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Summer 2021
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A note from Interim Provost Lee

 

Matt Lee

Dear Colleagues, 

As we close out the summer and turn our energies to the fall, I want to take a moment to convey what an honor it is to serve as your interim executive vice president and provost. While I am new to this position, I have been a proud member of the LSU faculty since 2004. In addition, I have served as associate vice president in the Office of Research & Economic Development, and most recently as vice provost for academic programs and support services in the Office of Academic Affairs. On the heels of these experiences, I am excited to work with President Tate and many of you in the coming weeks and months as we continue to expand the impact of our extraordinary institution.  

The past year and a half has been challenging, even grueling, at some points. But as with every challenge, LSU rose to the occasion. We have seen innovation at its finest with faculty adapting to new teaching methods and developing new pedagogical approaches for instruction. While innovating, you have continued to uphold the academic rigor that is the hallmark of an LSU education. We have supported and advised more students than ever before, both virtually and in person, in order to ensure their success over the arc of the year. Beyond these achievements, our research, scholarly, and creative activity continues to grow in volume and impact, making us an even more attractive destination for undergraduate and graduate students alike. Our remarkable accomplishments are a product of our relentless determination to succeed, the same grit and desire to achieve that we seek to instill in our students. In the coming weeks, expect to hear more about President Tate’s vision for “Scholarship First,” which will reinvigorate our efforts as we advance excellence through innovation.

As we finalize our plans for the fall semester, please remember that LSU remains committed to a healthy, safe and productive learning and working environment for every member of our LSU community. Our LSU Health and Medical Advisory committee will continue to advise the institution on COVID-19 mitigation. In the meantime, the most important thing we can do to curb the pandemic is to follow prevailing advice from public health authorities and get vaccinated. Thank you for all you do for LSU, and as always, Geaux Tigers!

Matt Lee
Interim Executive Vice President & Provost 
Professor of Sociology

Our People

On Par with the President

On Par with the President Podcast

Listen in to “On Par with the President,” a new podcast hosted by LSU President William F. Tate IV, with the first episode live now. Inspired by one of his favorite sports and the idea of individuals at LSU being "on par" with the best in their areas of interest, President Tate will chat with students, alumni, faculty, and staff from the LSU community about the intersection of scholarship and impact on society, setting and fulfilling goals, creating a legacy, and more.

Oliver Garden Named Dean of LSU School of Veterinary Medicine

Oliver Garden

Following a national search, Oliver Garden has been named dean of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Garden was the chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences and Advanced Medicine and the Henry and Corinne R. Bower Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Garden will assume his role as dean on Aug. 31, pending approval by the LSU Board of Supervisors.Joseph Francis

Dr. Joseph Francis, associate dean for research and advanced studies in the School of Veterinary Medicine, will serve as acting dean during the interim. Dr. Francis is a professor in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences and has been at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine since 2003 and holds the Everett D. Besch Professorship in Veterinary Medicine. 

 

Keena Arbuthnot, Jennifer Baumgartner, Lori Martin, and Kehui Xu

SEC Academic Leadership Development Program 2021-22 Fellows

Four LSU faculty members were selected to participate in the SEC 2021-22 Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP) Fellowship. The program introduces faculty and early career administrators to the broad landscape of university administration in order to enhance their understanding of the challenges and complexities of leadership.  

A comprehensive list of SEC ALDP LSU Fellows can be found here. The SEC ALDP has named a new cohort of Fellows each year since 2008.  

SEC LogoSEC Emerging Scholars Program

A new program has been created that offer a pathway for graduate students of the member institutions enrolled in terminal degree programs to prepare for tenure-stream positions in higher education. The program is designed to promote professional development and networking opportunities for graduate students and post docs at SEC institutions interested in higher education academic careers. This year up to ten scholars from each SEC institution will be selected, with no more than three post docs and the remaining participants currently in terminal graduate programs. We are asking you to nominate top scholars from your program. To find out more information on the SEC Emerging Scholars Program and to nominate a graduate student, click here. 

Pregnancy & Parenting Program video

Parent Resources for Returning to Campus

LSU’s Pregnancy & Parenting Program offers LSU employees and students who are parents many resources to help navigate a healthy work-life balance. Visit the program’s website to find resources, recorded webinars, a map of lactation spaces, and more. 

