The following can be attributed to Dr. Joseph Savoie, 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ president. He succeeded Dr. Ray P. Authement as president in 2008. Dr. Savoie served as vice president of University Advancement and in other roles during Dr. Authement’s presidency.
Dr. Ray P. Authement was president of this University 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 University saw itself and how others perceived it as well. He guided our growth from a strong regional University to one recognized nationally and globally for its research and scholarship.
During Dr. Authement’s presidency, we became the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ, a significant center of learning, an engine of economic growth, and a place that prioritizes student success and academic excellence.
Our University’s achievements today – and its importance to Louisiana’s future – are rooted in the foundation he built. Â鶹AV stands as a monument to his visionary leadership.
Gail and I join the University 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: 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ)