When legislation affecting higher education in the state is proposed, Scott Woodward is responsible for explaining to the state legislature how that legislation would affect LSU.
Woodward, the University’s director of external affairs, said that while he is not a lobbyist, he does act as a liaison between the University and Louisiana state lawmakers.
“I advance LSU’s agenda,” Woodward said. “If we are asked, we will state our position.”
Woodward said it is important that this distinction is made, as he cannot approach legislators and ask them to support a particular measure. Rather, he works to break down pieces of legislation in terms of pros and cons for the University.
The 2004 legislative session began on March 29, and Woodward said the University’s needs have been constant throughout its progress.
“Priorities one, two and three are funding for us,” Woodward said. “Most of my focus is on the budget.”
Traditionally, funding has been a problem for the University. Woodward said higher education suffered heavy cuts under the Edwin Edwards administration. Edwards served as Louisiana’s governor from 1972 to 1980, from 1984 to 1988, and from 1992 to 1996.
In many ways, Woodward said LSU has still not fully recovered.
LSU receives a lower amount of funding per student than any of its peer universities in the South.
“We have to catch up,” Woodward said.
He said in the 1950s and 60s, Texas and Louisiana were viewed as “hot spots” for the development of quality institutions of higher education. While Texas has realized that potential, Woodward said Louisiana still has much work to do.
According to a University Relations report comparing Louisiana’s flagship university, LSU, with Texas’ flagship university, the University of Texas-Austin, LSU would need more than $184 million annually to match UT’s unrestricted budget. As a result, LSU has fewer tenure-track faculty, a higher student-faculty ratio and fewer degree programs to offer.
While those figures may portray a bleak outlook, Woodward said the future is promising.
Under the leadership of Chancellor Mark Emmert, Woodward said the University’s faculty and staff have received a 22 percent increase in salaries and benefits — bringing LSU up to the Southern average. Also, through the creation of the Flagship Agenda, Woodward said the University has a detailed, workable plan that he can use to present to legislators.
“We announced what we want to do,” Woodward said. “It makes it easier to make the case. Chancellor Emmert’s vision has been very well-received.”
Despite Emmert’s upcoming departure, Woodward said his vision will live on.
“I think Gov. [Kathleen] Blanco is a believer in higher education,” he said. “We all work together. The most important thing is our commitment to excellence.”