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Well let's change it!! Then perhaps the masses will follow and want to know what the excitement is about!!! Humbly speaking of course. I AM excited ...can't wait for the next few years. Perhaps the new Pres. will be great...who really knows. Continue venting.....must be a male thing. LOL Great night to all of you!.Quote:
Originally Posted by lcitsh
I know words like everything,all, everyone, always, etc are hyperbole in this context. I think you get my meaning. Don't tell me you have never complained about what you don't have instead of being thankful for the things that you do have. That would IMO not be a normal person. Everyone I have known on an intimate long term basis has engaged in such behavior at least on some occasions. :) :) :)Quote:
Originally Posted by lcitsh
My ideal candidate would be in their late thirties, or early forties with a background of loyalty to this university. I would not want some person looking to put a notch in their resume on their way to bigger and better things.......Quote:
Originally Posted by ChanceEncounter
I think Dr. A. is given way too much blame for the less than ideal budget provided to the UL athletic department as compared to other universities of our stature. I'm also quite sure that Dr. A. would probably do a few things different if he could go back in time and have a second chance. As we all know, hindsite is always 20/20!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Cajun Express
However, until "WE" the "FANS" step up and donate more money, I don't think there is much of anything that Dr. A. (or whomever the new Pres. ends up being) can do. The money must come from somewhere!!!
The real problem here in Louisiana that has stunted our growth is the limit in funds and student fees that can be generated in-house and utilized for athletics. That (in my opinion) is the biggest reason UL has been left behind by other schools in our situation. In my opiniomn, our Legislator's are as much to blame for our funding problems as is our President.
Although I don't have a lot of extra income, I plan on making an effort to give a little more than I have in the past. Hopefully, others will do the same. There is no substitute for CASH!!!!!!!!!!!
I salute Dr. Authement for his Love and Loyalty for OUR UNIVERSITY. He made the academics at UL better for our kids to stay home and bring in kids from afar. His vision was way beyond sports but saying that, he challenged the community to make this a self supporting athletic program and WE FAILED AS A COMMUNITY TO APPRECIATE ALL THE TALENT THAT HAS PASSED THROUGH OUR HALLOWED HALLS. We do have some great moments in college athletics, but too many people give up and trade in their loyalties for greener pastures instead of help in buidling UL's program. Too many jump ship for the so called big time programs to make themselves fell good about themselves and to brag how they are so and so supporters instead of being loyal to their alma mater.Quote:
Originally Posted by NewsCopy
I get frustrated but I will never give in and be loyal to another university.
Dr. A did not give up on the NAME CHANGE, something that has already benefitted our undergraduates with much needed research monies, look at the new construction on campus, something a lot of out of town alums don't even know about or seem to care about learning. I have many buddies who don't follow the progress of UL and that is a shame. I owe so much to this University and to the people who helped me graduate. I have friends that will last til the day I die. My home is Lafayette, the city I have learned to love despite the politics and traffic problems and HIGH COST of owning real estate. Had to throw that in. LOL
Until you have met with Dr. A and talked to him about his goals, then you do not really know this man's love and responsibilities to the students who attend UL. Knowing him has been a honor, visiting with him has been a learned lesson in LA. Politics. What he has had to put up with with LA.Politics is short of miraculous. God and Dr. A only knows the minds of those fools.
I am honored he gave me the time to talk with him and let me ask him questions. He is truly a Cajun Gentleman and #1 Cajun in my book always.
Thank you Dr. Authement.
