LSUE earns praise as board meets on campus

The LSU Board of Supervisors met Friday on the LSUE campus possibly for the first time since 2005.
Stephen Perry, board member, who said he had never been to the campus, called the visit an eye-opener.
Perry said even the maintenance shows a sense of pride “you can just feel as you come on the campus.”
Perry, who is chairman-elect of the board, said LSUE is important campus statewide. “You are doing a great job,” he said.
The board began its day with committee meetings at 10 a.m. followed by a full board meeting at 1 p.m. in the Acadian Center.
The board heard from LSUE students, community leaders, faculty and the LSUE Chancellor Kimberly Russell.
Bill Rodier, executive director of the St. Landry Economic Development District, noted he is not originally from the area, but said LSUE is no longer a hidden gem.
LSUE is source of progressive leadership in the region, he said.
“I would suggest and I think you would agree that doesn’t happen without progressive leadership throughout the structure,” he said.
Dight Jodon, chairman of the LSUE Advisory Council, said, “On a personal level and on behalf of the citizens of Eunice we really appreciate you having your March meeting here in Eunice. It is a big deal for us.”
Jodon thought the last time the board had met at the campus was in 2005.
Russell brings forward leaning and visionary leadership to the campus and region, he said.
“Things are going quite well and we have a bright future ahead,” he said.
Jodon explained that LSUE is the site of the Experience Louisiana Festival held in October that celebrates all things Louisiana.
Dr. Jim Robinson, of the liberal arts faculty, said students receive a solid foundation at LSUE.
“Most of our faculty have their terminal degrees,” he said. “We are also excellent instructors and that makes a huge difference.”
Russell updated the board on recent accomplishments, which includes enrollment increases of 16 percent in the fall and 20 percent in the spring.
Enrollment exceeds 2,900 students, she said.
A nursing class started at Lafayette General Hospital, and pharmacy technology and dual enrollment programs, are among offerings that are helping drive enrollment up, Russell said.

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