I enjoyed welcoming Dr. Bryant Nelson to Tech on Monday morning. Dr. Nelson is the Project Leader for the Nanomaterial Genotoxicology Lab at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and was on campus to visit with faculty and students as part of the New Frontiers in Biomedical Research Speaker Series. Later Monday morning, I had several meetings with our faculty and administrators. I also enjoyed welcoming my cousin from West Monroe who brought his senior son for a visit and to talk about potential academic programs and career options. We took a tour across campus visiting several of our academic, research and athletics facilities, winding up with a short visit with Head Baseball Coach Greg Goff at J.C. Love Field. Tuesday morning, VP Terry McConathy and I met with a couple of faculty and doctoral students from the Applied Research for Organizational Solutions (AROS) Center in our Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences. AROS is helping the institution to plan for campus-wide climate surveys in an effort to enhance feedback opportunities for faculty and staff. Following the discussion with AROS, I visited with a prospective student from Indiana and had a couple of meetings with my staff.  Later, I met with my leadership team and an architect who has been talking with faculty, staff and students to solicit input on our new library. This is a very exciting project that will be transformative for the entire campus. Wednesday morning, I headed down to Baton Rouge for some meetings with the UL System Presidents and Board members. The day was spent focused on some of our system’s strategic initiatives, such as community college partnerships and transfer initiatives as well as adult learners. We also discussed budget projections and challenges for this year and next. It is important that we all encourage our legislative leaders to place a top priority on higher education in Louisiana. Tech had several items to come before the Board on Thursday morning, including a presentation by VP Jim King to get approval for seeking bond financing for our new student housing and parking projects. Jim always does an outstanding job in planning, communicating and executing these projects, and he and his team have had huge impacts on making our campus a great environment for students. These new housing units will certainly take Tech to a new level for student support and engagement. I returned to Ruston in time to attend the Bradshaw-Brooks Golf Tourney reception at the Davison Athletics Complex. Terry Bradshaw had to miss the event this year, but Kix Brooks was there and provided great entertainment for the attendees. Kix flew in from Las Vegas where he has a major tour running at Caesars Palace, reuniting Kix with his long-time partner Ronnie Dunn as well as Reba McEntire. Kix helped our fund-raising efforts for the athletics program by auctioning off some tickets for his December show. Thanks to all of the alumni and supporters who joined in and contributed to the auction!