Au revoir, President Savoie – after 17 years, UL Lafayette President Dr. Joseph Savoie is stepping down, with today being his last day. Communications Professor Philip Auter, the former faculty senate president, says Dr. Savoie was a very effective president.
“He’s been very good with outreach to the community, working with not only students, but parents, but also with the people that work here,” Auter said.
Auter says one thing that struck him about Dr. Savoie is that despite the size of the school, he had an open-door policy.
“We have over 500 full-time faculty and over 1,500 full-time employees and around 15,000 students. So, having an open-door policy is very brave when you have that many people who could walk through your door,” Auter explained.
Interim UL Lafayette President Dr. Jaimie Hebert (photo courtesy of UL Lafayette)
Dr. Jaimie Hebert, the university’s provost and vice president for academic affairs, will take over as interim president while the school conducts a nationwide search for its next full-time president. Starting Friday, Savoie will assume the role as president emeritus.
“We will absolutely be grateful for Dr. Savoie’s insight and wisdom and advice and assistance in his new role as an emeritus president,” Auter said.
