MONROE, La. — IBM will create 400 new jobs in Monroe during the next 10 years.

Gov. Bobby Jindal says the state also will provide $4.5 million in higher education funding at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Louisiana Tech University and Grambling State University to create more computer science graduates to meet workforce needs.

IBM’s service center, which will be built on U.S. Highway 165 North across from CenturyLink’s headquarters, will serve both CenturyLink and other customers.

An IBM press release said about 350 CenturyLink technology employees from around the country will transition to become full-time IBM employees in various locations.

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo said the announcement continues to elevate Monroe as one of the top small cities in the state and the nation.