Pictured above: Executive Vice President & Provost Roy Haggerty, Joe Carvalhido, Rob Stuart, and the 2024 honorees at the University Faculty Awards Ceremony

Read about the 2024 University Faculty Awards Ceremony.

Dear Colleagues,

This week marks the end of another academic year, culminating with college commencement ceremonies. We take great pride in knowing our students leave here having had meaningful experiences that have expanded their worldview and prepared them for success. A large part of their memories will be ones where they were part of a team. Whether in the classroom or lab, in a performing ensemble, serving as an ambassador or a tutor, in a sorority or fraternity, or competing in an athletics venue, our students know what it is like to be on a winning team. That is LSU . . . we build teams that win. This month’s newsletter reveals points of excellence across LSU that foreshadow more to come.

Our research efforts continue to show substantial growth, with a notable increase in research expenditures across the system, reflecting our ongoing commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. This progress is supported by strategic initiatives like the Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research (PFIR), which facilitates the formation of competitive teams addressing both global and local challenges, including cybersecurity enhancements and biomedical advancements. Specifically, at our Baton Rouge campuses (A&M, AgCenter, and Pennington), we've observed a significant rise in research funding, contributing to a broader pattern of growth that encompasses various areas within LSU. And that is only the beginning of excellence to report this month…

Dr. Vicki Colvin, a seasoned leader with a rich background in engineering and chemistry, has been named the dean of the LSU College of Engineering. Her extensive experience, including her role as the founding director of Brown University’s Institute for Biology, Engineering, and Medicine, exemplifies the caliber of leaders fostering innovation at LSU.

Similarly, Dr. Clint Willson's permanent appointment as the dean of the LSU College of the Coast & Environment follows a proven track record of impactful research and collaboration, which is vital for addressing coastal and environmental challenges. Dr. Willson’s decades of leadership in coast and environmental research places us in an excellent position moving forward.

We are also proud to announce Dr. Prosanta Chakrabarty as the new Edwin K. Hunter Chair for Communication of Science Research. This role is pivotal in bridging the gap between our scientific community and the public, ensuring that our research not only advances knowledge but also enhances societal understanding and engagement.

Lastly, our dedication to resource accessibility is illustrated through the LSU Libraries' OER Advancement Fellowship. This initiative supports faculty in integrating Open Educational Resources into their curricula, promoting an inclusive and innovative educational environment.

Each of these examples reflects our unwavering pursuit of excellence, shaping an LSU that not only leads academically but also contributes significantly to the societal and economic well-being of Louisiana and beyond. Geaux Tigers!

Sincerely,

Roy Haggerty
Executive Vice President & Provost 

Prosanta Chakrabarty Named Inaugural Edwin K. Hunter Chair for Science Communication

Dr. Prosanta Chakrabarty
(photo: Eddy Perez, LSU)

LSU's George H. Lowery Professor, Prosanta Chakrabarty, has been appointed the inaugural Edwin K. Hunter Chair for Communication of Science Research in the Office of Academic Affairs. The Hunter Chair aims to foster critical thinking and effective communication among scientists, technical experts, supporters, and the public. Learn more about Dr. Chakrabarty's appointment here.

LSU's Provost's Fund Invests $1.2 Million in Highly Competitive Research Teams

In a second round of Big Idea seed grants, the largest internal funding program in LSU history, the Provost’s Fund for Innovation in Research is investing $1.2 million in 15 interdisciplinary research teams. Aligned with LSU’s Scholarship First Agenda, the teams and their projects aim to solve pressing problems in Louisiana and everywhere. In total, the funded projects will engage 65 faculty across nine colleges and schools on LSU’s flagship campus in Baton Rouge, extending collaboration to LSU Athletics, LSU AgCenter, Pennington Biomedical Research Center and LSU Health New Orleans. Two projects support advances in agriculture; seven projects drive discovery in biomedicine; six projects elevate the coast and environment; six projects protect the state and nation through more robust defense and cybersecurity; and six projects help secure the future of energy. Click here to learn more about the funded projects.

LSU's Provost's Fund Sponsors School of Kinesiology's Geauxing the Distance Research Symposium

In April, the LSU School of Kinesiology hosted its inaugural research symposium, "Geauxing the Distance with Kinesiology." This two-day scholarship-focused event celebrated the restoration of the Huey P. Long Field House and unveiled more than 11,000 square feet of new laboratory space. The symposium highlighted innovation at LSU while engaging community members and students in research with real-world applications. Read more about the symposium.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Reminder

Effective June 29, 2024, employees who earn less than $43,888 annually or who occupy a position with a range minimum at or below $43,888 will convert from salaried exempt to hourly non-exempt. This means they will be paid hourly on a biweekly basis and will be eligible for overtime.

A second phase will be effective on January 1, 2025, when those who earn between $43,888 and $58,656 annually or who occupy a position with a range minimum between $43,888 and $58,656 will be converted to hourly non-exempt. HRM will communicate the plan for these employees closer to January.

This FLSA change does not apply to teaching (including teaching faculty), coaching, or medical/veterinary interns and residents.

You can learn more about the FLSA and the upcoming changes, as well as view recordings of FLSA trainings on HRM’s website.

I-9 Compliance Reminder

The Immigration and Reform Control Act of 1986 mandates that all paid workers in the United States comply with I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification. The Form I-9 verifies the identity and legal employment authorization of all paid workers in the United States. Incoming employees shall not be permitted to begin work until their Form I-9 is completed in its entirety (Section 1 and Section 2). HRM has provided every HR Analyst with a document outlining all onboarding-related actions to complete during the pre-employment meeting to ensure compliance and adequately prepare the incoming employee(s) for their first day at LSU. Pre-employment meeting documents are available in the HR Digital Resource Library in Moodle. Read more about I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification.

Workday Student: Change Network

As we move closer to a more extensive rollout for the Workday Student project, the Organizational Change Management workstream has kicked off a change network composed of LSU staff focused on supporting the implementation. This network will work with faculty, staff, and students to facilitate the adoption of Workday Student throughout the university. Click here to learn more about the change network.

Power-based Violence Prevention & Response Training due September

A reminder to complete the annual Power-based Violence & Response Training. All classified, unclassified, and other academic employees, faculty members, contingent/transient workers, and graduate and teaching assistants are required to take this training. Click here to take the training.

Academic Distinctions

The LSU Office of Academic Affairs congratulates the 61 LSU Distinguished Communicator medalists, 147 LSU Communicator Certificate recipients, 48 Distinguished Undergraduate Research awardees, and 26 Engaged Citizen recipients. 

Vicki Colvin Named Dean of the LSU College of Engineering

Clint Willson Named Dean of the LSU College of the Coast & Environment

Applications for LSU Libraries' Special Collections Faculty Fellowship are due June 1

LSU Libraries seeks faculty for the LSU Special Collections Faculty Fellowship. This fellowship supports LSU faculty in integrating archives-centered research into their curriculum through a strategic mix of digital tools and in-person visits to LSU Special Collections. Benefits include a $2,500 professional development stipend, hands-on workshops, ongoing guidance, and a community of practice for teaching faculty members.

Applications for LSU Libraries' OER Advancement Fellowship are due June 28

LSU Libraries seeks applications for the OER Advancement Fellowship. Selected participants receive stipends to review or integrate Open Educational Resources into their curricula. Through workshops and consultations over 18 months, fellows gain the necessary skills for OER work.