Harold Boutte

The Board of Regents meeting included the approval of a consent agenda, specifically the annual interest rates for the principal protection plan and earnings enhancements managed by the state treasurer. A legislative update was provided, highlighting various bills related to career-connected campuses, hazing prevention, digital misuse, 529 savings account transfers, dual enrollment, and TOPS tech eligibility. Additionally, the Legislative Committee and Academic and Student Affairs Committee held sessions where they discussed further legislative matters, right-sizing institutional portfolios, and the consideration of new academic degree programs, including a bachelor's degree in health administration and an associate degree in physical therapy assistant.

The Board of Regents met to address several agenda items across multiple committees. The Finance Committee reviewed and accepted the fiscal year higher education budget, highlighting increases in general funds and revenue, and discussed a public-private partnership for student housing at LSU Shreveport along with energy efficiency projects for Louisiana Tech. The Academic and Student Affairs Committee approved the reauthorization of the Reilly Center for Media and Public Affairs, discussed a letter of intent for a Master of Science in Epidemiology at LSU Health Science Center, and considered a new undergraduate certificate and a Doctor of Nursing Practice program. The Planning, Research, and Performance Committee handled institutional licensing renewals and membership renewals.

The meeting included a joint session between the Board of Regents and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Key topics discussed included a presentation of the Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund report, covering historical growth, portfolio asset allocation, and investment performance. The committee addressed the downward trend in oil and gas royalties, the impact of market volatility on the trust fund, and management strategies. Furthermore, the meeting featured an introduction to the Fast Forward project, a collaborative initiative between the Board of Regents and the Department of Education designed to expand opportunities for high school students and advance state educational attainment goals.

The meeting featured a presentation by the Governor regarding the importance of higher education and its link to the state's economic future. Key discussion topics included the state's commitment to increased investment in higher education, the development of master plans, the expansion of dual enrollment opportunities for students, and the importance of workforce development. The board and various university system representatives expressed gratitude for the Governor's support and emphasized the collaborative efforts required to improve educational outcomes and career opportunities across the state.

The Board of Regents meeting covered several key topics. Discussion included the proposal of a feasibility study for legal education in Northwest Louisiana, the preliminary 2021 funding formula and budget requests for higher education, and the approval of capital outlay projects, including roof replacements and biology lab expansions. Additionally, the Board discussed the redevelopment of the Charity Hospital site in New Orleans. Academic agenda items included the reauthorization of the research institute on blindness at Louisiana Tech and the review of letters of intent for new Bachelor of Science programs at Southeastern and LSU.