Geaux Cajuns
that all being said, the more i think about it, the more i think we should not even include anyone already working for UL. Its not that i think that a Steve Landry or someone equal to him, can't do a good job. But, there has been the same administration in Martin Hall for mroe than 30 years. To have RA's successor be someone who has been there for 15-20 years would mean that not a whole lot would change. I know that just because an outsider is brought in doesn't mean that they'll automatically do a good job or be successful. but, just as i said earlier, UL under RA is the only UL I know, and its the only UL that a lot of people know, including Steve Landry, etal. therefore i think its important to for someone to come in here and lead UL, not someone who is gonna take over RA's job. It is important that we take advatage of being able to work in some new views, thoughts, and ideas. not the same old "brother-in-law" practices that have ruled this state for many years. and, if we were replacing a Pres who had only been here for 10 years or so, then i may feel different. but the stagnant feeling around campus needs to change, and i thik bringing in someone new will help shake things up.Quote:
Originally Posted by Just1More
I agree. I thank Dr. A (as much as I've griped about him) for his contributions to this university. One thing about Dr. A was that he always made sure this university was never in debt. Every project had all or close to all of its funding prior to construction. I would like to see our academic improvements continue to grow. However, I would like someone who is young and has great aspirations to push this university to places it hasn't ever been. A large part of that falls on athletics, and while I am eager to see what a new president will do for our athletics program, I don't want to see UL take a step back in academics to get it. My main concern is to have a president that much like gerald hebert, is primed and ready to bring this university to the masses. I want to see the biggest advertising campaign ever to help attract the surrounding parishes into supporting the university. There's alot of fans outside of Lafayette and we need to capitalize on them before some other school does. One of the things that I want to see is a totally redesigned approach to recruiting high school kids (students not athletes). Many local students see UL as the home town school (which it is), but not as the great academic institution that has become world renown. Some of these kids, like my sister, just don't believe that UL is far enough away from home to enjoy the college experience. We have to promote UL as a community within itself and an college experience that will rival that of any other school. It's going to take a special person to fill this role. Good luck with the search.Quote:
Originally Posted by rhineaux
I'd say you nailed it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Duggie35
The problem is us. The sooner we stop looking for the bogey man in Martin Hall or Baton Rouge the better.
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Everyone involved in the UL athletic program owes school president Ray Authement a huge debt of gratitude.
So do most of the teams in the Sun Belt Conference. Without him, it's very possible that a lot of current league members might still be floating around looking for a home. At the very least, they'd be mired in a conference that's not on the level that the Sun Belt currently enjoys.
Authement was part of the delegation from the old American South Conference that made trips to places like South Alabama and Western Kentucky nearly two decades ago. It was his task to persuade those and other schools - schools left behind when original Sun Belt members UAB, Charlotte, South Florida and others bolted for Conference USA - to join with the American South programs.
It took some convincing. But now, the Sun Belt is playing Division I-A football, is part of the NCAA's management hierarchy and the BCS, and is established as a league respected nationally in several sports.
Authement should be proud of his role in league history. But, like his many other accomplishments in almost 34 years as UL's top man, they're rarely celebrated. He's not the type to brag about what he's done, preferring instead to play up the accolades of the university as a whole.
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Dan McDonald
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Accolades which, by the way, would be far less if he hadn't shepherded the school through some tough times. It will be tough to find another such shepherd, with Authement surprising nearly everyone on Friday with a retirement announcement.
"He's the role model president in Louisiana," said interim athletic director David Walker, a part of the university administration for many years before his recent involvement with athletics. "He's kept us financially stable, put us on track in the right technology fields, and grown this university into a very well-respected research institution.
"At the same time, he's taken care of all the auxiliary areas, including athletics."
Throughout his career, Authement has taken more than his share of heat from Ragin' Cajun fans for what many perceived as a lack of support - mostly financial - for the athletic program. Those critics, though, didn't know the whole story.
They didn't know of his work behind the scenes to help the school's sports programs or how he squeezed every cent possible in the direction of Reinhardt Drive.
They didn't see him out on the field at football practice, or quietly in attendance at too many athletic events to count. It's not many presidents that would spend lunch hours at their school's athletic complex, touching bases and keeping tabs on the goings-on.
"I know he's the reason I'm here," said UL football coach Rickey Bustle. "Since I've been here, he's been a great influence for me, and I appreciate everything he's done for us. I'm excited for him and I'm proud for him."
Authement actually pre-dates Bustle in football, playing single-wing tailback at Terrebonne High in the 1940's. He also played baseball and basketball, although he says he wasn't very good at the latter, and his love for athletics never waned after that.
