View a recording of today’s meeting here.

NEW STUDENT BOARD MEMBER SWORN IN

Northwestern State University Student Government Association President Bailey Willis was sworn in today as the new student member of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System. 

Willis is serving a second term as Northwestern State University’s SGA President where she studies secondary education. She was selected by the SGA presidents of the other member institutions to serve as the student member on the Board of Supervisors.  

“Thank you to all my fellow student body presidents for trusting me with the responsibility to be the voice of the students,” Willis said. “I will represent the students at our institutions to the best of my ability.” 

 Willis represents the System’s more-than 90,000 students. In addition to serving on regular Board committees, she is a voting member on the University of New Orleans Presidential Search Committee. 

SYSTEM ANNOUNCES SEVENTH LEADERSHIP CLASS

The seventh class of the University of Louisiana System Management & Leadership Institute has been named. Institute participants include faculty and staff members from each of the System’s nine member institutions who have exhibited upper management potential and a desire for leadership development.

“We are committed to supporting the development, retention, and promotion of our dedicated faculty and staff,” UL System President and CEO Jim Henderson said. “We recognize that incredible talent exists within our System, and this program serves to maximize participants’ effectiveness.”

The nine-month program requires participants travel to each of the System’s institutions and engage in meetings with various subject matter experts and university, community, and state leaders.

Former M&LI participants have been selected for roles of increased responsibility on their campuses and often credit the Institute for preparing them for their new roles.

Members of the 2023 class include:

Timothy Stewart
Interim Alumni Engagement/Annual Giving Coordinator
Grambling State University

Dr. James Clawson
Professor of English, Ann Petry Endowed Professor of English
Grambling State University

Dr. Jamie Newman
Associate Professor of Biology, School of Biological Sciences; Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, College of Applied and Natural Sciences
Louisiana Tech University

Dr. Jeremy Mhire
Interim Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts; Associate Professor, School of History and Social Science; Director, The Waggonner Center
Louisiana Tech University

Ashley Jackson
Assistant Director, Human Resources
Louisiana Tech University

Curtis Rogers
IT Client Support Specialist
McNeese State University

Dr. Srinivasan ‘Vasan’ Ambatipati
Assistant Professor/Department Head, Engineering and Computer Science
McNeese State University

Lacey Crochet
Special Projects and Outreach Specialist
Nicholls State University

Cambria Bouzigard
Director of Academic Services and Coordinator of Academic Advising Center
Nicholls State University

Dr. Jie (Jessica) Zhang
Department Head, New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts
Northwestern State University

Ruth Chatman
Human Resources Director
Northwestern State University

Dr. Amber Narro
Professor of Communication and Multimedia Communication Specialist, Center for Faculty Excellence
Southeastern Louisiana University

Craig Marinello
Manager of Student Employment and Internship Development, Career Services
Southeastern Louisiana University

Dr. Erin Horzelski
Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
Southeastern Louisiana University

Dr. Ryan Simon
Senior Instructor, Chemistry
UL Lafayette

Jennifer LeMeunier
Associate Director, Career Services
UL Lafayette

Dr. Anne Case Hanks
Director, School of Sciences
University of Louisiana Monroe

Horace ‘Trey’ Wilson
Director, Scholarships and Admissions
University of Louisiana Monroe

Dr. Dong-Jun (DJ) Min
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Management and Marketing
University of New Orleans

Nick Cutrera
Desktop Computing Manager, Information Technology
University of New Orleans

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BOARD ACTION

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS

Grambling State University: approval to offer a Bachelor of Science in Governmental and Administrative Affairs.

Grambling State University: approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Southern University at Shreveport.

Grambling State University: approval of a Memorandum of Understanding for Educational Cooperation with the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat.

McNeese State University: approval to enter into an Agreement with the Lake Charles Charter Academy Foundation, Inc.

McNeese State University: approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Calcasieu Parish School Board.

Nicholls State University: approval of its 2023-28 Strategic Plan.

University of New Orleans: approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Hebei University.

University of New Orleans: approval of two Memoranda of Understanding with Putian University.

ATHLETIC

Grambling State University: approval of a revised Athletic Home Game Complimentary Ticket Policy.

Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contract with Dr. Eric A. Wood, Vice President and Director of Athletics, effective November 1, 2022.

McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Ms. Gabrielle Moore, Head Women’s Tennis Coach, effective July 1, 2023.

McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Heath Schroyer, Director of Athletics, effective July 1, 2023.

McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Ms. Sasha Karelov, Director of Volleyball/Head Indoor Volleyball Coach, effective July 1, 2023.

Nicholls State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Tevon Saddler, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, effective May 1, 2023.

