View a recording of today’s meeting here.

UL SYSTEM BOARD OF SUPERVISORS WELCOMES NEW MEMBER, ROBERT L. “SKEETER” SALIM

Robert L. “Skeeter” Salim was sworn in to fill the at-large position previously held by the late Mrs. Lola Dunahoe, who passed away on September 29, 2024. Mrs. Dunahoe, first appointed in 2017 and reappointed in 2023, served the Board with distinction. Her family expressed their support for Mr. Salim’s appointment, ensuring her legacy continues. Mr. Edwin Dunahoe, her husband, was present to administer the oath of office to Mr. Salim. Following the ceremony, the Board presented a special resolution honoring Mrs. Dunahoe’s service, which was given to her family. Mr. Salim’s first official act as a Board Member was to move for the acceptance of this resolution.

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BOARD ACTIONS

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS 

Louisiana Tech University: approval to offer a Master of Science in Cognitive Science.

Nicholls State University: approval to offer a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation.

ATHLETIC 

Grambling State University: approval of a contract addendum with Mr. Justin Wagar, Head Soccer Coach, effective October 1, 2024.

Grambling State University: approval of a contract addendum with Ms. Nakeya Hall, Head Softball Coach, effective October 1, 2024.

Grambling State University’s approval of a contract addendum with Ms. Paige Phillips, Head Volleyball Coach, effective October 1, 2024.

Grambling State University: approval of a contract addendum with Mr. Davin C. Pierre, Head Baseball Coach, effective September 1, 2024.

Louisiana Tech University: approval of contractual agreements between various Assistant Coaches, Louisiana Tech University, and the Louisiana Tech University Foundation, Inc.

McNeese State University: approval of an amendment to a contract with Mr. Frank William Wade, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, effective March 1, 2024.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: request for approval of a contract with Ms. Alyson Habetz, Head Softball Coach, effective July 11, 2024.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a contract with Ms. Baylee Young, Beach Volleyball Head Coach, effective July 29, 2024.

University of Louisiana at Monroe: approval of a contract with Mr. Bryant Vincent, Head Football Coach, effective December 6, 2023.

University of New Orleans: approval of a contract with Mr. Benjamin Hibbert, Head Men’s & Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field Coach, effective October 1, 2024.

University of New Orleans: approval of a contract with Mr. Jeff Lorio, Head Men’s Golf Coach, effective September 1, 2024.

University of New Orleans: approval of a contract amendment with Mr. Tim Duncan, Vice President of Athletics and Recreation, effective September 1, 2024.

AUDIT 

University of Louisiana System: reported on internal and external audit activity for the period of August 14 to October 14, 2024.

FACILITIES PLANNING 

Grambling State University: approval to amend the Facilities and Ground Lease/Leaseback Agreement with the Grambling University Foundation for the purpose of continuing improvements, replacing the scoreboards, and making additional technology improvements for the Eddie Robinson Memorial Stadium football field and the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center, pursuant to La. R.S. 17:3361.

Louisiana Tech University’s: approval to name a classroom in Bogard Hall the “John Calhoun Mechanical Engineering Innovation Lab.”

Louisiana Tech University: approval to name a classroom in use by the Emergent Learning Research Institute in Woodard Hall as the “Higginbotham Create Studio.”

McNeese State University: approval to name the Southwest Louisiana Entrepreneurial and Economic Development (SEED) Center the “Henning SEED Center.”

Nicholls State University: approval to amend its Five-Year Capital Outlay submission to increase the cost of the new Coastal Center from $26 million to $29 million.

Northwestern State University: approval to name the Caspari Hall Third Floor Conference Room the “Jerry Pierce Conference Room.”

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to enter into a Farm Lease with T & B Farms LLC for 35 acres of farmland at the University’s Cade Research Facility, as authorized by La. R.S. 17:3361.

University of New Orleans: approval to sell the Goldring Hall to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Inc., on terms and conditions acceptable to the Board and for the sale price no less than the appraised value. The Sale would be in Accordance with the University of Louisiana System Immovable Property Guidelines Section V.(E.)(2.) Sale to Specific Buyer and in accordance with Act 485 of the 2024 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature.

FINANCE 

Nicholls State University: approval of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Nicholls State University Foundation.

University of Louisiana System: reported financial status of alternatively financed projects for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.

University of Louisiana System: reported Fiscal Year 2023-24 fourth quarter financial reports and ongoing assurances.

PERSONNEL 

Louisiana Tech University: approval to appoint Dr. Richard A. Crawford as Senior Vice President of Student Advancement/COO effective September 1, 2024.

Louisiana Tech University:  approval to appoint Dr. Ramu Ramachandran as Interim Vice President for Research effective September 1, 2024.

Nicholls State University: approval to appoint Mr. Terry Braud as Executive Vice President of Finance & Administration effective September 1, 2024.

Nicholls State University: approval to appoint Dr. Michele Theriot as Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts effective September 1, 2024.

Northwestern State University: approval to appoint Dr. William Drake Owens as Executive Vice President/Chief of Staff effective August 5, 2024.

Southeastern Louisiana University: approval to appoint Dr. Patrick J. Moyer as Interim Dean of Science and Technology effective June 29, 2024.

Southeastern Louisiana University: approval to appoint Dr. Daniel McCarthy as Interim Dean of Research and Innovation effective June 29, 2024.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to appoint Dr. Tracy L. Cross as Dean of the College of Education and Human Development effective August 1, 2024.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette: approval to appoint Dr. Ani Kokobobo as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts effective August 1, 2024.

University of New Orleans: requested to waive the requirement of a national search for the positions of Vice President of Research and Vice President for Finance and Administration.

University of New Orleans: appointed Dr. Edwin H. Litolff III as Vice President for Finance and Administration effective November 1, 2024.