The Louisiana Board of Regents installed three members to officer positions and seven members to the Executive Committee Monday, before swearing in four newly-appointed board members.
During the monthly meeting, the Board also approved a lease request by the University to build a nutrition center at the site of the old Alex Box Stadium.
Claudia Adley, Collis Temple III, Gray Stream and Chris Bollinger sat on the board for the first time after being appointed by Gov. Bobby Jindal.
This meeting also marked Commissioner of Higher Education Joseph Rallo’s first time in his new post.
The Board welcomed it’s new regents and recognized leaving members, including Past Chair W. Clinton “Bubba” Rasberry.
Rasberry served 11 years on the board, following his appointment by former Gov. Mike Foster in 2003.
The project, funded by the Tiger Athletic Foundation, would cost an estimated $12 million and be donated to the University upon its completion.
“The hope is we start April 15 of this year with completion April 16 of 2016,” said Christopher Herring, budget analyst for facilities and planning.
The meeting also touched on tuition for veterans.
The Planning, Research and Performance Committee, chaired by Joseph Wiley, told the Board upon investigation it was found veterans’ out-of-state tuition is waived nationwide, so no vote was needed to ensure that in the state.
“Good news is that that’s great for our veterans and universities,” said Larry Tremblay, Deputy Commissioner for planning, research and academic affairs, “I guess if there is any bad news it doesn’t give us any recruiting advantage.”
Martin said a possible marketing campaign may be needed to ensure veterans are aware of the service.
The committee also put a consent agenda before the board to license four Universities operating in the state. Aspen, Herzing, Oregon State and Wake Forest Universities were all relicensed to continue practicing in Louisiana.
On recommendation from the Sponsored Programs Committee, the Board also passed a motion to revise the endowed chairs policy on all campuses in the state.
All campuses will provide documentation to the Commissioner of Higher Education to fill every chair position following a national search. Enacting a national search is not a new policy, but this measure will hold universities accountable to the old rule.
Rallo also discussed his upcoming tour around the state, as he hopes to introduce himself and the Board to the administration and students on each campus.
“I’m starting a series of listening tours throughout the state and also sort of creating a presence for the work of the Board of Regents,” Rallo said.
