This week began for me in Baton Rouge where we had University of Louisiana System and Board of Regents meetings. These meetings are particularly important for us as there are so many challenges, issues, and uncertainties regarding higher education in Louisiana. I believe that it is essential that we reinforce the message across the state about the essential role that 4-year universities play in the future economic competitiveness of Louisiana.  I am taking every opportunity that I can to communicate Louisiana Tech’s crucial role in advancing opportunities for our citizens to have a better quality of life and in enabling high quality opportunities for jobs for our children. Monday evening, we hosted a reception in Baton Rouge for higher education leaders throughout Louisiana to recognize and thank Dr. Reneau for his tremendous leadership and service to the State.  On Tuesday, I had the honor of making a presentation on Dr. Reneau’s accomplishments to the ULS Board of Supervisors.  Following that presentation, the Board awarded Dr. Reneau the very special honor of President and Professor Emeritus.  My closing remarks for the presentation sum up my views on Dr. Reneau’s contributions, “The impacts that Dr. Reneau has had on both Louisiana Tech University and the higher education community in Louisiana over the past 26 years are simply remarkable.  Under his leadership, he has transformed Louisiana Tech into a top tier academic and research institution, and a university that the entire State of Louisiana can be proud of.  What he has achieved in his career as an education leader, a statesman, and a mentor to university administrators throughout our state has earned him a place among the most successful and respected figures in the history of Louisiana higher education.  I can think of no one who is more deserving of the emeritus honors he has received here today.”               Thursday and Friday, Athletics Director Tommy McClelland, Athletics Advancement Director Adam McGuirt and I traveled to Austin to meet with Tech alumni. Tech alumnus Joel Trammell hosted an alumni dinner at North by Northwest restaurant in North Austin. It was great to see many of my former students and other Tech alumni and friends.  Former Tech entrepreneurship professor Jon Pratt came as did former Austin Mayor and Tech alumnus Lee Cooke.  We had a great time reconnecting with our friends and learning more about their successes in their careers and communities.  Joel Trammell is one of those Tech alums who has clearly made his mark in Austin, where he currently serves as Chairman of the Austin Technology Council.  Joel has been a good friend to Tech over the years and has helped many young graduates get their start in the Lone Star State. We now have over 700 alumni in the Austin area and look forward to making regular trips there for alumni gatherings, athletic events, student recruiting, and meeting with corporate partners.