The LSU Board of Supervisors approved the contracts for incoming Athletic Director Joe Alleva, men’s basketball coach Trent Johnson and returning football coach Les Miles.
The Board unanimously approved Miles and Johnson’s contracts, but Alleva’s contract received two dissenting votes from Board members Alvin Kimble and Dr. John Georges. Kimble and Georges did not discuss why they voted against the contract.
Laura Leach, the Board’s Athletic Committee head, presented the contract separately because of opposing views expressed during Thursday’s meeting.
The Board also passed two proposals expected to raise student fees. One proposal will extend the LSU System energy surcharge to allow System institutions to charge full-time students a fee to alleviate rising costs. The Finance, Infrastructure and Core Development Committee adjusted the surcharge, making full-time students pay based on course enrollment.
Though former Student Government President and Board member Cassie Alsfeld expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal Thursday, she voted in favor of the surcharge Friday.
The second Board-approved fee increase will raise tuition and nonresident fees for students enrolling in the Paul M. Hebert Law Center.
Jack Weiss, Law Center chancellor, said he wants a $1,000 tuition increase annually over the next three years for incoming students effective fall 2009. Students affected by the increase will carry the same tuition as when they first enrolled.
University of New Orleans Chancellor Timothy Ryan presented the Board with strategic plans to return the University to its state before Hurricane Katrina.
Ryan outlined UNO’s goals to be an urban university, not a flagship university like LSU. Ryan said LSU and UNO have the same goals but urban universities tend to focus more on specific programs.
Friday’s meeting was Alsfeld’s last with the Board.
Board Chairman Jerry Shea presented Alsfeld with a resolution of appreciation of her service. Alsfeld said she had a great experience serving on the Board.
“I’m only a student, and I really had an effect on these institutions,” Alsfeld said.
Alsfeld’s term ends in June, and the Board will not meet again until October. The Board allows for a student from a System institution to serve a one-year term and chooses a member from a different institution each year. The next student member has not been selected, Alsfeld said.
—-Contact Ben Bourgeois at [email protected]