View a recording of today’s meeting here.

BOARD VOTES GUICE PRESIDENT EMERITUS OF LA TECH 

The Board of Supervisors voted to name Dr. Les Guice president emeritus of Louisiana Tech University. 

“This special recognition is certainly something I will cherish. We have been a part of this institution for 51 years. Kathy and I met as freshmen in an English class, got married as juniors and left the wedding to go to a football game. We have lived this,” Guice said. “I do want to thank our faculty and staff who are the heart of the university. They are so dedicated to this institution, and I’m confident the next president can take it to new heights.” 

“We will certainly miss his knowledge, his advice, his expertise, and leadership in the System,” UL System President and CEO Dr. Jim Henderson said. “His vision as the 14th president of Louisiana Tech helped transform the university by leaning into innovation. He is lauded and loved by the students, respected by the faculty and the community in a way that most leaders never experience.” 

Dr. Guice announced his retirement earlier this year after serving the institution for 45 years, the last 10 as president. 

CHAIR’S TERM EXPIRES, NEW LEADERSHIP SELECTED 

Today marked outgoing Board Chair Liz Pierre’s final meeting in the Board’s executive role. She served as chair for two years and previously served as vice chair and parliamentarian.   

“She started the role in the midst of the pandemic as we navigated our return to normal operations. She was a steady leader and advisor through campus tragedies and natural disasters,” UL System President and CEO Dr. Jim Henderson said. “Her grace and quiet leadership have allowed us to advance as a System, and we are so appreciative of her service to this Board.” 

Pierre served in leadership roles in five presidential searches during her tenure. 

“Thank you to my fellow Board members,” Pierre said. “I’ve really enjoyed my role serving as Chairman. I think we are leaving ourselves in very capable hands as far as our leadership.” 

Pierre will be succeeded by Dr. Jimmy Clarke with Brad Stevens as Vice Chair. Dr. Clarke appointed Dana Peterson as parliamentarian. The new leaders will be sworn in at the Board’s January 4 meeting. Board officers serve a yearlong term with a maximum of two consecutive years. 

REGISTER NOW: FOR OUR FUTURE CONFERENCE AND INAUGURAL LEADING WOMEN EVENT 

The Universities of Louisiana For Our Future Conference is expanding to include a pre-conference day of professional development in the form of For Our Future Conference: Leading Women. The event gathers women in higher education and beyond for networking, thoughtful discussion and inspiration.    

Leading Women will begin with a conversation between two of Louisiana’s most dynamic women–Congresswoman Julia Letlow and Mrs. Gayle Benson. Both will offer insight into the unique challenges that accompany navigating and succeeding in male-dominated spaces through the lenses of their personal and professional stories.    

Programming will continue with sessions covering topics such as work-life balance, promotion strategies, and the importance of including female voices in decision-making.    

For Our Future Conference: Leading Women will take place Feb. 25 before the For Our Future Conference Feb. 26 and 27 at the New Orleans Marriott. Registration for both the inaugural event and the seventh annual conference is now open and available at ulsystem.edu/conference. 

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BOARD ACTION

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS

Louisiana Tech University: approval of its revised Mission Statement.

Northwestern State University: approval to offer a Master of Social Work.

University of New Orleans: approval to offer a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience.

University of New Orleans: approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with Delgado Community College.

ATHLETIC

McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Andrew Fitzgerald, Head Women’s Soccer Coach, effective July 1, 2024.

Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of contract with Mr. Evan Bush, Assistant Baseball Coach, effective November 1, 2023.

AUDIT

University of Louisiana System’s report on internal and external audit activity for the period of October 23 to December 4, 2023.

FACILITIES PLANNING

Louisiana Tech University: approval to enter into a Ground Lease with the Louisiana Tech University Foundation for the purpose of making repairs and improvements to the facility located at 1500 Bulldog Drive, as authorized by La. R.S. 17:3361.

Louisiana Tech University: approval to advertise and auction for the sale of approximately 535 acres of forest land in southern Arkansas, in accordance with Policy and Procedures Memorandum FP-VI.IV.-1a, Section V, Part E, Sale of Immovable Property.

Louisiana Tech University: approval to advertise and auction for the sale of 13.5 acres of land in Lincoln Parish, in accordance with Policy and Procedures Memorandum FP-VI.IV.-1a, Section V, Part E, Sale of Immovable Property.

Southeastern Louisiana University: approval to extend a current Ground Lease with the Southeastern Louisiana University Foundation to renovate “The Inn” on Southeastern’s campus to March 1, 2024, as authorized by La. R.S. 17:3361.

FINANCE

University of Louisiana System: approval to establish LEQSF (8g) Endowed Professorships and Graduate Scholarships as follows:

Louisiana Tech University
The Ida Grey Graham Endowed Professorship in Studio Art
The Lois Rogers McClendon & Enos C. McClendon, Jr. Endowed Professorship

University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Senator Armand Brinkhaus/BORSF Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarship for the Kathleen Babineaux Blanco Public Policy Center
Marsha J. Kramer/BORSF Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarship in Computer Science

University of Louisiana at Monroe
Carole E. Kilpatrick Endowed Professorship in Music
Thomas H. and Mayme P. Scott SGS in Physical Therapy
T.D. “Doc” Murphy SGS in Pharmacy

PERSONNEL

Northwestern State University: approval to appoint Mr. Rodney Wilson as Chief Financial Officer effective January 3, 2024.