View a recording of today’s meeting here.

STUDENT BOARD MEMBER SWORN IN

L’Oreal WIlliams was sworn in today as the 47th student member of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.  

“I would like to thank the students for appointing me to this position,” Williams said. “I look forward to advocating for every student of the University of Louisiana System.” 

Williams is a senior studying business management and marketing and is serving her second term as Southeastern Louisiana University’s Student Government Association president. 

 

REGINALD F. LEWIS SCHOLARS AND SPONSORS INTRODUCED TO BOARD 

 

The Reginald F. Lewis Scholars retreat concluded with an introduction before the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.  

“This is an incredible group who have already shown a significant amount of leadership, grit and personality,” Program Coordinator Claire Norris said. “Scholars: the message is clear. You have a strong support system that stands ready to walk with you through this journey.” 

The two-day retreat included an immersive governmental relations experience at Louisiana’s State Capitol led by Rep. Ted James and other members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus. Pilots from Crescent River Pilots presented to the cohort about the maritime industry in an effort to broaden their understanding of the importance of the Mississippi River as an economic driver for our state. To promote the basics of professional dress, the Scholars were treated to measurements for a suit donated by Jos. A. Bank. They participated in their first of many service projects when they visited Claiborne Elementary School where they read to and interacted with students about college aspirations and achieving their goals.  

“The Scholars will soon learn that life and school are different,” Rep. James said. “In life, you are tested first and the lessons follow. This program will help them with the tests in life. They will be well-prepared because of their experience in the Reginald F. Lewis Scholars program.” 

During the Board meeting, Scholars learned that their meal plans will be covered for the year through generous support from food service partners Sodexo, Aramark and Chartwells. Sodexo representatives were present at the Board meeting. 

The Scholars retreat was generously sponsored by Rep. Ted James and the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, Crescent River Pilots, Louisiana Healthcare Connections, Ruby Slipper Café and Raising Canes.  

The Scholars are just embarking on their three-year, tri-fold experience. In addition to a full tuition and meal plan scholarship, cohorts will participate in the community experience which includes a partnership with the Universities of Louisiana Management & Leadership Institute and service learning projects including a partnership to be mentors through the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition; the social experience which includes an annual focused retreat and academic, social and professional mentorship from business, community and university leaders; and the academic experience which includes research projects and a study abroad opportunity in their junior year. The Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Program is at no cost to the student participant.   

Click here to see more photos from the Reginald F. Lewis Scholars retreat.

 

NORTHWESTERN STATE PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH UNDERWAY

 

The initial meeting of the Northwestern State University Presidential Search Committee was held Aug. 24 where the committee accepted their charge and voted to approve a search timeline.  

“We are making a decision that is going to impact this institution for decades, and that’s why the public’s involvement and your involvement on this committee is so absolutely important,” Search Committee Chair and UL System President and CEO Jim Henderson said. “This institution is vitally important to the city of Natchitoches, and the two will rise together.”  

The search timeline calls for the next president of Northwestern State University to take office in January. Visit ulsystem.edu/nsusearch for all information related to the search.

 

MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE

 

Registration is open for next week’s Universities of Louisiana Mental Health Conference. In an effort to combat some of the challenges of the past 18 months, this virtual event will share tools for faculty and staff to improve their mental health by exploring areas such as self-care and burnout and train attendees on suicide prevention techniques. Visit ulsystem.edu/mentalhealthconference for all event details and registration. Registration closes Monday at noon.

BOARD ACTION:

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS

Grambling State University: approval to award a posthumous Honorary Bachelor of Arts in Visual and Performing Arts to Ms. Natalie Desselle Reid at the December 2021 Commencement Exercises.
Louisiana Tech University: approval to terminate the Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education (K-12).
Louisiana Tech University: approval to offer Undergraduate Certificates in: Communication and Media Studies, Sport Coaching, Game Design, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and UTeachTech.
Louisiana Tech University: approval to offer a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in UTeachTech.
Louisiana Tech University: approval to offer Graduate Certificates in Computer Science and Data Science.
McNeese State University: approval of a Letter of Intent to offer a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Nicholls State University: approval to offer a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Leadership.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to convert the existing Associate of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant to a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant.
University of Louisiana System: approval of System Universities’ 2021-22 Promotions in Faculty Rank and Recommendations for Tenure.

