LSU System President John Lombardi addressed Chancellor Sean O’Keefe’s resignation Wednesday night at the semester’s first Student Senate meeting. “People have asked me over and over again, who said what and what precipitated the chancellors resignation,” Lombardi said. “His word is that he decided it was time for him to move on.” Lombardi said O’Keefe thought about resigning for some time and decided Wednesday was the day to do it. He said O’Keefe accomplished much of what he initially set out to do. Lombardi said the transitional period with former LSU System President William Jenkins as interim chancellor will allow the University to maintain the energy driving the campus toward greater excellence. He praised Jenkins as one of the most revered and substantial people connected to the University. Lombardi said Jenkins’ first role as acting chancellor will be to continue the progression of the University’s Flagship Agenda to ensure no momentum is lost. Jenkins’ second focus will be to review campus programs for renewal. “Because he is coming in with a tremendous background and knowledge, I don’t think we will lose any momentum,” he said. Lombardi said the search for a new chancellor will begin immediately and involve students. He said the process will take six to seven months. Following Lombardi’s speech, Student Senate Speaker Colorado Robertson swore in new senators. Brett Jackson, College of Arts and Science senator, presented the Senate a request for student parking spots in front of the LSU Union. Robertson referred the resolution to the Housing, Infrastructure and Technology Committee. Sen. Andrew Remson, chair for the Academics, Athletics and Administration Committee, introduced a resolution that calls to commend the LSU football team for winning the 2007 Bowl Championship Series National Championship. The resolution was deferred to the Academics, Athletics and Administration Committee. Remson, University College Center for Advising and Counseling senator, said the AAA Committee plans to follow up on the Easy Streets campaign begun in fall 2007. Also, Remson discussed committee intention to continue working with administrators to develop a new priority points system for students who attend away games. Drew Prestridge, chair of the Governmental Relations Committee and College of Arts and Sciences senator, announced plans for a joint Senate session with Southern University this semester. The committee’s agenda also includes raising voter awareness by hosting Gov. Bobby Jindal on campus. “Anything we can do to educate the student body,” Prestridge said. Robertson concluded the meeting by stating Senate plans to enact more legislation during the semester. He also confirmed the arrival of an additional 200 Turning Point clickers on campus by Friday.
—-Contact Natalie Messina at [email protected]