Dear Faculty and Staff,

I’d like to thank you for making this academic year a great one.

In recent days, I've attended several events with graduating seniors. In offering their parting thoughts, a common theme has persisted. Many soon-to-be grads mentioned professors by name who they noted as exceptional mentors. Several, especially those from other countries or states, explained how staff members made them feel welcome. Perhaps they haven't always told you that directly, but in sharing their sentiments, they were expressing gratitude for your dedication and service.

I would like to thank Dr. Carolyn Bruder for her dedication as an exceptional Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. She is retiring this summer after leading our academic affairs division for nearly three years, longer than she first intended.

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:

Last week we welcomed a special guest to our University, Dr. Sandra Woodley, who became president of the University of Louisiana System earlier this month.  Dr. Woodley has a background to which many hard-working students can relate.  She married at 18 and had two small children in her early 20s.  Her path to a college degree included concurrently juggling work, changing diapers, and trying to study.  And, she admits, it was a struggle.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

It has been an exciting semester for UL Lafayette. First, I am proud of our freshmen class, which is the most academically prepared incoming class that we have ever welcomed. The class average high school GPA is a 3.3 with an average ACT score of 23. The class includes 87 high school valedictorians. Also, the Honors Program grew by 15 percent.

Dear Faculty and Staff:

The start of the fall semester is among the high points of any academic year.

Enthusiasm and moments of anxiety fill the air. We warmly greet returning students and welcome first-time freshmen who are finding their way to classes and learning about all that UL Lafayette offers. Old and new friends are at every turn. And, we look forward to fun activities and celebrating fall traditions.