Inspired by the leadership and vision of Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, Governor of Louisiana from 2004 to 2008, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has created the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center (Blanco Center), which is committed to serving the public interest through leadership in state and local policy with a focus on education, poverty and economic opportunity, criminal justice reform, health and healthcare, the coast and environment, and governmental ethics.

The Blanco Center is an independent, interdisciplinary research center, bringing together experts from different academic departments to conduct applied policy-related research, host events to advance policy and assist those making and implementing policy in Louisiana with best practices, enhancing public services and technical assistance.