He knows more student-athletes than most, and he revels in their successes on the field and in their later lives. No one ever took Cajun losses harder. And no one enjoyed the wins more.
He's probably his own worst critic. Like most of us, he probably feels he hasn't done enough. That's why he's already said that one of his final tasks with the school will be to raise funds to solidify the athletic program's financial future.
The department appreciates the help, Doc, but the people in athletics know you've already done a lot more than your share. And for those who disagree, to quote a former New Orleans Saints coach - You don't know ... and you never will.
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Days after his unexpected retirement announcement, UL President Ray Authement said his future plans involve the university that has been a part of his life for the past 50 years.
"I will raise money for the university," he said Monday. "The Foundation has grown from $400,000 to $140 million. I'm somewhat enchanted with raising big money and hope to continue to do that."
Authement announced his retirement Friday after serving as president for nearly 34 years during the UL System Board meeting held on his campus. He didn't grant interview requests from reporters after the announcement.
He sat down for an interview Monday afternoon after an event at Dupré Library that heralded the university's millionth volume and the contributions of Edith Garland Dupré, the library's namesake.
"I was not going to leave until this one millionth volume," Authement said, joking with the crowd. "It took a volume a day to make it."
Authement also has humor for the speculations he imagined are circulating about the timing of his retirement.
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Marsha Sills
msills@theadvertiser.com
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Spending time with his family, especially as his daughter in Atlanta tries to grow her own family, are his top priorities now, he said.
"I've been in the business 34 years. I have a new grandson in Atlanta. ... I want to spend time with them and my family," Authement said. "I've done as good a job as I can over the years, and now it's time for someone else."
The search has yet to begin for that someone else. The UL Board likely will appoint a search committee at its next board meeting on June 29, said Jackie Tisdell, UL System executive director of student development and communications.
Authement said he hasn't been grooming anyone in his administration and didn't venture to guess on a short list of applicants.
"There will be a lot of applicants out of state and possibly two excellent people - Steve Landry and Joe Savoie," Authement said referring to Landry, his vice president of academic affairs and Savoie, the commissioner of higher education. "They may apply. I haven't discussed that with them."
Authement said he'll stay on to train the university's new leader.
"I've been here so long I would say I'd spend a semester or part of a semester with the president-elect and fill them in," Authement said. "It's a more complex university than what I took over."
All weekend, Authement's retirement was the topic of conversation.
The outgoing president said he decided long ago that when the time came he wanted to tell the board on his own campus.
That all happened Friday to the shock of many who expected he would retire soon, but not so soon.
"I told no one, including my brother who lives in Lafayette, because I had not spoken to my board members," Authement said. "I held it in the strictest confidence."
Authement admitted that he's been preparing for the day for years, but the final decision was a difficult one to make.
"It was not an easy decision. There are a lot of people who depend on me and especially at a time that the university is about to experience it's best budget year," Authement said, referring to the governor's proposed plan that would fully fund higher education.
Meanwhile, Authement said he expects he'll take some days off -unused leave time he's accumulated.
He and his wife, Barbara, who have lived in the president's house in Martin Circle for more than 30 years, plan to build a house on a lot in a Lafayette subdivision.
"We're looking at house plans. My son-in-law is an architect," he said.
He said his wife supported his decision.
"She's happy with the decision. She's such an important part of my life, whatever I do, she'll support, and whatever she does, I'll support," Authement said.
As he prepares for his final months in office, Authement said he still wants to see the university have land security.
"I wish more people would be more observant and see that we're out of land," he said.
Authement said to exchange a portion of its horse farm property on Johnston Street to developers for residential acreage on Girard Park Drive would enable future building shifts on campus. Authement has said that the plan would have enabled the president's house to move from campus to Girard Park Drive, making room for new construction if the old president's house and a nearby older academic building were torn down.
The deal fell apart, and now Authement is trying to clear the title on the horse farm property -a matter he said will be resolved soon.
He said his job isn't over yet.
"I told the board, 'You better keep me around. The university has money, and I'm the only one who knows where it's buried,'" he laughed.
He also has a promise to fulfill - one he made when his daughter, Kathy, died.
