The following can be attributed to Dr. Joseph Savoie, Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ president. He succeeded Dr. Ray P. Authement as president in 2008. Dr. Savoie served as vice president of Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ Advancement and in other roles during Dr. Authement’s presidency.
Dr. Ray P. Authement was president of this Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ 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 Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ saw itself and how others perceived it as well. He guided our growth from a strong regional Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ to one recognized nationally and globally for its research and scholarship.
During Dr. Authement’s presidency, we became the Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬, a significant center of learning, an engine of economic growth, and a place that prioritizes student success and academic excellence.
Our Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬â€™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 Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬ 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: Å·ÃÀÈý¼¶Æ¬)