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