"One of the things I want to do, and it's very important, my grandson will graduate in Mamy not this May but next. He is 4.0 at this particular time, and I want to hand him that diploma. That's very important to me, and I told that to the board. ... I promised that I would do that when my daughter died, and I will hand him that diploma."
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LAFAYETTE — In 1957, a young Ray Authement taught calculus at Southwestern Louisiana Institute in a metal lab building with no air-conditioning.
“We taught in really substandard conditions,” Authement said. “I’d walk out of that calculus class with water in my shoes, because it was so warm. But there were some outstanding, outstanding students that I worked with.”
Fifty years later, that small, rural campus — with no computer — has blossomed into a large, urban research university. And it now boasts one of the world’s most powerful graphics supercomputers in its recently opened Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise.
For 34 years, Authement has been at the helm of what is now known as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
He announced his retirement Friday, then spent Tuesday morning conducting his first media interviews since.
While the university has made great strides in the past six decades, it still maintains some of the original “family” atmosphere that lets students know they are important, Authement said.
Perhaps the most important move made by ULL in those years was during the oil bust of the 1980s, Authement said.
As companies that had played such a large role in the region’s economy began shutting down, the university realized it could play a role, Authement said.
“We decided we were going to help create jobs and opportunities,” he said.
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KEVIN BLANCHARD
Advocate Acadiana bureau
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The university began pursuing government contracts in tandem with local companies, finding work for shops that had to close.
“That set the stage for the university to get involved in real economic development,” Authement said.
The idea of the University Research Park got its birth during those times, he said.
While the university helped contribute to the economy, the added focus on applied research benefited ULL as well, earning the school the classification of a research university, Authement said.
But the emphasis on the technology that Authement believed in wasn’t always well received, he said.
In the late ’60s, while Authement was academic vice president, cartoons in the student newspaper poked fun, showing then-President Clyde Rougeou fishing while Authement ran around carrying a computer.
“But it has paid many, many dividends,” Authement said.
Keeping up with changes in technology will be a major task for the next president, Authement said.
The other task will be finding a solution to ULL’s land problem. The university is land-locked and in need of more student housing and on-campus parking, he said.
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Happy Days! We need new direction!
As long as that direction isn't down. Dr. A should be thanked for his contributions to UL but I agree new blood is needed as long as they know what they are doing and they are able to take us where we all want to be.Quote:
Originally Posted by CajunStuckInBR
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UL System President Sally Clausen expects all sorts of rumors, innuendo and speculation to surface in the hunt for a new UL Lafayette president — just as it has in the four searches she ran in the past. “There is no fix,” says Clausen, who says a bona fide national search will be conducted.
She maintains that neither Gov. Kathleen Blanco nor retiring UL President Ray Authement will have a say in who becomes the sixth president of the 107-year-old university. “I have not talked to the governor or anyone else in her administration,” Clausen says. “I’m not interested in talking to anyone.”
The system president, who will serve as non-voting chair of the search committee, also maintains Authement will play a role only if asked by the committee. She says a more appropriate function for him is to help the new president make a smooth transition into the position. “I think that’s a better use of his time,” she says.
<center><p><a href="http://www.theind.com/news2.asp?CID=321721996" target="_blank">The rest of the story</a>
By Leslie Turk
The Ind
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Clausen insists the process will be open to the public. And while some candidates may not like the transparent method because of its potential to jeopardize their current jobs, Clausen wholeheartedly embraces it — even more so because of her own experiences as a potential candidate for president of the LSU System. Just last year, she endured immense criticism after two state legislators charged that LSU System President William Jenkins was forced out by then board Chairman Bernie Boudreaux — Clausen’s boyfriend — to pave the way for her ascension to the more prestigious LSU post. As a result of the controversy, Boudreaux resigned from the board, and Clausen stayed put as head of the UL System. “I’ve already been through this myself personally, and I know how it can sting,” she says.
If she’s contacted by the consultant the LSU System hired to seek out candidates, Clausen says she would only apply if her interview is conducted in public. “There are people that are unsure of the process,” she notes. “In the long run, the openness serves us better.”
