University of Louisiana-System Administration

The Board of Supervisors reviewed several key items during the meeting. They considered Louisiana Tech University's request to award an Honorary Doctor of Science to Mr. Frank Scott "Scotty" Moran and Nicholls State University's request to name the Department of Teacher Education after Linda Satterlee Myers and Lew Wilson Myers. Additionally, they discussed the University of Louisiana at Monroe's request to name the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program the "Marjorie S. Price Doctorate of Physical Therapy Program" and the University of New Orleans' request for approval of Memoranda of Understanding between the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts Culinary program and the Lester E. Kabacoff School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration at the University. Furthermore, the board reviewed System Universities' 2023-24 Promotions in Faculty Rank and Recommendations for Tenure, and the Approval of AY 2023-26 Academic Planning Documents. The board also discussed the University of Louisiana System's request to revise Board Rule, Chapter II. Students, Section IX. Admission to Graduate Study. The athletic committee reviewed Louisiana Tech University's request for approval of the first amendment to the contract with Mr. Joshua Taylor, Head Women's Softball Coach, McNeese State University's request for approval of a contract with Mr. Justin Hill, Head Baseball Coach, Northwestern State University's request for approval of a contract with Mr. Mike Heimerman, Head Men's and Women's Track and Field Coach, and Northwestern State University's request for approval of a contract with Ms. Lacy Prejean, Head Softball Coach.

The Board approved various academic and student affairs items, including honorary degrees and the naming of an honors program. Several athletic coaching and administrative contracts were finalized across multiple universities. The Audit Committee reported on audit activity and financial irregularity policies, while the Board authorized the removal of an internal audit director. Facility naming rights for a student union were granted, and the Finance Committee addressed student housing procurement, lease agreements, student fee referendums, professional legal services contracts, and sponsorship agreements. The Personnel Committee confirmed appointments for several dean positions. Additionally, the Board approved an artificial intelligence policy, conducted presidential evaluations, updated the status of ongoing presidential searches, and elected a 2026 Vice Chair.

The Board covered a variety of topics including academic and student affairs, such as naming Grambling State University's College of Business after Thomas and Joyce Moorehead, entering a Memorandum of Understanding with North Carolina Central University, and conferring an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Mrs. Elizabeth G. Pierre. They also discussed McNeese State University's request to offer a Post-Master's Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner and Northwestern State University's request to establish the Louisiana Center for Agricultural Resources and Technology. The Athletic Committee addressed contract addendums and revisions to athletic ticket policies. The Audit Committee reviewed internal and external audit activity and proposed changes to the internal audit function's reporting structure. Additionally, the board discussed facilities planning, finance, personnel matters, and revisions to board bylaws and rules.

The Board of Supervisors reviewed several requests, including Grambling State University's request to award an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Mr. Edward "Ted" James and to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Belize. McNeese State University sought approval to award an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters to Mr. Dennis Stine and to offer a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Northwestern State University requested approval to award an Honorary Doctor of Humanities to Ms. Lela Mae Wilkes. Southeastern Louisiana University requested approval to award an Honorary Doctor of Humanities to Mr. John A. Alario, Jr. Additionally, the University of Louisiana at Monroe requested approval to establish the Institute of Gerontology Education, Research and Training (IGERT).

The meeting included an oath of office administration to the new Student Board Member, Ms. Maria Nechaeva. The Board approved the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan for the University of Louisiana System. Approvals were granted for Nicholls State University to award an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters to Ms. Lanor Curole, Northwestern State University to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, and University of Louisiana at Monroe to offer a Master of Arts in Human Resource Management. Additionally, the termination of the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Louisiana at Monroe was approved, along with a Memorandum of Understanding with Louisiana State University's Department of Chemistry. Contractual amendments and agreements for various coaches at Louisiana Tech University and Southeastern Louisiana University were approved. The board also discussed internal and external audit activity. Approvals were granted for land donations, ground leases, naming rights, and facility renovations at various universities. The board approved the extension of Grambling State University's bookstore lease, a student-assessed fee re-allocation, and an amendment to a lease with Aramark Educational Services, LLC for Louisiana Tech University. The board also discussed the Fiscal Year 2024-25 third quarter financial reports and ongoing assurances. A recap of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session was provided. The board approved several personnel actions, including appointments and reappointments at various universities. The board also discussed a proposed revision to the Board Bylaw, Section XII. Board Self-Evaluation. The board approved amending System President Rick Gallot's contract based on a successful evaluation and allowing the Board Chair to finalize the amendment with an increase in salary and setting new benchmarks and term to 6/30/28. Further, the board approved amending Southeastern Louisiana University President William Wainwright's contract based on his successful evaluation and allowing the Board Chair to finalize the amendment with an increase in salary.