Today, the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System met in person for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. View a recording of this meeting here.

UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA SYSTEM ADOPTS NIL POLICY FOR STUDENT ATHLETES

Today, the University of Louisiana System adopted a policy related to intercollegiate athletes’ ability to be compensated for the use of their name, image and likeness. The policy was developed in coordination with the member institutions’ nine athletic directors.

“We are proud to be among the first entities in the U.S. to adopt an NIL policy to benefit our student athletes,” Dr. Jim Henderson said. “We worked closely with our athletic directors to ensure the policy will meet the needs of our intercollegiate athletes as well as our departments.”

The UL System policy mandates five hours of annual training for student athletes on current NIL policies and practices as well as financial and life skills. The policy also provides guidance on the use of institutional marks and aligns with the legislation in listing prohibited endorsement areas including tobacco and alcohol.

The Louisiana legislature passed SB 60 during the regular legislative session making it legal for athletes to earn compensation for use of their name, image and likeness. The bill, which is expected to become law July 1, requires public higher education management boards to adopt a policy before their intercollegiate athletes can earn compensation.

M&LI CLASS PRESENTATIONS

The 2020-21 class of the Management & Leadership Institute presented their capstone projects to the Board of Supervisors and university presidents to culminate their time in the Institute. The class was split into three groups to tackle topics chosen by System leadership. 

Innovations from COVID That May Persist Post-Pandemic 

Brittany Broussard– Northwestern State University 

Kristin Chandler – University of Louisiana Monroe 

Gianna Cothren – University of New Orleans 

Lisa Harris – Northwestern State University 

Milton Jackson – Grambling State University 

Kathryn Slosarek – Nicholls State University 

Krisshunn Youngblood – McNeese State University 

Core Capabilities 

Chris Asprion – Southeastern Louisiana University 

Lonny Benoit – McNeese State University 

Kelsey Bohl – University of Louisiana Monroe 

Taniecea Mallery – University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

Michele Robinson – Louisiana Tech University 

David Whitney – Nicholls State University 

Cultural Competencies 

Desiree Anderson – University of New Orleans 

Blanca Bauer – University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

Casey Byrd – Grambling State University 

Joel Hicks – Northwestern State University 

Elizabeth Hornsby – Southeastern Louisiana University  

Adam McGuirt – Louisiana Tech University 

Lisa VanHoose – University of Louisiana Monroe

 

Click here to view the group presentations. 

BLACK MALE SUMMIT RECAP

The inaugural Universities of Louisiana Black Male Summit was held last week at University of Louisiana at Lafayette to celebrate and exchange innovative strategies concerning Black males in higher education. 

“We have some of the best programmatic initiatives that the world has to offer here at the University of Louisiana System,” Board Chair James Carter said. “Thank you to Dr. Claire Norris for her leadership and guidance in developing this program.” 

The event provided an opportunity to introduce the first cohort of 18 R.F. Lewis Scholars to a large audience. The program recruits Black males and provides educational programs, mentoring opportunities, and co-curricular experiences to improve both their collegiate experiences and their futures after graduation. 

Dr. Anthony Jack delivered the keynote address centered around his book, “The Privileged Poor: How Elite Colleges Are Failing Disadvantaged Students.” He reminded attendees that students from different socioeconomic, racial, and family backgrounds have different and often unique needs, and that “even undreamt dreams can come true.” 

A panel discussion moderated by University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Dr. Taniecea Mallery asked System President Dr. Jim Henderson, Grambling State University President Rick Gallot, University of New Orleans’ Director of Experiential Learning and Community Engagement Ryan Bell, and University of Louisiana Monroe Instructor Jaleesa Harris to recount their work to advance the Black male experience at the Universities of Louisiana.  

Search #ulsblackmalesummit on social media to see attendees’ tagged posts from the event.

 

2021 STUDENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

The 2020-21 Student Advisory Council is made up of the elected student government association presidents from the nine University of Louisiana System member institutions. L’Oreal Williams, Southeastern Louisiana University SGA president and student Board member, serves as the Council’s spokesperson to the full Board of Supervisors. 

