The following can be attributed to Dr. Joseph Savoie, ³Ô¹Ï´ïÈË president. He succeeded Dr. Ray P. Authement as president in 2008. Dr. Savoie served as vice president of ³Ô¹Ï´ïÈË Advancement and in other roles during Dr. Authement’s presidency.
Dr. Ray P. Authement was president of this ³Ô¹Ï´ïÈË 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 ³Ô¹Ï´ïÈË saw itself and how others perceived it as well. He guided our growth from a strong regional ³Ô¹Ï´ïÈË to one recognized nationally and globally for its research and scholarship.
During Dr. Authement’s presidency, we became the ³Ô¹Ï´ïÈË, a significant center of learning, an engine of economic growth, and a place that prioritizes student success and academic excellence.
Our ³Ô¹Ï´ïÈË’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 ³Ô¹Ï´ïÈË 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: ³Ô¹Ï´ïÈË)