December 2019 Board Meeting

Published on under 2019 / Board Action

Today the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System met in Baton Rouge for its regular Board meeting. 

GOVERNOR EDWARDS VISITS SYSTEM BOARD

 

Governor John Bel Edwards joined the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System at today’s meeting to express his priorities for his second term. Edwards spoke about the importance of higher education as an economic driver for the state.

“There is not a System in the state of Louisiana that is more critical for our state’s success than the UL System,” Governor Edwards said. He also expressed the importance of reaching the aspirations set forth in Louisiana’s Master Plan for Higher Education and his commitment to expanding dual enrollment and work to increase services for adult learners.

UNO TO ADD PROGRAM FOR PROFESSIONAL PILOTS

The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System approved the University of New Orleans’ request to expand its degree offerings with a bachelor of science in professional pilot. This program will prepare students for a career in civilian or military aviation.

The number of air travel passengers is growing at a rapid pace while the number of pilot trainees continues to dwindle. UNO recognizes the projected growth of air travel and sought to create opportunities for aspiring pilots across the state.

This program will use technology-enhanced teaching techniques in the classroom alongside traditional in-air flight training to equip students with the skills needed for a career in today’s aviation industry.

Louisiana Tech was instrumental in guiding UNO through crafting this program in a display of Systemwide collaboration. The program will be presented to the Board of Regents for final approval.

GRAMBLING PARTNERS WITH ULM MEDICAL SCHOOL

The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System approved Grambling’s request to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at the University of Louisiana Monroe. This agreement will facilitate admission to VCOM for highly qualified Grambling students.

Louisiana suffers from a chronic physician shortage. This MOU seeks to ease the admission pathway to enroll and graduate a greater number of trained students from rural areas to address this shortage.

“The area of the state experiencing the most dramatic general practitioner shortage is rural north Louisiana,” Grambling President Rick Gallot said. “This partnership makes sense geographically and will improve access for Grambling students seeking training for a career in the medical field.”

FOR OUR FUTURE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION OPEN

The 2020 For Our Future Conference will be held January 30 and 31 at the University of Louisiana Monroe. Registration is now open and space is limited. Details and the registration form are available at ULSystem.edu/Conference2020.

The programming for this year’s conference is organized into the following three tracks:

  • Innovation: research, technology, communication and marketing, student services, academic excellence, alumni engagement
  • Integrity: diversity, adult learners, human resources
  • Inclusion: finance, transparency, public-private partnerships, institutional research, governmental affairs, facilities

BOARD ACTION:

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Grambling State University: approval to award an Honorary Doctorate of Laws to Mr. James Carter.
Grambling State University: approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Louisiana Tech University: approval to offer six (6) Undergraduate Certificates.
Louisiana Tech University: approval to offer a Graduate Certificate in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
McNeese State University: approval to terminate the Master of Education in Educational Leadership.
McNeese State University: approval to terminate the Education Specialist in Educational Leadership.
McNeese State University: approval of a transfer agreement with Lamar State College Orange.
McNeese State University: approval to offer a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.
Nicholls State University: approval to award an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Senator Norbèrt “Norby” Chabert.
University of New Orleans: approval to offer a Bachelor of Science in Professional Pilot.

ATHLETIC COMMITTEE

McNeese State University: approval to update the McNeese State University policy permitted under the NCAA Bylaw 11.3.2.3 relating to supplemental pay for coaches.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a contract with Mr. Charles Olson, Director of Volleyball/Head Women’s Indoor Volleyball Coach, effective August 7, 2019.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: authorization for System President to execute amendments to coaching contracts.

FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE

McNeese State University: approval to enter into a Land Lease with the Eucharist J. Labry Revocable Trust for use of pastureland located near the McNeese State University Foundation Fuller Farm Property.
McNeese State University: approval to enter into a land Lease with the McNeese State University Foundation for thirty years which in turn will permit billboard construction and use through a sublease to Lamar during the term of the lease and fund future billboard replacement.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to demolish the Beau Soleil Home facility.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to enter into a Grounds and Facilities Lease Agreement with ULM Facilities, Inc., a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation, to construct a new student dining facility pursuant to the authority vested in La. R.S. 17:3361.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Grambling State University: approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Bossier Parish Community College for Consideration of Reduced Tuition.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to seek matching funds from the Louisiana Board of Regents for three Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarships:
Fanny Edith Winn Educational Trust/BORSF Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarship in Earth and Energy Science I
Fanny Edith Winn Educational Trust/BORSF Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarship in Earth and Energy Science II
Fanny Edith Winn Educational Trust/BORSF Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarship in Earth and Energy Science III
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval seek matching funds from the Louisiana Board of Regents for four Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarships:
Bill and Marsha Bourn SGS in Pharmacy
LA Independent Pharmacy Assn SGS in Pharmacy
Lawrence Alton & Elizabeth Ann Robinson SGS in Healthcare Education
Michael C. Echols SGS Endowment (MBA)
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to establish the Kim Sledge Endowed Chair in Risk Management and Insurance.
University of Louisiana System: approval to approve fees pursuant to Act 293 of the 2017 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.

PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

Grambling State University: approval to appoint Dr. Connie Walton as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs effective December 1, 2019.
Louisiana Tech University: approval to appoint Mr. Thomas Hoover as Chief Information Officer effective January 1, 2020.