ATHLETIC COMMITTEE

Grambling State University: approval of a contract with Dr. Trayvean Scott, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics/Athletic Director, effective August 1, 2021.
Grambling State University: approval of a contractual amendment with Mr. Broderick Lee Fobbs, Head Football Coach, effective August 4, 2021.
Grambling State University: approval of a Revised Athletic Home Game Complimentary Ticket Policy.
Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contract with Mr. Thomas Lane Burroughs, Head Baseball Coach, between Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana Tech University Foundation, effective July 1, 2021.
Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contact with Mr. Eric Konkol, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, between Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana Tech University Foundation, effective July 1, 2021.
Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contract with Mr. Pacifico David DeGuglielmo, Assistant Football Coach/Offensive Line Coach, between  Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana Tech University Foundation, effective March 1, 2021.
Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contract with Mr. Josten Mack Crow, Assistant Basketball Coach, between Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana Tech University Foundation, effective July 1, 2021.
Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contract with Mr. Desmond Lavaris Haymon, Assistant Basketball Coach, between Louisiana Tech University and  Louisiana Tech University Foundation, effective July 1, 2021.
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Heath Schroyer, Director of Athletics, effective July 1, 2021.
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Justin Hill, Head Baseball Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
Nicholls State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Michael Silva, Head Baseball Coach, effective July 21, 2021.
Nicholls State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Robert Podeyn, Head Soccer Coach, effective July 21, 2021.
Nicholls State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Justin Lewis, Head Softball Coach, effective July 21, 2021.
Northwestern State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Bobby Barbier, Head Baseball Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
Northwestern State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Stuart Gore, Head Women’s Soccer Coach, effective July 6, 2021.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a contract with Ms. Molly Fichtner, Head Women’s Softball Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of an amended contract with Michael Anthony Federico, Head Baseball Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
University of New Orleans: approval of a contract with Ms. Amy Grabiec, Head Coach, Beach Volleyball, effective July 1, 2021.
University of New Orleans: approval of a contract with Ms. Ashley Preston, Head Coach, Volleyball, effective July 17, 2021.
University of New Orleans: approval of a contract with Mr. Jeff Lorio, Head Coach, Men’s Golf, effective July 1, 2021.
University of New Orleans:  approval of a contract with Mr. Burzis Kanga, Head Coach, Men’s and Women’s Tennis, effective July 1, 2021.
University of New Orleans: approval of a contract with Mr. Brian Johnson, Head Coach, Men’s and Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country, effective July 1, 2021.

FACILITIES PLANNING

Louisiana Tech University: approval to demolish a greenhouse that was damaged beyond repair due to Hurricane Laura in 2020.
McNeese State University: approval to name the Health and Human Performance Complex the “Legacy Center.”
Nicholls State University: approval to name the area in Ellender Memorial Library the “Charles J. Monier, PhD – Makerspace.”
Nicholls State University: approval to become the Facility Planning and Control delegated authority allowing the University to oversee and manage the construction of the Bayou Region Incubator building to be located on the main campus of the University in Thibodaux, Louisiana.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to place on the signage of the football stadium “Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center Stadium.”
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to enter into a Grounds and Facilities Lease Agreement with ULM Facilities, Inc. to construct a new Student Athlete Leadership Center,  pursuant to La. R.S. 17:3361.
University of New Orleans: approval to name a space within the Earl K. Long Library “The Stewart Family Learning Commons.”
University of New Orleans:  approval to enter into a Lease Agreement with University of New Orleans Research and Technology Foundation (R&T Foundation), both not-for-profit corporations, pursuant to the authority vested in La. R.S. 41:137.
University of Louisiana System: approval of the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Capital Outlay Budget Request and Institutions’ Five-Year Capital Outlay Plans.

FINANCE

Grambling State University: approval to enter a sponsorship agreement with Coca-Cola Bottling Company, United/Coca-Cola North America.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval to modify the Student Publication Fee, an existing university-assessed fee, to establish financial support for Title IX needs.
University of New Orleans: approval to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Golden Leaf Energy.
University of New Orleans: approval to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Cell Free Systems.
University of New Orleans: approval to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with TMS BioScience Labs, LLC.
University of Louisiana System: acceptance of Fiscal Year 2020-21 Financial and Compliance and Federal Award Programs Representation Letters for (a) Grambling State University; (b) Louisiana Tech University; (c) Nicholls State University; (d) Northwestern State University; (e) Southeastern Louisiana University; (f) University of Louisiana at Lafayette; (g) University of New Orleans; and (h) University of Louisiana System.
University of Louisiana System: approval of Fiscal Year 2021-22 Operating Budgets, including organizational charts, undergraduate/graduate mandatory attendance fees, scholarships, and System Shared Costs.

PERSONNEL

Louisiana Tech University: approval to appoint Dr. Richard A. Crawford as Vice President of Student Advancement effective July 1, 2021.
McNeese State University: approval to appoint Dr. Frederick “Chip” LeMieux as Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Enrollment Management effective August 1, 2021.
McNeese State University: approval to appoint Dr. Shuming Bai as Dean of the College of Business effective July 1, 2021.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval to appoint Dr. Tará Lopez as Interim Dean of the College of Business effective July 31, 2021.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to appoint Dr. Brian Doherty as Dean of University Libraries effective July 1, 2021.

SYSTEM PRESIDENT’S BUSINESS

McNeese State University: approval of a resolution authorizing the President of the University to file suit on behalf of the university for the recovery of any and all losses sustained from Hurricane Laura.