October 2019 Board Meeting

Today the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System met in New Orleans for its regular Board meeting. 

BOARD APPROVES GRAMBLING CLOUD COMPUTING DEGREE

Grambling State University took the first step toward creating a new degree program in cloud computing. The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System approved the university’s letter of intent to develop a bachelor of science in cloud computing.

The academic program, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, will equip graduates with the technological skills needed to address advanced workforce needs. The program’s curriculum will immerse students in cloud computing, computer science, cybersecurity, math and science, and general education.

INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE WORKSHOP

More than 100 university leaders gathered yesterday at the University of New Orleans for a workshop promoting inclusive excellence. Attendees worked collaboratively to identify practical solutions to address diversity and inclusion throughout the nine member institutions.

The day included a panel discussion featuring the System’s Task Force on Inclusion in the Workplace, working groups segmented by role to identify actionable solutions to address diversity issues, and a keynote address by Dr. Maurice Stinnett, vice president for diversity, inclusion and culture for BSE Global. The workshop was facilitated by Corporate Playbook CEO Deb Elam.    

“Yesterday’s workshop was one of the most fulfilling exercises in my professional life. The work accomplished will leave a lasting impression on our system’s institutions.” System President and CEO Jim Henderson said. “Dr. Stnnett’s address further invigorated our commitment to diversity and inclusion and highlighted the importance of advocacy, accountability, bravery, and compassion.

This topic will be be a hallmark theme of the 2020 For Our Future Conference.

NOCCA AND NSU PARTNER

The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and Northwestern State University are partnering to award college credits to NOCCA students.

“One of Northwestern State University’s greatest assets is its School of Creative and Performing Arts, a program that far exceeds expectations based on the university’s size and locale. This agreement between NOCCA and NSU provides an opportunity for some of Louisiana’s most talented high school students to earn college credit for the tireless work they commit to honing their crafts,” University of Louisiana System Board Vice Chair and NOCCA Board Member James Carter said. “As a NOCCA alumnus, I understand the rigor of the program and am excited to see the Center’s excellence being recognized by the university. I hope this prompts other universities to follow suit with similar agreements.”

Richard Collins, NOCCA’s director of colleges and advancement, and NOCCA musical theater student Ian Kansas were in attendance to thank the Board for recognizing the partnership and share the benefits this memorandum of understanding will have on students.

“This agreement touches my heart because I don’t have to move away to get a great arts education.” Kansas said.

The first of its kind in Louisiana, the agreement will ease the pathway for students continuing their arts education at Northwestern.

FOR OUR FUTURE CONFERENCE DATE ANNOUNCED

Save the date, the 2020 Universities of Louisiana For Our Future conference will be held January 30 and 31 at the University of Louisiana Monroe. Registration information and programming details will be released soon.

SYSTEM THANKS UNO

The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System appreciates the hospitality shared by the University of New Orleans this week. The Pursuing Inclusive Excellence Workshop, the pre-Board reception at the NIMS Center, and the Board meeting back on campus allowed Board members to see the campus and surrounding partners and and get a feel for the campus culture. More photos are available here.

BOARD ACTION:

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Grambling State University: approval of a Letter of Intent to Develop a New Academic Program leading to a Bachelor of Science in Cloud Computing.
McNeese State University: approval of the University’s Revised Vision and Mission Statement.
McNeese State University: approval to award an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Senator Dan “Blade” Morrish at 2019 Fall Commencement Exercises.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval to offer a Master of Science in Athletic Training.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval to offer an Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to offer a Master of Science in Athletic Training.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to posthumously award the title of Honorary Dean of Creole Music to Mr. Amédé Ardoin.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Music.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: reauthorization of the ULM Small Business Risk Management Institute.
University of New Orleans: approval to offer a Bachelor of Science in Urban Construction Management.
University of New Orleans: approval to offer a Master of Science in Cyber Security and Operations.
University of New Orleans: approval to award a Doctorate Honoris Causa to Mr. Marques Colston at the Fall Commencement Exercises.
University of Louisiana System: revision to Board Rule, Chapter II. Students, Section Admission to Graduate Study, E. Graduating Seniors – Concurrent Baccalaureate and Master’s Program Enrollment.

ATHLETIC COMMITTEE

McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Justin Hill, Head Baseball Coach, effective July 1, 2019.
Northwestern State University: approval of a revised athletic supplemental compensation policy.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Jeremy White, Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, effective January 1, 2020.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of a contract with Mr. Matt Deggs, Head Baseball Coach, effective August 1, 2019.

FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE

McNeese State University: approval to demolish the Observatory Building at the Burton Coliseum.
McNeese State University: approval to enter into a Lease/Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the McNeese State University Foundation involving the lease of the Fuller Farm Property.
McNeese State University: approval to name the football equipment room located in the Jack V. Doland Field House the “Fred Thomas Equipment Room.”
McNeese State University: approval to rename the End Zone Room located in the Jack V. Doland Field House the “Buttross-Doyle End Zone Room.”
Nicholls State University: approval to demolish the Soccer Field Press Box Building.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval to enter into a Ground Lease with the Southeastern Louisiana University Foundation to construct a Welcome Center on the campus.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to purchase property and a building from the ULM Foundation.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to name the new atrium for the School of Construction Management the “Don Beach Atrium.”
University of New Orleans: approval to consent to assignment of the Ground Lease with Orleans Parish School Board to Friends of Ben Franklin and to amend the lien provision.
Louisiana Tech University: approval to execute a Ground Lease to Tech Pointe II, LLC for the purpose of constructing and managing a 60,000-square-foot facility to be known as Tech Pointe II.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Louisiana Tech University’s: approval to seek matching funds from the Louisiana Board of Regents for Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarships:
George Leroy Erskine, Jr. Endowed Graduate Scholarship
Justin and Jeanette Hinckley Endowed Superior Graduate Scholarship in the College of Education
Justin and Jeanette Hinckley Endowed Superior Graduate Scholarship in Biological Sciences
Dana Miller Packman Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarship
Rick and Lisa Shirley Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarship #1
Rick and Lisa Shirley Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarship #2
Rick and Lisa Shirley Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarship #3
Nicholls State University: approval of the University’s revised Internal Audit Charter.
Northwestern State University: approval to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the City of Natchitoches.
Northwestern State University: approval of a proposed new flat rate pricing for PREP.
University of New Orleans: approval to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Obatala Sciences, Inc.
University of New Orleans: approval to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Entergy New Orleans, LLC to lease rooftop space for a solar power array.
University of New Orleans: approval to amend the Lease with Follett Higher Education Group, Inc.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

McNeese State University: approval to appoint Dr. Wade Rousse as Dean of the College of Business effective September 17, 2019.
Nicholls State University: approval to appoint Ms. Jean Donegan as Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts effective July 1, 2019.