LSU President Announces Vision for Access and Excellence: Admission Standard Revisions and 90 Hour Bachelor Degree Program Approval Shows Support for Elevating the Way LSU Educates Louisiana

BATON ROUGE, La. – President Wade Rousse is sharing an ambitious path forward for the LSU system with a vision for elevating the way LSU educates Louisiana. Speaking before the Board of Supervisors during their February meeting, Rousse emphasized that to be among the nation’s top 50 research institutions LSU must grow its research dollars, improve its facilities and set admissions standards that “reflect our ambition for excellence.”

Setting a new standard for what it means to succeed as a system Rousse identified measuringoutcomes that matter, providing access that is meaningful, and demanding stewardship that is disciplined as key steps moving forward. By accomplishing these goals, Rousse says LSU will not only rise in reputation it will lift Louisiana’s people, economy, and prospects for generations to come.

“Test scores don’t define students, but standards absolutely define elite institutions,” said President Rousse. “Our vision is to build a system that does not differentiate between access and excellent. We can have both. Our institutions across the state have unique strengths and programs. Students wishing to pursue a two-year degree, a four-year degree, a graduate degree, a professional certification, or just simply finding a path to transfer to the flagship, should be able to find an LSU institution to meet their needs. That is a message we will amplify to every corner of this state, as we recruit Louisianans to join the LSU family.”

During today’s meeting and in support of Rousse’s vision, the Board of Supervisors approved the recommendation of Chancellor James Dalton to reinstate mandatory standardized test scores for admission into the flagship university. President Rousse says Dalton’s proposal mirrors theactions of LSU’s peer institution allowing the A&M campus to elevate its recruitment efforts and ultimately, student outcomes.

“As an institution with a unique relationship to the state, we must create avenues for all Louisiana students who want to advance their education and economic standing,” stated Rousse. "Actions taken today by the board position us well to do just that. A college education must not only elevate a student’s intellect, but also their station in life. Institutions that ignore this basic market fact will wither; those that embrace it will thrive.”

Additionally, the Board approved two accelerated baccalaureate degrees for LSU Alexandria embracing an innovative approach to improving speed to market for students. These programs can be completed by students after 90 hours of coursework shortening the traditional time to graduation by approximately 30 hours.

Finally, the Board swore in its new Chair, Lee Mallett and elected Supervisor John Carmouche of Napoleonville as its Vice Chair.