The University’s recent hiring of an assistant vice chancellor marks a new administrative position and an increased concern for a better work environment for University employees.
After Faculty and Staff Senate members voiced concerns for an administrator with special emphasis in workplace relations, the University appointed retired faculty member Mary Evelyn Baszile to the position.
Chancellor Mark Emmert and interim provost Laura Lindsay both said after hearing the concerns, they felt it was necessary to establish the position as a tangible point of contact to discuss their work-related concerns such as discrimination in hiring or in the work environment.
Baszile said there are no specific discriminatory issues on campus she is aware of that prompted the University to specialize such a position.
“It is vitally important that we have a workplace that is a welcoming, supportive environment for all our employees,” Emmert said.
Baszile, who received a bachelor’s degree in science and mathematics and a masters in counseling education from Southern University, has had more than 25 years of experience as an LSU faculty member.
As assistant vice chancellor, Baszile is expected to review current University programs and services that potentially pose issues such as workplace discrimination or generally negative employee attitudes.
Baszile also will be in direct contact with the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and the Offices of Multicultural Affairs and Multicultural Diversity to address any concerns they have.
“Once the problems are defined, then we make recommendations to the chancellor so that changes can be made,” Baszile said.
Baszile said discrimination is a major problem across the country and no workplace is immune, even if the workplace is as diverse as an educational institution.
Through her work as assistant vice chancellor, Baszile hopes to create more educational services to equip employees and managers with the tools they need in dealing with workplace relations and understanding other cultures.
“My job is to evaluate the services we have and educate supervisors and managers so they won’t just assume characteristics [in relation to certain cultural groups],” she said. “We make big mistakes if we don’t try to learn about different cultures.”
Although the University strives for 100 percent employee satisfaction, Baszile said she realizes there always will be complaints.
“But if there is increased employee adjustment and employee happiness in the work force, then they come to work more often and there is better productivity,” Baszile said.
Lindsay and Emmert agreed Baszile will contribute greatly to the University.
“Assistant Vice Chancellor Baszile is someone who employees can trust to share their concerns and provide sound counsel,” Lindsay said. “She is thorough in her analysis of problems and forthright in presenting her concerns to me and the Chancellor.”
Baszile said anyone with complaints or comments is welcome to contact her. She can be reached at 578-0371.