Meanwhile, the search committee for Authement’s successor, appointed by the UL System board’s chairman, Jimmy Long Sr. of Natchitoches, is beginning to take shape and should be finalized by the end of the month. Dr. John Meriwether, who has taught physics at UL Lafayette for four decades, will have a vote in who is recommended as Authement’s successor, and longtime English professor Dr. Harry Bruder will serve as a non-voting member of the search committee. The duo was chosen last week by the UL Faculty Senate.
Like Clausen, Meriwether says an above-board national search will be conducted. “All I can tell you right now is what I see and what I’m told,” the physics professor says. “If it doesn’t turn out to be an open process, I’m not a shy person — I will speak up.”
By December the search committee, primarily consisting of system board members, will recommend a new president to the full board, which makes the final decision.
Baton Rouge’s Business Report, however, isn’t buying the search rhetoric and made a brazen prediction in its latest issue. The publication typically editorializes on its BalanceSheet page (available only in the print edition), which includes a “What you read” and “What it means” section. Here’s what Business Report says about Authement’s pending retirement: “Look for the news to set off this chain reaction: E. Joseph Savoie, commissioner of higher education, will take over as chancellor [president in the UL system] at University of Louisiana-Lafayette; Sally Clausen moves from University of Louisiana System president to head the Board of Regents [Savoie’s job]; and Jimmy Clarke, who is Gov. Blanco’s chief of staff, goes to head the UL System.” That same rumored scenario has been making the rounds in some Lafayette Parish School System circles, too.
Clausen is quick to say this kind of speculation shouldn’t discourage anyone — particularly Savoie and UL Vice President of Academic Affairs Steve Landry (another candidate many observers think may be in line for Authement’s post) from applying for the job. “I will welcome all candidates,” she says. “I am adamant that because someone has spread a rumor, you don’t kill off the person.”
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If true, this is one step in the right direction.Quote:
Originally Posted by NewsCopy
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The University of Louisiana System has named a 13-member search committee for a new UL president.
Voting members on the presidential search committee are system board members Paul Aucoin, Elsie Burkhalter, Robert Hale, Jeffrey Jenkins, Renee Lapeyrolerie, Jimmy Long Sr., Wayne Parker, Olinda Ricard (student member), Dr. Clyde Rougeou Jr. and Winfred Sibille, as well as UL Lafayette Faculty Senate representative John Meriwether.
Serving in an advisory, nonvoting capacity is UL Lafayette Student Government Associa-tion President Candace Urbanowski.
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Other advisory committee members may be appointed at a later date. UL System President Sally Clausen will chair the committee.
Before the public hearing there will be a search committee meeting to review the timeline and other elements of the search. That meeting will be held in Room 127 of Moody Hall.
A tentative schedule calls for another public hearing on the Lafayette campus in the fall.
Later in the year public candidate interviews are planned with the expectation of naming a new president by December.
Ray Authement, the longest-standing public university president in the country at 33 years, announced April 27 he will retire from UL.
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Whoever becomes the next president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette will step into a large shadow left by Ray Authement and his nearly 34-year tenure leading ULL.
University of Louisiana System President Sally Clausen said those are big shoes to fill. But the hope is to conduct an open, national search and find the right person by year’s end, whether it is someone already in Louisiana or farther away, she said.
The first search committee meeting and public hearing is scheduled for June 14 at ULL. The plan is to have a new president picked for the Dec. 7 UL System board meeting, Clausen said, although the person likely would not take office until May or June 2008.
The search process should be done fairly quickly, she said, and in the public spotlight.
“It is my opinion and that of the board that we want to share the candidates with the people,” Clausen said. “The public should have some ownership in the next president.”
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By JORDAN BLUM
Advocate Capitol News Bureau
Acadiana Edition
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This will be Clausen’s fourth president search for a UL System campus. But this time it is for the largest university in the eight-university system.
Just like with the other searches, Clausen said, rumors are flying early.
