May 11, 2010 — Important Announcement

Dear Faculty & Staff,

I am writing today to announce the retirement of our provost, Dr. Steve Landry, effective December 2010.

Dr. Landry has had a stellar career at the university that spans over 35 years.  He has served as a faculty member, department head, vice president for Research, and vice president for Academic Affairs. He will always have a place in the university’s history as its first provost.

Effective June 1, Dr. Carolyn Bruder will assume most of the day-to-day responsibilities of the provost. She will be appointed as interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.  Dr. Bruder and Dr. Landry will spend the summer working together to ensure continuity in the provost’s office and to complete preparations for the Fall 2010 semester. She will assume full-time responsibilities of the provost in August.

I have asked Dr. Landry to lead a task force that will develop a systematic plan for reviewing and evaluating academic and administrative units and programs. He has agreed to serve in this critically important capacity. Of course, he will remain a valuable resource in academic and administrative matters.

A nationwide search for Dr. Landry’s permanent replacement will begin with the appointment of a QSN committee this fall. The UL System has stringent guidelines that we intend to follow in the process of identifying a highly qualified, proven academic leader as UL Lafayette’s next provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

I am grateful for Dr. Landry’s steadfast support and engagement during these first critical years of our new administration.  Much of what we are as a university today is a result of his dedication and hard work.  While we will miss his talents and experience tremendously, I know you will join me in wishing him well as he moves into a new phase of life that will enable him and his wife, Paulette, to spend more time with their family.

Sincerely,

E. Joseph Savoie
President
president@louisiana.edu