Official Statement Regarding Dr. Donald Ayo’s Retirement Decision

Official Statement Regarding Dr. Donald Ayo’s Retirement Decision – Oct 8, 2002

Dr. Donald Ayo officially announced yesterday his decision to retire after 20 years of service as president of Nicholls State University.

The University has 93.5% of its eligible academic programs accredited by professional accrediting bodies, with a 100% rate for those considered “mandatory” by the Louisiana Board of Regents. And according to recent audit reports, Nicholls State University is in strong financial shape.

For more than half a century, Nicholls has been a leader in postsecondary education in the South Central Louisiana Region. Nicholls also contributes in many significant ways to the economic development of its service area. Its unique areas of excellence are focused on The John Folse Culinary Institute; Biological Sciences – Marine and Environmental Sciences emphases; Nursing/Allied Health
Sciences; Teacher Education; Accounting and Information Systems; and Child, Family and Social Services.

Dr. Clausen indicated that, as she has begun to do since she has been System President, she may consider recommending to the Board a complete institutional review in anticipation of a presidential search to begin in the early spring of 2003. This review would help provide a clear roadmap for the leadership of the University. The Board will likely consider the recommendation at its October meeting.

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For More Information Contact:
Catherine Heitman
225/342-6950