant-funded STEM initiatives. He has served as the institutional principal investigator for NASA and LaSPACE grant projects that provided Delgado students with hands-on research, technical training, travel support, and opportunities to participate in near-space ballooning and STEM explorations at NASA scientific facilities. He also helped lead grant-supported outreach and instructional enhancement efforts funded through the Louisiana Board of Regents, the Brown Foundation, and NORD-C/Job 1 partnerships. These initiatives supported STEM laboratory improvements, student research, summer bridge and outreach programs, and expanded opportunities for students from New Orleans and the surrounding region.

In addition to his administrative and teaching work, Duplessis has contributed to STEM scholarship through publications in applied physics and materials science. His published work includes research in the Journal of Applied Physics and IEEE Transactions on Magnetics, covering electronic structure calculations and phase stability in metallic alloys

Duplessis holds degrees in Applied Physics from the University of New Orleans, Electrical Engineering from Tulane University, and Physics from Xavier University of Louisiana. His professional work reflects a commitment to student success, academic innovation, workforce alignment, and expanding STEM opportunities for the New Orleans community.