Victor Bussie Steps Down from ULS Board

BATON ROUGE – Long-time community servant Victor Bussie has relinquished his seat on the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System after five years of admirable service.

“One of my passions in life has been the furtherance of educational opportunities for all students. Because of that passion, I consider myself to be very fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to serve on the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System. My service on this Board has been one of my most rewarding experiences in public service because I was able to serve with men and women who were very dedicated to improving opportunities for more students to become college graduates,” said Bussie in a letter to Governor Bobby Jindal.

Bussie is most well known as the longtime President of the Louisiana AFL-CIO, in which he served for 41 years. When he stepped down from that position in 1997, he was elected President Emeritus.

“In my youngest days of business, I can remember that icon Victor Bussie,” said former ULS Board Member Donald “Boysie” Bollinger. “He represented everything that I thought I was opposed to. He was extremely influential in bringing decorum in what was often unruly issues, and then I got to really love and respect the man for some common passions we both share: safety in the workplace, dignity of the human worker, and the workplace safely that we owe them. As I sat with him on the UL System Board— literally next to him—we shared some wonderful memories, and I enjoyed his counsel and advice, which was always right on the mark. He is a true leader.”

Bussie’s numerous governmental and community service includes the LSU Board of Supervisors, Office of Student Financial Assistance, Louisiana Supreme Court Task Force on Indigent Defense, Judicial Disciplinary Enforcement Committee, Louisiana Higher Education Commission for the 21st Century, and the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority. He holds honorary doctoral degrees from Louisiana State University, Nicholls State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Southern University, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Alumni of Louisiana Legislature.

“He has been a constant advisor and dear friend to me for over 30 years,” said UL System Outgoing President Sally Clausen. “He has never steered me wrong, and I am grateful for his steadfast commitment to higher education and to Louisiana.”

“This is a sad day for our Board,” said UL System Board Chair Elsie Burkhalter. “We are fortunate to have served with Vic. His wisdom and dedication to students will be missed.”

Bussie was to serve as an at-large member on the ULS Board until December 2012. His resignation letter has been sent to Governor Jindal, who will make a new appointment.

The largest university system in Louisiana, the UL System enrolls approximately 80,000 students at the following eight universities: Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech University, McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and University of Louisiana at Monroe.

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Related Files:

Bussie Letter to Governor Jindal (44.2 KB) >>
Bussie Letter to Governor Jindal (44.2 KB) >>