View a recording of today’s meeting here.

REGINALD F. LEWIS SCHOLARS JOIN BOARD FOR AUGUST MEETING

The Reginald F. Lewis Scholars, a group of black male students chosen to participate in a three-year curated educational experience focused on academic, social and community service engagements held their annual retreat this week. During a presentation to the board, the UL System VP for Advancement Dr. Claire Norris provided an update on the scholars and announced a $1.5 million fundraising goal to support the first three cohorts.

“We anticipated growth in our scholars in the traditional measures such as improved grades and leadership, ” Dr.  Norris said. “What we didn’t anticipate was the affect of the brotherhood, the advancement of self efficacy, and a broadened understanding of diversity.” 

Three Scholars presented to the Board of Supervisors about their individual experiences. Robert Hill, an art history major from the University of New Orleans, discussed his summer internship at the Ogden Museum of Art. 

“During my internship, I was able to set foot in my degree interest while broadening my understanding of career pathways within museums, Hill said. Thanks to connections within the Reginald F. Lewis program I was able to create my own network with the museum’s curators and administration. “

Lance Jones, a political science major from Nicholls State University, spoke on the social aspect of the RFL Scholars.

“Through constant mentorship and coaching, the program has shown me that nothing can stop us,” Jones said. 

Ebenezer Aggrey, a business major from Northwestern State University, spoke on how the service component has changed his outlook. 

“The Scholars program has helped me recognize a love for community service,” Aggrey said. “Service is more than just collecting hours to make your resume look good, it’s about doing what you can to better your community.”

The program is designed not only for individual impacts but also to improve retention and outcomes for Black male students throughout the System. Two black male students from each of the nine member institutions are chosen as Scholars annually. The first cohort was introduced in June 2021 and the second cohort in June 2022. The program will reach capacity in June 2023 but each year a new cohort will be added to account for graduates. 

Along with attending the Board meeting, the Scholars retreat consisted of Emergenetics personality testing to identify each Scholar’s personal strengths, a surprise recognition during the Board of Regents meeting, a tour of Raising Cane’s headquarters, a tour of the State Capitol and interactions with lawmakers and State Treasurer John Schroeder, and a service project with Our Lady of Franciscan Missionaries Health System combatting food deserts. 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana sponsored the Scholars Retreat for the second year running. Their senior data engineer Sidney Harris visited to meet the Scholars and extend well wishes. 

TITLE IX SUMMIT 

Save the date for the inaugural Title IX Summit Oct. 3 and 4 at University of New Orleans. The Universities of Louisiana will gather to share programs, trainings, resources, and lessons learned in continuing to build a coordinated community response to sexual violence. Participants will gain knowledge about the breadth of Title IX including areas such as gender equity and athletics. 

All information can be found on the event’s webpage: ulsystem.edu/title-ix-summit-2022.  

BOARD ACTION:

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Louisiana Tech University: approval to terminate the Graduate Certificate in Special Education Mild/Moderate for Secondary Education, Grades 6- 12.
University of New Orleans: approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The International School of Louisiana.
University of Louisiana System: approval of System Universities’ 2022- 23 Promotions in Faculty Rank and Recommendations for Tenure.

ATHLETIC COMMITTEE

Grambling State University: approval of a revised Athletic Home Game Complimentary Ticket Policy.
Grambling State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Justin Wagar, Head Soccer Coach, effective July 1, 2022.
Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contract with Mr. Thomas Lane Burroughs, Head Men’s Baseball Coach, effective July 1, 2022.
Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contract with Mr. Talvin G. Hester, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, between Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana Tech University Foundation, effective March 28, 2022.
Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contract with Mr. Joshua Taylor, Head Women’s Softball Coach, between Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana Tech University Foundation, effective July 1, 2022.
Louisiana Tech University: approval of a contract with Mr. Matthew Aaron Terry, Men’s Golf Head Coach, effective August 1, 2022.
Louisiana Tech University: approval of contractual agreements between various Assistant Men’s Basketball Coaches, Louisiana Tech University, and Louisiana Tech University Foundation.
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Andrew Fitzgerald, Head Women’s Soccer Coach, effective July 1, 2022.
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Brendon James Gilroy, Head Men/Women’s Track Coach, effective July 1, 2022.
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. James E. Landreneau, Head Women’s Softball Coach, effective July 1, 2022.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Jason Hayes, Head Women’s Tennis Coach, effective June 1, 2022.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Michael Rheams, Head Track and Field Coach, effective August 2, 2022.
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 amended Contracts for Employment for various coaches, effective August 25, 2022.
University of New Orleans: approval of a contract with Ms. Amy Grabiec- Blanke, Head Coach, Beach Volleyball, effective July 1, 2022.
University of New Orleans: approval of a contract with Mr. Brock Moreaux, Head Coach, Men’s and Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country, effective July 1, 2022.
University of New Orleans: approval of amendments to the contract with Mr. Burzis Kanga, Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach, effective July 1, 2022.
University of New Orleans: approval of a contract with Mr. Jeff Lorio, Head Coach, Men’s Golf, effective July 1, 2022.

FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE

Grambling State University: approval to demolish eight campus buildings.
Louisiana Tech University: approval to name various spaces within the Integrated Engineering and Science Building, as well as designation of a training facility.
McNeese State University: approval to name the bridge spanning Contraband Bayou the “Richard R. Rhoden Bridge.”
Nicholls State University: approval to rename the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences building to the “Dr. O. Cleveland Hill Hall” and rename the College of Sciences and Technology building to the “Dr. Marilyn Kilgen Hall.”
Northwestern State University: approval to name the new Health Performance Center, the “David and Sherry Morgan Health Performance Center.”
Northwestern State University: approval to name the Athletic Fieldhouse Complex, the “Donald G. Kelly Athletic Complex.”
Northwestern State University: approval to name the new Prather Coliseum Court, the “Mike McConathy Court.”
Northwestern State University: approval to name the new academic building, the “Robert Alost Hall.”
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to name the University baseball field “Lou St. Amant Field.”
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval for the execution of a Grounds Lease Agreement between the Board, acting on behalf of the University, and the Biomedical Research and Innovation Park, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, in connection with the construction of a biomedical research facility on University property, pursuant to La. R.S. 17:3361.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to enter into a Grounds and Facilities Lease Agreement with ULM Facilities, Inc., to construct a new artificial turf softball field, pursuant to La. R.S. 17:3361.
University of New Orleans: approval to enter into a Grounds and Facilities Lease Agreement with University of New Orleans Research & Technology Foundation, to make space improvements via the construction of athletic facilities, hotel facilities, retail shopping, entertainment, dining, and housing on the east campus of the University, pursuant to La. R.S. 17:3361.
University of New Orleans: approval to enter into a Grounds and Facilities Lease Agreement with University of New Orleans Foundation for eleven years to remove existing and install new scoreboards at The Senator Nat G. Kiefer University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena and Maestri Field and Baseball Stadium, pursuant to La. R.S. 17:3361.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Louisiana Tech University: approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Louisiana Delta Community College.
Nicholls State University: approval to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with South Louisiana Economic Council, Inc.
Northwestern State University: approval to spend revenues received from leased property as allowed by Louisiana Revised Statute 17:3367.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to enter into one or more intergovernmental agreements with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for acquisition of property using funds appropriated by Act 170 of the 2022 Regular Session.
University of New Orleans: approval to amend its food service lease agreement with Compass Group USA, Inc. “Chartwells.”
University of New Orleans: request to formally authorize the System President to initiate the approval process of the necessary documents to allow the University to opt- in to the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the State of Louisiana and Louisiana Energy Partners.
University of Louisiana System: acceptance of Fiscal Year 2021-22 Financial and Compliance and Federal Award Programs Representation Letters for (a) Louisiana Tech University, (b) McNeese State University, (c) Southeastern Louisiana University, (d) University of Louisiana at Lafayette, (e) University of Louisiana at Monroe, and (f) University of New Orleans.
University of Louisiana System: approval of Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budgets, including organizational charts, undergraduate/graduate mandatory attendance fees, scholarships, and System Shared Costs.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Grambling State University: approval to appoint Dr. Rudolph Ellis as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs effective July 1, 2022.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval to appoint Dr. Tará Lopez as Dean of the College of Business effective July 2, 2022.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to appoint Dr. Lisa Broussard as Interim Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences effective July 1, 2022.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to appoint Dr. Paula Montgomery as Interim Dean of the College of Education effective July 1, 2022.