Incoming president for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Dr. E. Joseph Savoie developed six committees to assist with his transition during a breakfast meeting Thursday at the UL Lafayette Alumni Center.
The teams were developed to help Savoie learn more about the university’s strengths and opportunities for improvement. He’s been meeting with a variety of groups each week since his appointment by the UL System in December.
The advisory teams’ directions are based on the institutional review conducted by a panel of national education specialists lead by Dr. James L. Fisher. The review came after UL Lafayette President Ray Authement announced his retirement last year. An institutional review is standard operating procedure for the UL System when a university president leaves his post.
“ UL Lafayette is over 100 years old. It has seen any number of changes and progress,” said Savoie. “It has provided educational opportunities, created economic opportunities and improved the quality of life of people in the region and it will continue to do that.”
Savoie’s six advisory transition teams:
• Academic & Faculty Advisory Team
• Economic Development & Research Advisory Team
• Student Issues Advisory Team
• University Advancement Advisory Team
• Athletics Advisory Team
• Facilities & Property Advisory Team
The teams – composed of faculty, staff, students and community business leaders – will present Savoie with recommendations before he takes office.
“ I want this to be a collaborative, participatory process…These work groups will help us focus on specifics,” said Savoie. “I’m anxious to hear from them.”
Earlier this year, Savoie appointed Jerry Luke LeBlanc to lead his transition team. LeBlanc, former commissioner of administration for the state, will lead most of the transition advisory teams. Dr. Steve Landry, vice president for Academic Affairs, will lead the Academic and Faculty Advisory Team.
A few areas that will be reviewed by the teams include faculty diversity, retention and graduation rates, economic development, federal funding sources, athletics, facilities, and a strategic plan for campus development.