Legislative Session Delivers Wins for Higher Ed

Dear students, faculty and staff members,

The legislative session that ended earlier this month resulted in the most significant investment in higher education in Louisiana since 2008.

After 13 years of continued cuts and flat funding, this is exceptionally refreshing news for every member of the University community and for the state as a whole.

The state budget contains historic levels of support for students. It fully funds TOPS and increases funding for Go Grants, which provide need-based financial aid for low- to moderate-income students, including nontraditional students.

The budget also offers pay increases that move us toward closing the competition gap in faculty salaries. It contains pay adjustments for classified employees, as well.

Work remains to be done, both at the state level and here at the University, to determine how these investments will affect our overall budget picture. Once we know more, we’ll share it with you.

The state’s capital outlay budget that was approved during the session contains significant support for renovations to DeClouet, Foster and Madison halls on our campus. There are further allocations for the planning and construction of a new nursing and health sciences building and an engineering classroom building.

This legislative session offered much-needed and long-overdue wins for higher education in Louisiana.

The commitment shown by the governor and members of the Legislature, including the Acadiana delegation, will enable institutions such as ours to invest more in faculty, increase student success, and create world-class learning and teaching environments.

The University community is thankful. This support from our state’s leaders reflects a deep understanding of the opportunities colleges and universities provide for Louisiana and the people who call it home.

Sincerely,

Dr. Joseph Savoie
President