Student Advisory Council members include: 

Cameron T. Jackson, Grambling State University  

Kiarra Bombard, Louisiana Tech University  

Sarah Stafford, McNeese State University  

Tyler Legnon, Nicholls State University  

Tja’h Edwards, Northwestern State University 

L’Oreal Williams, Southeastern Louisiana University  

Reed Broussard, University of Louisiana at Lafayette 

Lauren Fee, University of Louisiana Monroe 

Amber Lemelle, University of New Orleans 

BOARD ACTION:

ACADEMIC AND STUDENT AFFAIRS

Nicholls State University: approval to offer Undergraduate Certificates in Foundations of Management, Foundations of Marketing, and Foundations of Business Analytics.
University of New Orleans: approval to name the School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering the “Boysie Bollinger School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

ATHLETIC COMMITTEE

Grambling State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Donte Jackson, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
Grambling State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Freddie Murray, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Ms. Giorgia Pozzan, Head Women’s Tennis Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Brendon James Gilroy, Head Men/Women’s Track Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. James E. Landreneau, Head Women’s Softball Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
McNeese State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Ronald Letson, Assistant Football Coach, effective June 1, 2021.
McNeese State University: approval of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to have its athletic training services provided by Ochsner Clinic Foundation.
Northwestern State University: approval of a contract with Mr. Donald Pickett, Head Softball Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Ms. Ayla Guzzardo, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, effective May 1, 2021.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. William Narro, Head Golf Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Richard Fremin, Head Softball Coach, effective June 1, 2021.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Corey Mistretta, Head Track and Field Coach, effective August 1, 2021.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Jeremy White, Head Women’s Volleyball Coach, effective June 1, 2021.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Timothy Donnelly, Associate Men’s Baseball Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Benjamin Gipson, Assistant Men’s Baseball Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
Southeastern Louisiana University: approval of a contract with Mr. Kenneth Lee, Associate Women’s Basketball Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of a contract with Dr. Bryan Maggard, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics (VPIA), effective July 1, 2021.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of a Third Amendment and Restated Contract with Mr. William Napier, Head Football Coach, effective July 1, 2021.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of amended Contracts for Employment for various coaches, effective June 24, 2021.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of Contracts for Employment for various assistant football coaches.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of a contract with Ms. Kristi Gray, Head Volleyball Coach, effective May 1, 2021.

FACILITIES PLANNING

Louisiana Tech University: approval to name the newly developed Virtual Anatomy Lab in Carson Taylor Hall, Room 237, “The Justin and Jeanette Hinckley Virtual Anatomy Lab.”
Louisiana Tech University: approval to name two new student residential facilities as “The Robinson Suites” and “The Potts Suites.”
Louisiana Tech University: approval to execute a Ground Lease with the Louisiana Tech University Foundation, Inc., for the purpose of constructing a pedestrian plaza around the sculpture provided by the Percent for Art Program administered by the Office of Cultural Development, pursuant to La. R.S. 17:3361.
McNeese State University: approval to enter into a Facility Lease Agreement with the McNeese State University Foundation for the University’s continued use and operation of the Center for Advancement of Meat Production and Processing (CAMPP).
Nicholls State University: approval to enter into a land lease with the Nicholls State University Foundation to construct a new baseball field house on the campus of Nicholls State University, pursuant to La. R.S. 17:3361.
Nicholls State University: approval to enter into a land lease with the Max Charter School, pursuant to La. R.S. 17:3361.
Nicholls State University: approval to sell a parcel of vacant land measuring approximately 5.3 acres at the southeastern border of the University main campus along Bowie Road in Thibodaux, Louisiana through legislative act to the Thibodaux Regional Health System (TRHS), a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to demolish four agricultural buildings that were damaged beyond repair due to several hurricanes in 2020.
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 and install artificial turf at the baseball facility pursuant to the authority vested in La. R.S. 17:3361.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to name the renovated band rehearsal room the “Jack and Coralie White Rehearsal Room.”

FINANCE

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval of a tuition reduction for employees of eligible employer partners not to exceed $3,000 off the online RN-BSN program price.
University of Louisiana System: approval of the Board Operations and System Universities’ Fiscal Year 2021-22 Internal Audit Plans.

PERSONNEL

McNeese State University: approval to appoint Ms. Mona White as Interim Vice President for Business Affairs effective June 1, 2021.
Nicholls State University: approval to appoint Ms. Jean Donegan as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts effective July 1, 2021.
Nicholls State University: approval to appoint Dr. Janice Lyn as Dean of Students effective May 17, 2021.
Northwestern State University: approval to appoint Dr. Joel Hicks as Dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health effective July 1, 2021.
Northwestern State University: approval to appoint Ms. Reatha Cox as Vice President of the Student Experience effective July 1, 2021.
University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval to appoint Dr. Michelle McEacharn as Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences effective July 1, 2021.