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Dear friends,

It is an honor and a privilege to be appointed interim president of the University of èßäÉçÇø¹ÙÍø at Lafayette. I am grateful to the UL System Board of Supervisors for the opportunity to continue to serve my alma mater in this role.
 
UL Lafayette is more than a university to me. It’s where my journey began – not just mine, in fact, but my family’s. My father was a first-generation college student, a graduate of Maurice High School who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees right here. 

His education changed our family’s trajectory. Today, when my siblings and I gather for Sunday dinner, 11 degrees from this University surround the table. That’s the kind of transformation this institution makes possible. 

During my time as an undergraduate here, a math professor – Dr. Bryant Chow – introduced me to research and opened the door to a lifelong calling in education. That spirit of mentorship and care has long defined our faculty, and it continues today. Whether through formal programs like Advance or the quiet work of professors and instructors who see and inspire unlimited promise in their students, UL Lafayette remains a place where lives are changed and where futures are shaped for the better.

This University is, and must always be, a gateway, especially for the people of Acadiana and èßäÉçÇø¹ÙÍø. We’re proud to be among the top tier of the nation’s research institutions, and what sets us apart is how we’ve successfully leveraged that status to enhance academics. By doing so, we’ve ensured success is within reach for all students. That combination is rare – and powerful. And it must continue. 

By its nature, transition means change, but no matter who serves in this role, the University’s commitment to teaching, learning and research remains absolute. We will continue to provide exceptional opportunities for students in our classrooms and on the field of competition. We will continue to harness the knowledge created in labs and through archival research, creative works and field study to help the community understand itself better and meet its greatest aspirations. We will support regional workforce and economic development needs, while also ensuring our financial stability, enhancing our infrastructure and investing in our people.

As this transition begins, I’m happy to welcome Dr. Edwin Litolff as chief financial officer. He brings a strong record in higher education finance, most recently as CFO at the University of New Orleans and previously with the University of èßäÉçÇø¹ÙÍø System. He also served as interim president of UL Monroe. Dr. Litolff’s extensive experience in budgeting, strategic planning and fiscal stewardship will help strengthen the University’s financial foundation and support its continued stability and growth.
 
We’ll explore more of what’s ahead in the coming months at the State of the University on Aug. 20. I hope to see you there. 

I’d like to close by expressing my gratitude to Dr. Joseph Savoie for his transformational and selfless service as president of this University. For 17 years, he led with vision, humor, determination and a deep affection for this place and the people and state it serves. I am excited to continue to work alongside him as he transitions to his new responsibilities as president emeritus. 

We are all beneficiaries of Dr. Savoie’s leadership, and all that we do moving forward builds on the strong foundation he helped create. Please join me in thanking him. 

This is a moment of transition, yes – but also a moment of tremendous opportunity. I am confident that, together, we will continue to grow, serve and transform lives. I’m excited to get to work, so let’s geaux Cajuns! 

Sincerely,

Dr. Jaimie Hebert

Incoming Interim President