The 75th annual CLCU, hosted by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, was held on March 6-7, 2014 in Baton Rouge at the Renaissance Hotel. The theme of the conference was “Roots and Regeneration,” with the oak tree serving as a symbol of higher education’s deep roots, growth and continual regeneration. Conference speakers and panelists discussed higher education’s role- past, present and future- in advancing Louisiana’s social and economic well-being.

The conference was well attended with approximately 90 attendees. In attendance were faculty and staff from both public and private post-secondary institutions throughout Louisiana and various governmental officials.

This year, CLCU partnered with the LSU College of Humanities and Social Sciences for a symposium focusing on the role of the liberal arts in a modern university and economy. The symposium took place at the Renaissance Hotel on March 6^th, prior to the opening reception for CLCU.  Dr. Nicholas Lemann, Professor of Journalism and Dean Emeritus of the Columbia Journalism School, highlighted the “necessary” humanities; those skills and competencies which the study of the humanities imparts and which are essential to a life of engagement and depth. An alumni panel, comprised of several recent liberal arts graduates, discussed the ways in which their liberal education has aided in their careers. In addition, a panel of liberal arts faculty from across the state discussed new developments in the humanities and social sciences. The last panel of the day was comprised of representatives from various workforce and economic development agencies who discussed the role that the liberal arts plays in preparing students for 21^st century jobs in Louisiana.

Following the symposium, CLCU kicked off with keynote speaker, Dr. Laura Perna of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education and President-Elect of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE). Dr. Perna, a noted scholar on educational access issues, discussed the ways in which state and institutional policies can increase access and educational attainment. To view Dr. Perna’s presentation, click here.

Following Dr. Perna’s address, conference attendees enjoyed cocktails and hor d’oeuvres while networking and re-connecting with colleagues.

The following morning, CLCU continued with the awarding of the 2014 CLCU Trailblazer Award. The Trailblazer Award honors a Louisiana leader who has made significant and lasting contributions to the progress of higher education in the state.  This year’s recipient was Louisiana’s 53^rd governor, Mike Foster. CLCU President, Dr. Joseph Savoie,  presented the award to Governor Foster in recognition of Governor Foster’s extraordinary service to public higher education and in appreciation for his leadership in affecting policies and programs that have had long-lasting impacts on education in the State of Louisiana.

Throughout the rest of the day there were a series of presentations and panel discussions on current issues affecting higher education, including serveral presentations by various faculty members from across the State,  a legislative update by Board of Regents member, Bob Levy, and a “Student’s Panel,” in which members of the Council of Study Body Presidents discussed positive and negative changes they see occurring on their campuses. To see Dr. Kirby Goidel’s presentation, click here. To see Dr. Joshua Stockley’s presentation, click here.

In the afternoon, results from a recent statewide survey of faculty were presented, followed by a response panel. The survey sought to better understand the attitudes of faculty across the state regarding the future of higher education in the State, various innovative teaching practices, and the factors which encourage or discourage faculty from innovation. To see the presentation on the faculty survey findings, click here.

Congratulations to Dr. Ronald Ambrosetti, President of Our Lady of Holy Cross College, on his election as CLCU President-Elect during the business meeting.

Also, congratulations to Dr. Peter Fos on assuming the CLCU Presidency for the 2014-15 year. Dr. Fos is the President of the University of New Orleans.

Special thanks to the staff of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the staff of the Renaissance Hotel and to 2013-14 CLCU President, Dr. Joseph Savoie.

More pictures from the 2014 CLCU:

2014 CLCU President, Dr. Joseph Savoie, officially convenes the 75th Annual CLCU

Dr. Joshua Stockley, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, discusses current political trends affecting higher education

Conference attendees network during a break

Former Louisiana Governor and 2014 CLCU Trailblazer Award recipient, Mike Foster, discusses the policies and initiatives his administration accomplished for the advancement of higher education in Louisiana

Dr. Kirby Goidel, Professor of Mass Communication/Director of the LSU Public Policy Research Lab, discusses findings from a recent statewide survey on the public’s perceptions of higher education and higher education funding.

Attendees discuss the morning’s presentations during lunch