UL System Board Honors Dr. John Noble, Administers Oath to Student Board Member Emily Lamkin
BATON ROUGE, La. – The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors opened its June meeting with a moment of silence for Dr. John Noble, Board Member, and later in the meeting honored his life and service. Dr. Noble passed away earlier this month; his commitment to higher education and the students of Louisiana left a lasting mark on the System.
Dr. Noble was deeply engaged in the work of the Board and brought a steady sense of care and responsibility to the universities and students served by the System.
“Dr. Noble understood that Board service is ultimately about stewardship,” said UL System Board Chair Mark Romero. “He brought a steady, thoughtful presence to this work and a genuine care for the universities and students we serve. We are grateful for the time he gave, the perspective he shared, and the example he set for this Board. His loss will be felt deeply, especially by those in the McNeese community who knew and loved him.”
The UL System extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Noble’s family, friends, colleagues, and the McNeese State University community, where he was a valued alumnus and longtime supporter.
As the Board reflected on the responsibility of service, the oath of office was administered to Ms. Emily Lamkin, Student Government Association President at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, who will serve as the System’s student board member. Lamkin, a senior majoring in political science, was elected by her fellow SGA presidents to represent the student voice on the Board.
“Emily steps into this role with the trust of her peers and the perspective of a student who has already chosen to lead,” said UL System President and CEO Rick Gallot. “Her voice will help keep students close to the center of our conversations, and we look forward to the insight she will bring to the Board.”
The Board also conducted regular business on behalf of the System, including action on academic partnerships, campus leadership appointments, facilities projects, and System operations.
BOARD ACTION
Approval of Minutes - April 23, 2026 Regular Meeting and May 19, 2026 Special Meeting
Academic and Student Affairs Committee
Grambling State University: received approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Louisiana Delta Community College.
Grambling State University: received approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Southern University at Shreveport.
Grambling State University: received approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Southern University Law Center.
Southeastern Louisiana University: received approval of a Consortium Agreement with Rize Education beginning in Fall 2026.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: received approval to offer a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.
University of New Orleans: received approval to terminate three academic programs: BA in International Studies; MAT in Elementary Education/Special Education Mild/Moderate Disabilities Grades 1-5; and MAT in Teaching Secondary Education/Special Education Mild/Moderate Disabilities Grades 6-12.
University of New Orleans: received approval of 2025-26 Promotions in Faculty Rank and Recommendations for Tenure.
Athletic Committee
Louisiana Tech University: received approval of contractual agreements between various Assistant Men’s Basketball Coaches, Louisiana Tech University, and Louisiana Tech University Foundation.
Louisiana Tech University: received approval of contractual agreements between various Assistant Softball Coaches, Louisiana Tech University, and Louisiana Tech University Foundation.
Louisiana Tech University: received approval of contractual agreements between various Assistant Women’s Basketball Coaches, Louisiana Tech University, and Louisiana Tech University Foundation.
Northwestern State University: received approval of a contract with Mr. Alan Frey, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, effective April 6, 2026.
Southeastern Louisiana University: received approval of a contract with Mr. Kyle Vagher, Director of Sports Performance/Strength Coach, effective May 1, 2026.
Southeastern Louisiana University: received approval of contractual agreements between various Associate and Assistant Basketball Coaches, Southeastern Louisiana University, and the Lion Athletics Association.
Audit Committee
University of Louisiana System: reported on internal and external audit activity for the period of April 3, 2026 to June 1, 2026.
University of Louisiana System: received approval of the University of Louisiana System Annual Internal Audit Plan for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
University of Louisiana System: received approval of the revised University of Louisiana System Internal Audit Charter and the rescission of the individual internal audit charters for the System’s universities.
University of Louisiana System: received approval of the revised Audit Committee Charter for the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System.
Facilities Planning Committee
Grambling State University: received approval to purchase an apartment complex and 1.88 acres at 280 Central Avenue, Grambling, Louisiana, for $2,350,000, plus cost associated with the sale.
McNeese State University: received approval to demolish five campus buildings: Holbrook Student Union, LERC Building, Meat Lab, Breeding Lab, and University Post Office.
University of New Orleans: received approval to allow Friends of Hynes to build the Performance Athletic Center for Hynes UNO within the area currently leased to Friends of Hynes by the University contingent upon favorable action by the LSU Board of Supervisors.
Finance Committee
Grambling State University: received approval to amend the lease agreement for the year eight extension for the University’s food service operations and facilities with SODEXO MAGIC, LLC.
Nicholls State University: received approval to change its FY27 tuition and fee schedule in accordance with authority granted by Act 790 of the 2024 Regular Legislative Session.
Nicholls State University: received approval to amend and extend the University’s existing lease agreement with Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC.
Southeastern Louisiana University: received approval to divide the Leon Ford Family Endowed Chair in Regional Studies into four super professorships.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: received approval for the contract extension for professional legal services with the law firm of Law Office of Greg Mier, LLC.
University of New Orleans: received approval for the execution of a supplemental lease between the Board, on behalf of the University, and UNO Research and Technology Foundation, in connection with modifications to Series 2022 Bond repayment terms contingent upon favorable action by the LSU Board of Supervisors.
University of Louisiana System: discussed Fiscal Year 2025-26 third quarter financial reports and ongoing assurances.
Legislation Committee
- Recap of 2026 Regular Legislative Session
Personnel Committee
Grambling State University: received approval to appoint Mr. Edwin Barry Pearson as Vice President for Finance, effective April 15, 2026.
Louisiana Tech University: received approval to appoint Dr. Jamie Newman as Dean of the College of Applied & Natural Sciences, effective July 1, 2026.
McNeese State University: received approval to appoint Dr. Jan Robichaux as Dean of the Burton College of Education, effective June 1, 2026.
McNeese State University: received approval to appoint Dr. Srinivasan Ambatipati as Dean of the College of Engineering & Science, effective June 1, 2026.
Southeastern Louisiana University: received approval to appoint Dr. Mitchell Croatt as Dean of the College of Science and Technology, effective August 1, 2026.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: received approval to appoint Dr. Geoffrey Stewart as Interim Vice President for Advancement and Strategy, effective July 1, 2026.
University of Louisiana Monroe: received approval to appoint Dr. Gina Craft as Dean of the College of Pharmacy, effective April 20, 2026.
System President's Business
Personnel Actions were approved.
System President reported on activities, events, and initiatives across the UL System.
Received approval of resolution authorizing Attorney General’s office to submit Public Declaration Letter to Federal Aviation Administration for Public Aircraft Operations.
Board Chair's Business
Board Chair reported on Board of Supervisors business.
