WELCOME TO WAEL AT SUNO
Where ECE Meets Higher Education
The first-of-its-kind partnership between Wilcox Academy of Early Learning and Southern University at New Orleans creates a seamless continuum of education, supporting children, families, and student parents from the very beginning.
A Historic Partnership
Welcome to Wilcox Academy at SUNO—a place where early childhood education and higher education come together in one shared community.
As the only early learning center located on the campus of a historically Black college and university in New Orleans, our SUNO location represents a groundbreaking partnership with Southern University at New Orleans. Together, we've created a model that supports lifelong learning, providing children with exceptional early education while helping parents pursue their own educational goals.
Designed with families in mind, this innovative partnership helps remove barriers for student parents by bringing high-quality early learning directly to campus, making education more accessible across generations.
A City Within Our Center
When it came time to name the classrooms, we looked to the city that connects us all.
As you enter the building, you're welcomed into the Neutral Ground, the central gathering space that bridges our Uptown and Downtown wings. From there, children begin their own journey through New Orleans, learning in bright, thoughtfully designed classrooms named after beloved neighborhoods such as Tremé, Pontchartrain Park, Carrollton, and Audubon.
Filled with natural light and opportunities for exploration, every classroom celebrates both our city and the communities we proudly serve.
Building Futures Together
Beyond the classrooms, the SUNO campus was intentionally designed to strengthen the connection between education and family life.
Serving children from as young as two months through five years old—and up to age eight during our summer program—we provide continuity of care for working families, faculty, staff, and student parents alike.
Hallways lined with photographs of former students remind us that every child leaves a lasting imprint on our community. Since opening in October 2023, the SUNO campus has become more than an early learning center—it has become an ecosystem where children are nurtured, families are supported, and education remains accessible at every stage.
Meet the SUNO Campus Leadership Team
Our leadership team is committed to supporting children, families, and educators through collaboration, innovation, and a shared belief that every child deserves an exceptional start.
Kenyetta Domino-Perkins brings nearly two decades of experience in early childhood education, including more than a decade in leadership. Since joining Wilcox Academy in 2009, she has helped shape high-quality learning environments by mentoring educators, strengthening family partnerships, and supporting continuous program growth.
Holding both an Associate Degree in Care and Development of Young Children and a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and Family Services, Kenyetta combines academic expertise with years of hands-on leadership. As a CLASS Reliable Observer for Infant and Toddler classrooms, she partners with teachers to cultivate nurturing, responsive learning experiences that help every child thrive.
Her steady leadership, commitment to excellence, and passion for early childhood education continue to advance Wilcox Academy's mission of serving children and families with care and purpose.
Since joining Wilcox Academy in 2010, Nichelle Johnson has dedicated her career to creating nurturing, developmentally appropriate environments where children and educators can flourish. Her leadership journey has included roles as an instructional coach, infant specialist, and center director, each building on her passion for supporting high-quality early learning.
As a CLASS Reliable Observer and Infant Specialist, Nichelle works closely with educators to strengthen classroom interactions, mentor teachers, and foster continuous improvement across the center. Her collaborative leadership style and commitment to excellence help ensure every child receives exceptional care during their earliest years.
Now serving as Co-Director of the SUNO campus, Nichelle continues to champion Wilcox Academy's mission by empowering educators, supporting families, and creating meaningful learning experiences for every child.
Whitman Wilcox V brings six years of experience in early childhood education and serves as Assistant Director of the SUNO campus. A dedicated educator and positive male role model, he is passionate about creating nurturing environments where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn.
After earning his Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Whitman continued to expand his leadership within Wilcox Academy through his reliability, collaborative spirit, and commitment to supporting both children and colleagues. His transition into leadership reflects his dedication to fostering excellence throughout the center.
Through his calm presence and team-first mindset, Whitman helps cultivate the welcoming, supportive culture that defines the SUNO campus.
Lyonetta "Ms. Lyonnie" Williams brings more than 14 years of experience in education and has been part of the Wilcox Academy family since 2022. After several years in the classroom, she transitioned into instructional coaching, where she supports teachers through mentorship, professional development, and collaborative coaching.
As Instructional Coach at the SUNO campus, Lyonnie partners with educators to strengthen instructional practices, enhance classroom quality, and foster engaging learning experiences that benefit every child.
Her thoughtful leadership, reflective approach, and passion for helping both educators and children grow make her an invaluable member of the SUNO leadership team.
Join a community of educators dedicated to helping children love, learn, and lead.
Visit Our SUNO Campus
ADDRESS
6701 Press Dr.,
New Orleans, LA 70126
HOURS
Monday thru Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
PHONE
(504) 286-5306
PROGRAMS AVAILABLE
Infant Care
Toddler Care
Preschool
Pre-K
Before & After Care
Summer Camp