Names of potential candidates floating around include state Commissioner of Higher Education Joseph Savoie, ULL Vice President for Academic Affairs Steve Landry and Gov. Kathleen Blanco’s chief of staff, Jimmy Clarke, a former ULL dean.
All of them are choosing their words carefully or not choosing any words at all.
Savoie, who commutes to Baton Rouge from his Lafayette home, said he is busy working to acquire higher education funds during the legislative session.
“I’m flattered by the interest,” Savoie said, declining to confirm or deny his interest. “But I’m focused on my current responsibilities.”
Landry said he is interested in the presidency and is discussing the situation with his family, but he remains undecided if he will pursue it.
“I’m looking with interest at the process as it’s unfolding,” Landry said. “It’s a unique time in the university’s history.”
Landry said he would not be intimidated to follow someone like Authement, who served as president for so long.
“It’s a long presidency to follow,” Landry said, “but the work is the same.
“Whoever steps in will have a lot of work, but that’s true with any university.”
Clarke did not return repeated phone messages this week.
Authement, who announced his May 2008 retirement last month, has personally mentioned Savoie and Landry as strong potential candidates.
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fyi. Resolution passed in Legislature honoring Dr A
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdat...asp?did=428609
I am really surprised that UL does not have some sort of athletic foundation similar to the TAF. It would give the university the ability to raise money independently from the UL Foundation. It would also give you the ability to designate exactly where you wanted your money to go and give you more freedom in "policing" Title IX requirements.Quote:
Originally Posted by AstroCajun
McNeese has an athletic foundation albeit in its infancy; however, we can see that it has opened up plenty of opportunities to generate and raise money for all athletics and still maintain NCAA required "institutional control."
I also think when UL finds a permanent AD that can "sell" the benefits of UL's programs to your very active alumni and have the vehicle of a foundation just for UL athletics - the sky will be the limit. Pat yourselves on the back; your future and UL's future could indeed be bright if things fall into place.
According to the Ksips that are suppose to know everything, Dr. Authement held us back from have an athletic foundation. If they are right then the new president shouldn't have a problem with this. The potential for something special to happen at UL has always been there. We just can never seem to get everything in place at the right time. I know of two big money alumni that gave up on the program right around the last few years of the Stokley era. They have told me they would love to see the program in CUSA and be willing to donate but as of now they don't think that UL is serious about sports. Sadly one heads to Baton Rouge on Saturdays.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cowboy Up
Has there been anything mentioned, other than rumors, that DW will now stay on until after a new President takes over???Quote:
Originally Posted by Cowboy Up
We do have one, it's the Ragin Cajuns Club, a subset of the UL Foundation.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cowboy Up
No one knows about it and it is far from aggressive in trying to make things happen.
So who are the candidates for the UL presidents job?
Don't know as of yet! Sorry to hear about Mike V. I hope your University is able to get a cub or young tiger to replace V. Out in the wild some tigers are prey to man seen as a trophy, at least in the beautiful new home Mike V lived in for a short time he is protected and taken care of very well.Quote:
Originally Posted by LSUSL
DaddyCajun
The new AD will be David Walker, it is seeking regent approval as we speak. Mr. Walker has grown to love the AD job and does a great job in making things happen for many of the coaches. Overwhelminly the UL coaches Love this man because he is knowledgeable about dealing within tight budgets, knows how to find away to make things happen, and can close the deal one on one.Quote:
Originally Posted by AstroCajun
DaddyCajun
Then those two are more concerned with having their own way than allowing those whose jobs it is to run the athletic program actually do their jobs.Quote:
Originally Posted by RCAJUN90
Gerald Hebert was on Bird's Eye View yesterday with Scott Prather. One thing he said that I agree with (and I agree with pretty much everything he said) is that you either want the university to succeed or you don't. Those who don't, simply make excuses for why this is wrong or we should do this or just complain, complain, complain.They don't attend games, they don't give funds to the athletic department/programs, they don't work to make improvements. Those who do want the university to succeed, do what they can to make the program better, whether it's giving money, going to the complex and participating in a Work Day, whatever it takes. And they do far less complaining than those who really don't care one way or another about this community, this university, these athletic programs or these student/athletes.