Sasha Thackaberry named Co-Chair for C-COLO at UPCEA

Sasha ThackaberrySasha Thackaberry, LSU's Vice President of Online & Continuing Education, was recently named co-chair of the Council for Chief Online Learning Officers (C-COLO) at UPCEA, the association for college and university leaders in professional, continuing, and online education. C-COLO is described as the preeminent community for senior online learning leaders. View the full press release to learn more about the appointment.

International Programs Appoints International Student Engagement Director

In continued efforts to better serve and expand institutional support of LSU’s international student population, the Office of Academic Affairs and International Programs have hired Laura Dean as the director of international student engagement. The primary goal in creating this position is to build a support system for our international students that will facilitate better retention and foster a sense of community on campus and in Baton Rouge. 

Faculty Support

REFRESH: New Energy for Teaching Seminar & Workshop

REFRESH - New Energy for Teaching | Seminar & Workshop, Friday, August 20, 2021

Faculty are invited to attend a half-day faculty seminar and workshop focused on inspirations for moving teaching forward in the new academic year. The seminar and workshop will feature a student panel, keynote speaker and faculty discussions and workgroups. Click here to view the full agenda and to secure a seat at the seminar and workshop. 

Integrative Learning Core (ILC) Course Proposal Support

Working on your Integrative Learning Core (ILC), LSU's General Education Program, and have some questions? Attend the new ILC office hours, hosted by Provost Fellow Dr. Jaqueline Bach on Mondays from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. Zoom Meeting Room ID 258 610 3999 or in at person 221K Peabody Hall. Can't make that time? Email gened@lsu.edu to request ILC consultation outside office hours.

Faculty Technology Center and Design & Development

As you prepare for the fall 2021 semester, please keep in mind that LSU Online’s Faculty Technology Center (FTC) and Design & Development (D&D) team offer support one day per week for each College. Whether faculty are just exploring the idea of teaching online or preparing to develop and teach an online or blended course, the FTC and D&D teams are a consult away. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit the Faculty In-Residence Support webpage. Additionally, you may find resources, workshop recordings, and other information helpful on the LSU Online Faculty Resources & Support website.

LSU Testing Center Information

SmarterProctoring is an external tool that integrates within each course in Moodle. This update in software will allow faculty to request computer-based exams and students to schedule their exam date and time within Moodle. The Office of Testing and Evaluation Services will offer training on how to use SmarterProctoring during July and August. Sign up for a training session by visiting the LSU Events and Training page. 

Center for Academic Success Fall 2021 Planning for Faculty

The LSU Center for Academic Success provides free academic and learning support services for students. Please visit our For Faculty page for resources to include in your syllabus. 

Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor Database

The LSU Discover Undergraduate Research Program has moved their Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor Database to a new platform. This database is an excellent way to connect with students looking for faculty-mentored undergraduate research opportunities. LSU faculty interested in adding their name to the database can do so at this link: Access the Faculty Mentor Database. Questions about the database should be emailed to lsudiscover@lsu.edu.

Program, Policies & Planning

2021 NCLCA Outstanding Learning Center Award - LSU Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes

Cox Academic Center Wins National Award

LSU’s Cox Academic Center for Student-Athletes has been named recipient of the 2021 NCLCA Outstanding Learning Center Award for Special Populations, the National College Learning Center Association announced.

Schedules for Review of Sabbatical Leave Requests, Senior Instructor Recommendations, and Promotion/Tenure Recommendations

The 2021-22 schedules have been established for review of sabbatical leave requests, senior instructor recommendations, and promotion and tenure recommendations. 

Boyd Professorship Regulations Amended

During the March 2021 meeting, the LSU Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to Article II, Section 14 of their Regulations regarding Boyd Professorships. Boyd professorships are the highest professorial rank given by the university.  

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

School of Collaborative Academic Programs

Save the Date:

Dr. Theda Daniels-Race

LSU School of Collaborative Academic Programs Webinar

Wednesday, September 8, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Faculty are invited to attend a webinar focused on the School of Collaborative Academic Programs. Program Director, Dr. Theda Daniels-Race, will provide an overview of the school, how to submit a collaborative program idea and the process that follows.