LSUA defended: Comments about cutting college anger local supporters

Town Talk staff • February 14, 2009

Remarks made Thursday in Baton Rouge targeting the four-year status of Louisiana State University at Alexandria have local supporters defending the institution.

Both Sally Clausen, the state commissioner of higher education, and Senate Finance Chairman Mike Michot, R-Lafayette, mentioned LSUA during a meeting about state budget cuts and possible solutions. Gov. Bobby Jindal's office has warned state colleges and universities that it may be necessary to cut $212 to $382 million -- about 12 to 30 percent -- for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Michot, according to The Advocate in Baton Rouge, said it was wrong for the Legislature to make LSUA a four-year institution.

Clausen mentioned LSUA when asked for specifics on changes expected to be unveiled on Monday during the Louisiana Board of Regents meeting.

"I think you need to take a look at what you did in Alexandria," Clausen was quoted in The Advocate story.

The rumblings from Baton Rouge didn't sit well with Charlie Weems, who played a large role in LSUA's transition to a four-year university.

"It's a shame for them to be so short-sighted," said Weems, a member of the LSUA Foundation board of directors and former LSU board of supervisors member. "I would like for them to explain that to the 4-5,000 students up here that would be a black-hole" for higher educational opportunities.

"They are dead wrong about it. That would be a terrible mistake, in my opinion."


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