The University of Louisiana at Lafayette will soon welcome Dr. E. Joseph Savoie as its sixth president in its 108-year history. The record of longevity in office of the institution’s presidents is probably unmatched in the annals of higher education in the United States.
The current exhibit in the main hallway and stairwell of the Edith Garland Dupré Library at UL Lafayette reviews the service of the five men who have held the office of president of the institution that is now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Edward Lewis Stephens served as the first president from 1900 to 1938. Lether Frazar served from 1938 to 1940. Joel L. Fletcher, Jr., was president from 1941 until 1965. Clyde L. Rougeou’s term ran 1966 to 1974. Ray P. Authement has served as president from 1974. He will retire at the end of June. Because of the ability and leadership of these men, UL Lafayette has grown and developed in remarkable ways since it opened in 1901. Using material from the Dupré Library Special Collections Department, the current exhibit reviews these years, the men, their families, and their accomplishments.
Bruce Turner, Head of Special Collections, mounted the exhibit, which will run through August 15. It is free and open to the public. Call 482-2665 for library hours.