Nicholls State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Mike Silva, Head Men’s Baseball Coach, effective June 5, 2023.

Northwestern State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Christopher Bertrand, Head Baseball Coach, effective June 6, 2023.

Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Lawrence Allan, Head Golf Coach, effective May 1, 2023.

Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of contractual agreements between various Associate/Assistant Coaches, Southeastern Louisiana University, and the Lion Athletics Association.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a contract and a Memorandum of Understanding with Mr. Tim Baldwin, Head Men’s Golf Coach, effective February 1, 2023.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a contract with Mr. John Hartwell, Athletic Director, effective February 27, 2023.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a contract with Ms. Rachel Pollock, Head Women’s Golf Coach, effective April 1, 2023.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a contract with Ms. Ivone Alvaro, Head Tennis Coach, effective January 19, 2023.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a contract with Mr. William Roberts, Head Women’s Soccer Coach, effective January 17, 2023.

AUDIT

Discussion: University of Louisiana System’s report on internal and external audit activity for the period of April 24 to June 18, 2023.

FACILITIES PLANNING

Louisiana Tech University: approval to enter into a Ground Lease with the Louisiana Tech University Foundation for the purpose of installing decorative brick and metal fence, pedestrian level lighting, lighting, and landscaping, as authorized by La. R.S. 17:3361, and to reaffirm the designation of this area as the Jim Mize Track and Field Complex and Practice Fields.

McNeese State University: approval for the execution of leases between the Board, on behalf of the University, and Cowboy Facilities, Inc., a private 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, in connection with the lease and leaseback of a portion of the University’s student housing facilities.

McNeese State University’s request to begin the process of an exchange of a parcel of land owned by the University for property owned by the City of Lake Charles, as authorized by La. R.S. 17:3351.

McNeese State University: approval to enter into a Land Lease with the Eucharist J. Labry Revocable Trust for use of pastureland located near the McNeese State University Foundation Fuller Farm property.

Nicholls State University: approval to name Room 152 in the Betsy Cheramie-Ayo Hall the “Mrs. Nirmala Yalamanchili Donepudi Auditorium” and Rooms 130 and 134 in the Betsy Cheramie-Ayo Hall the “Dr. Sarat K. Donepudi High-Fidelity Simulation Lab.”

Northwestern State University: approval to enter into a Ground Lease with the Demons Unlimited Foundation for interior renovations to Prather Coliseum, as authorized by La. R.S. 17:3361.

Northwestern State University: approval to enter into a Ground Lease with the Demons Unlimited Foundation for renovations to the softball complex, specifically the hitting cage, as authorized by La. R.S. 17:3361.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to proceed with a self-funded project thorough Facility Planning and Control for the “Building 60 Cage Wash and Non- Human Primate Housing Facility” to be located on the New Iberia Research Center campus.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to enter into a twelve- month extension of the Second Amendment to the Second Intergovernmental Contract regarding control and operation of the Cajundome with the Lafayette City-Parish Consolidated Government.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to name a large classroom in the new student-centered engineering building the “Atchafalaya Chapter of the American Petroleum Institute Classroom.”

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval for Transfer of Lease and Lease Assignment, effective June 21, 2023.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to demolish two buildings located on the campus of the University.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval for the execution of a Ground and Buildings Lease Agreement and an Agreement to Lease with Option to Purchase between the Board, on behalf of the University, and the University of Louisiana at Monroe Facilities, Inc., a private 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, in connection with the lease and leaseback of a portion of the University’s campus to finance athletic improvements on campus and related facilities.

University of New Orleans: approval to dedicate a limited area of green space on campus between the University Center and the Recreations and Fitness Center as the “Dr. Gregory and Mary O’Brien Garden.”

FINANCE

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Ochsner Clinic Foundation d/b/a Ochsner Health and Lafayette General Health System, Inc. d/b/a Ochsner Lafayette General.

University of New Orleans: approval to amendment and extend the Lease Agreement between the University and Follett Higher Education Group, Inc. for the operation of the University Bookstore.

PERSONNEL

Grambling State University: approval to appoint Mr. Theodore Callier as Vice President for Research and Sponsored Program effective June 20, 2023.

McNeese State University: approval to appoint Ms. Virginia Ann Warner as Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions effective June 1, 2023.

Nicholls State University: approval to appoint Mr. Jonathan Terrell as the Vice President for Collegiate Athletics and Athletic Director effective June 22, 2023.

Northwestern State University: approval to appoint Dr. Neeru Deep as Interim Dean of the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development effective July 1, 2023.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to appoint Dr. Chad Parker as Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts effective May 15, 2023.