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Letter from Louisiana Tech University President Dan Reneau – Louisiana Tech to LSU System
Dear Louisiana Tech Faculty and Staff,
Over the past few weeks, quite a bit of media attention has been given to discussions in Baton Rouge about moving Louisiana Tech University from the University of Louisiana System (ULS) to the LSU System. Although this is not a new idea, it has resulted in a number of questions from faculty, staff and supporters as to what it means for the future of Louisiana Tech. To that end, I wanted to provide you with my perspective and position on this matter.
First, it is important to understand that, at this point in time, these are nothing more than informal discussions. We are very happy as a member of the University of Louisiana System and have grown and prospered as a result of that membership. Our affiliation with the ULS and the leadership it has provided has helped us to become one of the best performing and most respected universities in the state.
As it pertains to any talk of a move to the LSU System, there are a number of issues that would need to be satisfied before any proposal could be seriously considered. I want to be very clear in stating that these items are non-negotiable and must be agreed upon, at the highest levels, before any consideration can be given to new system affiliation.
1) We must retain the name “Louisiana Tech University” without compromise, modification or abbreviation.
2) We must retain Tech Red and Blue as our official university colors.
3) We must retain “Bulldogs” as our official university mascot and “Bulldogs” and “Lady Techsters” respectively, as the official names for our men’s and women’s athletics teams.
4) Regardless of the expanse of the physical campus or the future geographic footprint of Louisiana Tech University, the location of the main campus must remain in Ruston, LA.
5) A significant value added to Louisiana Tech University must be clearly defined and agreed upon in advance of any formal proposal or action.
Over the next several months, I will meet with stakeholders of Louisiana Tech to solicit their input and assure them that no action will be taken without an assurance that our institution will be allowed to preserve and promote its own identity as well as its position as north Louisiana’s premier public research university. We will not consider moving to a new system simply for the sake of moving. Louisiana Tech must also be afforded the opportunity to continue to grow and to pursue our progressive vision for the future.
Before any talk of new system membership could progress or action could be taken, the Board of Regents would need to conduct a feasibility study with results submitted no later than 60 days prior to the start of the 2012 legislative session. In a similar vein, Louisiana Tech would also conduct an extensive and thorough review of any proposal to ensure that any realignment would be in the best long-term interest of the University and the people that it serves.
There will certainly be more discussion and commentary on this issue over the next several months. I hope that I have been able to provide you with a better feel for Louisiana Tech’s position and expectations regarding this matter. If I can help clarify our position or address any rumors or media reports, please feel free to email me.
Thank you for your valuable contributions to our beloved University and your continued commitment to its mission and vision for the future.
Daniel D. Reneau
President
Over the past few weeks, quite a bit of media attention has been given to discussions in Baton Rouge about moving Louisiana Tech University from the University of Louisiana System (ULS) to the LSU System. Although this is not a new idea, it has resulted in a number of questions from faculty, staff and supporters as to what it means for the future of Louisiana Tech. To that end, I wanted to provide you with my perspective and position on this matter.
First, it is important to understand that, at this point in time, these are nothing more than informal discussions. We are very happy as a member of the University of Louisiana System and have grown and prospered as a result of that membership. Our affiliation with the ULS and the leadership it has provided has helped us to become one of the best performing and most respected universities in the state.
As it pertains to any talk of a move to the LSU System, there are a number of issues that would need to be satisfied before any proposal could be seriously considered. I want to be very clear in stating that these items are non-negotiable and must be agreed upon, at the highest levels, before any consideration can be given to new system affiliation.
1) We must retain the name “Louisiana Tech University” without compromise, modification or abbreviation.
2) We must retain Tech Red and Blue as our official university colors.
3) We must retain “Bulldogs” as our official university mascot and “Bulldogs” and “Lady Techsters” respectively, as the official names for our men’s and women’s athletics teams.
4) Regardless of the expanse of the physical campus or the future geographic footprint of Louisiana Tech University, the location of the main campus must remain in Ruston, LA.
5) A significant value added to Louisiana Tech University must be clearly defined and agreed upon in advance of any formal proposal or action.
Over the next several months, I will meet with stakeholders of Louisiana Tech to solicit their input and assure them that no action will be taken without an assurance that our institution will be allowed to preserve and promote its own identity as well as its position as north Louisiana’s premier public research university. We will not consider moving to a new system simply for the sake of moving. Louisiana Tech must also be afforded the opportunity to continue to grow and to pursue our progressive vision for the future.
Before any talk of new system membership could progress or action could be taken, the Board of Regents would need to conduct a feasibility study with results submitted no later than 60 days prior to the start of the 2012 legislative session. In a similar vein, Louisiana Tech would also conduct an extensive and thorough review of any proposal to ensure that any realignment would be in the best long-term interest of the University and the people that it serves.
There will certainly be more discussion and commentary on this issue over the next several months. I hope that I have been able to provide you with a better feel for Louisiana Tech’s position and expectations regarding this matter. If I can help clarify our position or address any rumors or media reports, please feel free to email me.
Thank you for your valuable contributions to our beloved University and your continued commitment to its mission and vision for the future.
Daniel D. Reneau
President
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