
Bossier meeting with University reps to discuss cyber
The Guicemobile got in full gear this week as I traveled across the state to represent the university in different venues. The week began early Monday with administrative meetings in the office before heading over to our Academic Success Center in Bossier for a meeting of I-20 corridor institutions to discuss potential cyber network enhancements. With all of the cyber-related corporate growth in the region, our institutions are working together to ensure that we align resources to support the rapidly increasing workforce demands.
Kathy and I headed to Baton Rouge late Monday for a few days of activities around the Capital City. Ben Rice, our most capable SGA President, was scheduled to present testimony to the House Education Committee on Tuesday morning and I wanted to be there to support him. He did an outstanding job in reinforcing the importance of higher education and the TOPS program to the committee.

Dean Emeritae Agnes Miller at 100 years
Later Tuesday, Kathy and I drove to Mandeville to visit with Human Ecology Dean Emeritae Agnes Miller who was celebrating her 100th birthday with family and close friends. Dr. Miller is an incredible lady who had a huge impact as Dean prior to her retirement in 1975. She is as sharp and witty as ever, and continues to keep up with all of the Tech and Ruston happenings. It was wonderful to hear about many of her activities while a student and faculty member at Tech. Kathy and I returned back to Baton Rouge to watch the baseball Bulldogs take on the Tigers in a hard-fought pitching battle at Alex Box Stadium.

Chatting with Tech students on Capitol grounds
Wednesday was ULS Day at the Capitol, and it began with a ULS Presidents and Board members breakfast with Governor John Bel Edwards. It is always a great experience to meet with the Governor and see the historic sights of the mansion. Later in the morning, we all went to the Capitol to have meetings with several representatives and senators. Many Tech students and faculty arrived at the Capitol late morning and then joined others from across the nine ULS institutions to fill the large plaza in front of the Capitol. Governor Edwards and several other leaders spoke to the crowd. Ben Rice also did an excellent job in speaking on behalf of students of all ULS institutions. I am deeply appreciative of all of our faculty, staff and students who made the day-long trip to Baton Rouge to be advocates for higher education in Louisiana. They made a difference through their presence.

Kathy and Kix at Squire Creek
We had a ULS reception at the City Club on Wednesday evening and then the ULS Board met on Thursday morning. Kathy and I returned to Ruston late Thursday, just in time to make it to Squire Creek for the Terry Bradshaw & Kix Brooks golf tournament dinner and auction. We enjoyed visiting with so many alumni and friends there, and particularly enjoyed the repartee between Terry and Kix throughout the evening.
I spent Friday morning in the office and then took off Friday afternoon to head over to Bastrop to visit with my Mom and brother. This morning, I was pleased to welcome and thank the hundreds of Tech students who showed up at Joe Aillet Stadium for the SGA Big Event to volunteer for clean-up work at homes across the community. I am always amazed and proud at how many dedicated students that we have who will give their time on a Saturday spring day to serve others in need. That is one of the reasons that I love working at this institution.
Here are a few of my favorite pics for the week:

First lady Donna Edwards hosted Kathy & other ULS first ladies for coffee at the mansion

Visiting Kristi Stakes’ Comm 101 class in Davison Hall

Stacy Gilbert presents to ULS Board

Ben Rice recognized for service by ULS Board

Terry and Kix entertaining at Squire Creek

Tech legends duet

Students promoting International Day in Tolliver

Presenting Scholarship Endowment to Dr. Miller

Sunrise over Ruston’s Tech water tower

Sun peaking through trees at Capitol

Biomed from Spirit Park

Tech XXII repping at the Capitol
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