A New Chapter
Dear friends,
Serving as president of this University for the past 17 years has been the honor of my life, the culmination of a long and happy relationship with a special place that we all share.
Today, I am writing to announce my decision to transition to a new role at the University before the beginning of the new academic year. Thursday will be my last day as president.
This afternoon, the University of èßäÉçÇø¹ÙÍø System Board of Supervisors selected Dr. Jaimie Hebert to serve as interim president during the search for a permanent successor. His tenure begins Friday, Aug. 1.
We all know Dr. Hebert well. He has been provost and vice president for Academic Affairs for the past seven years. In that role, he has led the University’s strategic planning process, overseen the expansion of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and championed the University’s academic mission. He is a three-time graduate of the University and is an experienced and dynamic higher education leader. Empowering the continued success of his alma mater and its students, and faculty and staff members is at the heart of all that he does. With all of you working alongside him, the momentum of achievement that we have built together will continue – I am sure of it. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Hebert as he assumes his new responsibilities.
I’ll still be around, too, but in a new role. The University of èßäÉçÇø¹ÙÍø System Board of Supervisors has honored me with the title of president emeritus and has asked that I continue working on strengthening external partnerships with our community of stakeholders. I am excited for this opportunity that will enable me to continue to serve my alma mater.
I reached the decision to step down as president after months of careful consideration. èßäÉçÇø¹ÙÍø education has changed immensely in the past two decades. The expectations on colleges and universities are as great as they have ever been and meeting those responsibilities to our community today – and to generations that follow – requires new ideas and fresh approaches.
I owe it to this institution that has given me so much, personally and professionally, to make way for the future.
As I look back over the past 17 years, I am so proud of what we have achieved together. We’ve expanded our campus’ footprint and positioned the University for the next generation of growth. We’ve taken our rightful place in the top tier of the nation’s research institutions. We’ve improved classroom, research and athletic facilities, built new ones, and set the course for continued achievement. We’ve enrolled record numbers of students, supported their dreams and answered our community’s best aspirations. There have been challenges, but there have also been moments of wonder and celebration that I will cherish forever.
I first came to this campus as a student more than a half century ago. It was here that I realized that education was my calling. It was where my wife Gail and I made lifelong friends and raised our family. On this campus, I met incredible young people who every day filled me with hope for the future. And, it’s where I was given a precious gift: the privilege to work alongside some of the greatest educators and professionals I have ever met in a shared mission of service to this extraordinary place we call home.
Titles change. But my gratitude and devotion to this University and its people never will.
Thank you all. I will see you around. And – as always – Geaux Cajuns!
Sincerely,
Dr. Joseph Savoie
President