View a recording of today’s meeting here.

BOARD VOTES CRAIN PRESIDENT EMERITUS OF SOUTHEASTERN

 

The Board of Supervisors voted to name Dr. John Crain president emeritus of Southeastern Louisiana University.

“When I look at our core values of excellence and caring, and when I look at the culture that has been built at Southeastern Louisiana University, I can assure you he has left a lasting impression,” current Southeastern president Dr. William Wainwright said. “In the years and decades to come, you will continue to see his hand in much of what has been cultivated. It is an honor to bestow this title upon a dear friend and colleague.”

“I appreciate very much the recognition today,” Crain said. “The job of a university president is always complicated and frequently difficult. The value that the Board members bring in supporting and encouraging presidents, I encourage you to continue doing so.”

Wainwright recommended Dr. Crain for the prestigious title in a letter to System President and CEO Dr. Jim Henderson earlier this month.

“Dr. Crain’s service to Southeastern has left an indelible mark on the Northshore and the entire higher education enterprise,” Henderson said. “Leadership in good times in hard, leadership in times of scarcity and tumult is nearly impossible—Dr. Crain proved capable of the impossible and we are so thankful for his service”

Crain dedicated 45 years of service to his alma mater in both faculty and administrative positions including 15 years as president. He retired earlier this year.

FOR OUR FUTURE CONFERENCE ACCEPTING SESSION PROPOSALS AND AWARD NOMINATIONS

This year’s Universities of Louisiana For Our Future Conference will be held February 25 – 27 in New Orleans. The call for session proposals and award nominations are now open.

Sessions will highlight three tracks: Enhance, Develop, and Advance. The priority themes of core competencies, diversity and inclusion, and modernization and technology will be highlighted throughout the event. The three conference awards: outstanding faculty member, outstanding staff member, and the champion of diversity and inclusion.

Conference programming details and registration information will soon be announced. All conference details can be found at ulsystem.edu/conference.

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BOARD ACTION

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS

Grambling State University: approval to award an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Mr. Eric Kelly at the Fall 2023 Commencement Exercises.

Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a Proposal for a Master of Social Work (MSW) program.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of 2023-28 Strategic Plan and revised Vision and Mission Statement.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Starr Homeplace, U.S.A.

University of New Orleans: approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with St. Tammany Parish School Board District.

University of Louisiana System’s request to revise Board Rule, Chapter II. Students, Section IX. Admission to Graduate Study.

ATHLETIC

Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contract with Mr. Matthew Nantais, Head Women’s Bowling Coach, between Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana Tech University Foundation, effective October 1, 2023.

Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contract with Ms. Amy Sargeant, Head Women’s Tennis Coach, between Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana Tech University Foundation, effective August 24, 2023.

Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contract with Mr. Matthew Terry, Head Men’s Golf Coach, between Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana Tech University Foundation, effective August 1, 2023.

Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Ms. Ayla Guzzardo, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, effective September 1, 2023.

Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Jeremy White, Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, effective September 1, 2023.

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

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of Amendment 6 to the Contract with Mr. Matt Deggs, Head Baseball Coach, effective October 26, 2023.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a contract with Ms. Missy Bilderback, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, effective March 30, 2023.

AUDIT

University of Louisiana System’s report on internal and external audit activity for the period of August 21 to October 22, 2023.

FACILITIES PLANNING

Grambling State University: approval to name the Football Field at Eddie Robinson Memorial Stadium James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams Field.

Nicholls State University: approval to name the recently renovated portion of Stopher Gymnasium, the future Baseball Fieldhouse, and the Women’s Basketball locker room.

Northwestern State University: approval to enter a Ground and Facility Lease with the Demons Unlimited Foundation for interior/exterior renovations to the baseball complex, as authorized by La. R.S. 17:3361.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to name 501 St. Mary Boulevard Building James D. Moncus Hall.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: authorization to enter into a Purchase and Sale Agreement for the acquisition of the 804 E. St. Mary Blvd., Lafayette, Louisiana, known as the One Acadiana Building with designated Capital Outlay funds.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to accept donations of the Malone Stadium field turf, Wally Jones short game practice facility turf, and the softball field turf from the University of Louisiana Monroe Facilities, Inc.

FINANCE

Louisiana Tech University: approval to update and extend the affiliation agreement with the Louisiana Tech Applied Research Corporation (LTARC) for an additional three-year term.

University of Louisiana System: acceptance of Fiscal Year 2022-23 Financial and Compliance and Federal Award Programs Representation Letters for University of Louisiana System, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, and University of New Orleans.

University of Louisiana System’s financial status of alternatively financed projects for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.

University of Louisiana System’s report of Fiscal Year 2022-2023 fourth quarter financial reports and ongoing assurances.

PERSONNEL

Louisiana Tech University: approval to appoint Dr. Sumeet Dua as Executive Vice President for Research effective October 1, 2023.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to appoint Dr. Wendy Bailes as Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences effective July 1, 2023.