The following can be attributed to Dr. Joseph Savoie, ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ at Lafayette president. He succeeded Dr. Ray P. Authement as president in 2008. Dr. Savoie served as vice president of ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ Advancement and in other roles during Dr. Authement’s presidency.
Dr. Ray P. Authement was president of this ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ for 34 years, yet longevity alone is an insufficient measure by which to assess the transformational nature of his tenure.
Through dedication, determination and selflessness, he changed how the ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ saw itself and how others perceived it as well. He guided our growth from a strong regional ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ to one recognized nationally and globally for its research and scholarship.
During Dr. Authement’s presidency, we became the ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ at Lafayette, a significant center of learning, an engine of economic growth, and a place that prioritizes student success and academic excellence.
Our ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ’s achievements today – and its importance to Louisiana’s future – are rooted in the foundation he built. UL Lafayette stands as a monument to his visionary leadership.
Gail and I join the ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ community in offering our condolences to Barbara, Julie and the entire Authement family.
Photo caption: Dr. Ray P. Authement greets spectators at Cajun Field in an image from 2007. (Photo credit: ÎÚÑ»ÊÓƵ at Lafayette)