View a recording of this meeting here.

GRAMBLING PARTNERS TO EXPAND BROADBAND ACCESS

The Board of Supervisors approved Grambling State University’s request to enter into an agreement with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce to expand internet connectivity to access in rural communities.

This agreement will facilitate a collaborative partnership where BroadbandUSA staff will train Grambling’s academic staff and students on broadband planning, stakeholder outreach and digital inclusion activities. In turn, the staff and students will provide direct educational training and broadband planning services to local community residents, stakeholders and organizations.

“Grambling is perfectly positioned to make a resounding impact in our surrounding communities through this partnership,” Grambling President Rick Gallot said. “There is a great demand for improved broadband access in north Louisiana, and utilizing our existing relationships with community stakeholders will help us reach traditionally underserved and rural areas with inadequate infrastructure and connectivity.”

This agreement will connect students and community stakeholders with resources and guidelines that will help them to improve broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion/equity outcomes, drive economic development, and strengthen community resilience.

Click here to view Grambling’s presentation about their agreement with NTIA.

HIGHLIGHTING SYSTEMIC RESEARCH AND ROLE IN COVID-19 VACCINE DEVELOPMENT

Ramesh Kolluru, vice president for research, innovation, and economic development at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, joined today’s meeting to discuss the import role research plays throughout the System’s member institutions.

“At UL Lafayette we talk about research for a reason, and as far as I’m concerned there is no better reason than our news today,” Kolluru said. “We are equipping ourselves to fight this pandemic and pandemics of the future. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Louisiana System are serving our state in leading the fight against COVID-19.”

Kolluru introduced Francois Villinger and Jane Fontenot, leaders of UL Lafayette’s New Iberia Research Center, to share details of the university’s historic role in the development Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine.

“We are so privileged to have been on the front lines of the fight against the pandemic,” said NIRC’s Director of Contract Research Jane Fontenot. “It’s very rewarding. This project is a perfect example of why we do what we do. This success story is one that has come full circle for us.”

Click here to view the presentation to the board.

ZHAO ANNOUNCED AS FOR OUR FUTURE KEYNOTE

Yong Zhao, an expert on globalization and education, will serve as this year’s For Our Future Conference keynote speaker. Zhao serves as a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the School of Education at the University of Kansas and a professor in Educational Leadership at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education in Australia. His full biography can be found here.

The fourth annual conference is being held virtually March 18 and 19. If you have not yet registered for the For Our Future Conference, all conference information including the registration form is available at ulsystem.edu/conference.

HIGHER ED PRIORITIZED IN COVID-19 VACCINE ROLLOUT

The Louisiana Department of Health has expanded the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility schedule to include faculty and staff at institutions of higher education in Phase 1B, Tier 2, the next phase of the vaccine rollout. The state is currently in Phase 1B, Tier 1, and it is unknown when the Louisiana Department of Health will transition to the next phase. Allied health faculty and students are eligible to receive the vaccine in this current tier.

ULS DAY AT THE CAPITOL 

Mark your calendars, this year’s UL System Day at the Capitol is scheduled for April 14. The event will be virtual but will still highlight the nine distinct member institutions through programming and coordinated social media efforts. More details about the event, including participation opportunities, are forthcoming.

BOARD ACTION:

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS

Grambling State University: approval of an Articulation Agreement with Life University.
Grambling State University: approval of an Alliance Agreement with the Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of Arizona State University.
Grambling State University: approval of a Memorandum of Agreement with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Grambling State University: approval of a Business Pathway Agreement with Northshore Technical Community College.
Grambling State University: approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Marywood University.
Nicholls State University: approval to offer Undergraduate Certificates in Professional Writing and Public History.
Nicholls State University: approval to split the existing Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Services into two separate degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Safety Management and Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering Technology.

ATHLETIC COMMITTEE

Grambling State University: approval of a revised Complimentary Athletic Home Game Ticket Policy Reduced to 25% per COVID-19 Guidelines.
Northwestern State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Ryan Hall, Assistant Athletic Director for Development, effective March 1, 2021.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. David Kiefer, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, effective February 1, 2021.

FACILITIES PLANNING

Louisiana Tech University: approval to name portions of various athletic facilities.
Nicholls State University: approval to name the newly renovated space in Talbot Hall “The Dane Ledet Gallery.”
Nicholls State University: approval to name Room 133 in Lanny D. Ledet Hall the “Gregory and Brenda Hamer Family/Taco Bell Student Lounge and Research Center.”
Nicholls State University: approval to enter into a Ground Lease/Lease Back Agreement with the Nicholls State University Foundation to replace the scoreboard at the Nicholls State University Softball Field, as authorized by La. R.S. 17:3361.
Northwestern State University: approval to demolish Prudhomme and Caddo Halls.
Northwestern State University: approval to name the Academic Success Center in Watson Library the “Gerald and Rose Long Academic Success Center.”
Northwestern State University: approval to name the stage at the Iberville Green Area the “Seven Oaks Stage.”
Northwestern State University: approval to name the new meeting space in the Friedman Student Union, Room 121, the “Lucille M. Hendrick Room.”
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval to enter into a Ground Lease with the Southeastern Louisiana University Foundation to establish the Southeastern Interdisciplinary Innovation Center on the second floor of Sims Memorial Library, as authorized by La. R.S. 17:3361.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to name the soon to be renovated Roy House the “Broussard Room.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to place on the signage of the newly installed softball video board “In Memory of Charles D. “Charlie” Bernard.”
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to begin the process of an exchange of a parcel of land owned by the University in exchange for property owned by the City of  Lafayette, as authorized  by La. R.S. 17:3351.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to lease the Primary Care Clinic to University Hospital and Clinics, Inc., as authorized by La. R.S. 17:3361.

FINANCE

McNeese State University: approval of a student referendum to allow changes to the allocation of student resources with the purpose of better serving the student body and McNeese family.
University of New Orleans: approval to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Bastian Enterprises.
University of Louisiana System: approval to establish LEQSF (8g) Endowed Professorships/Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarships/First Generation Scholarships as follows:

McNeese State University
Francis X. Bride Professorship in Psychology

Southeastern Louisiana University
John Alario Endowed Professorship in Communication and Media Studies Bernice Ross Penland First Generation Endowed Scholarship
J.W. McClimans Endowed Professorship in Communication and Media Studies
J.W. McClimans Endowed Professorship in Nursing and Health Sciences Sanderson Farms First Generation Endowed Scholarship

University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Barbara B. Authement/BORSF Endowed Professorship in Early Childhood Education Roland and Betty Faulk/BORSF Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarship in Biology

University of Louisiana at Monroe
Sally Liew and Kevin Koh First Generation Endowed Scholarship OIB First Generation Endowed Scholarship
Lenora Francois Stewart and Dr. David W. Stewart Endowed Professorship Dorothy and Ray Young Family Endowed Professorship
Luffey First Generation Endowed Scholarship

University of New Orleans
Jerah W. Johnson Endowed Professorship in Maritime Studies and World History Jerah W. Johnson Endowed Professorship in Louisiana History
Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarship in Engineering and Applied Sciences Doctoral Program

University of Louisiana System: approval of payments made by nonprofit organizations to employees of the University of Louisiana System during Fiscal Year 2020 in accordance with provision of Louisiana Revised Statute (R.S.) 17:3390(F).

PERSONNEL

Nicholls State University: approval to appoint Dr. Michele Caruso as Vice President of Student Affairs effective January 4, 2021.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to appoint Mr. Michael McClure as Interim Dean of the College of Arts effective January 1, 2021.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to appoint Ms. Lisa Frey Miller as Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management and University Relations effective February 15, 2021.