HAVE TO GET THE MONEY RIGHT! To many I've don't know and vague terms up front, need to get on the same page and have figures in hand...
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HAVE TO GET THE MONEY RIGHT! To many I've don't know and vague terms up front, need to get on the same page and have figures in hand...
The only thing certain right now is that the House vote on HB 964 will not be today.Quote:
Originally Posted by champion110
Agreed. Rep Smith voted against it, and she was the one grilling them about the costs of the merger. The pro-merger team has GOT to be better prepared to address the costs, and be able to COST JUSTIFY the merger. For example, while it may cost us $1.5M to complete the merger, I'm sure there will be some "savings" as as result of the merger. In fact, there will probably be a lot of savings. However, this was not pointed out at all in the presentation.Quote:
Originally Posted by GermDawg
Totally agree........Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
Thanks for the play by play guys...much appreciated.
Bishop - Lafayette, lsu grad
Carter -East BR, lsu grad
Edwards - Amite, lsu law school
Smith - East BR, Kent State, lsu grad school (retired ExxonMobile)
I really think if the money savings and cost had been more concrete from the proponents even these 4 would have voted yes...
i have communicated with Edwards on multiple occasions about this legislation. he has been undecided as recently as last week. I don't believe he has an agenda and likely voted against the legislation at this point because he didn't see financial savings that are predicted from a merger and only saw a concrete number for costs.Quote:
Originally Posted by GermDawg
All members of the committee from north Louisiana: Carmody (6th District), Thompson (8th), Burns (9th), Jefferson (11th) and Shadoin (12th) voted for the bill. Based on some of the posts on this board, Thompson's approval was a bit of a surprise.Quote:
Originally Posted by TechAlum05
Of the six members who support the Blueprint Louisiana agenda, only one voted against the bill, Bishop (99th)
Republicans voted 10-1 in favor, Democrats were split 3-3, and the lone Independent on the committee voted in favor of the bill.
Wow, WTG Jeff!Quote:
Originally Posted by TechAlum05
You Louisiana supporters should send a quick "thank you" e-mail to each one of these committee members who voted yes. They need to hear that they are doing the right thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by TechAlum05
HD
Yes, it certainly was. He had told me different last week. I like Jeff and was hoping he would change his mind.Quote:
Originally Posted by TechAlum05
Thanks for the play by play guys. Some of us couldn't watch it and it was nice to be able to catch up.
That's GREAT news to hear that he "flipped" to support the merger. Please THANK HIM for supporting it. (Unfortunately, I'm sure he wouldn't appreciate hearing from some of us Texans.)Quote:
Originally Posted by Cal&Ken
Thanks to you guys in Louisiana who reached out and talked to these pols and let them know you are watching their vote!!! In some cases, it made a real difference.
HD
I already sent him a message thanking him. He was never adament against the merger, but was giving the "safeguard" speak. I am very glad he voted yes! Maybe once he started looking he was satisfied with what is in place. I haven't talked to him since the initial conversation.
The video from the meeting will be archived once the meeting is over.Quote:
Originally Posted by detltu
http://house.louisiana.gov/H_Video/H...o_OnDemand.htm
I'm surprised some of you are shocked that these people opposing this wonderful and necessary idea are against it because they don't want to lose their obedience to LSU and/or are in risk of losing their jobs because they lack the credentials and mental fortitude to do them.
Someone said earlier there are 4 4-year degree institutions within 100 miles of each other. But if you add LSU-A, it would be 5. This does not take into account Centenary or the other small improperly state-funded private schools in that radius either.
Great job, guys. Thanks for all the updates. Didn't you forget SUSLA for a 4 year school??
It's a pretty simple argument that I think Fannin may have tried to make, but he didn't deliver it well.Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
This merger is NOT about saving money. It's about CREATING money. It's about enrollment growth on the Shreveport campus. It's about having a much larger selection of degree programs that lead to higher paying jobs and a stronger workforce. It's about the businesses and industries that will come to Northwest Louisiana and flourish and boosting the businesses already in Northwest Louisiana. It's about attracting people and businesses from out-of-state to come to NW Louisiana. All of those things will create much more tax revenue than the costs associated with the merger. That's why all the chambers of commerce support this. In addition, Louisiana Tech has an ROI of over $7 for every $1 of state funding given to Tech.
2-year JUCO like BPCCQuote:
Originally Posted by DQDawg
Who's shocked? Only people against it are some of the LSUS faculty & alums and the System; the 4 reps that voted No I think could be swayed yes if we get the numbers behind the state savings straight and/or an outside plan to help pay for the transfer/merger costs...Quote:
Originally Posted by JuBru
If you are from Webster Parish, please let them know what you think.
http://www.press-herald.com/index.ph...nput-on-merger
That ignorant LSUS professor is weighing in again...
Quote:
#4 Professor Emeritus — Charlene H. Barlow 2012-05-07 14:09 No for the LSUS take-over by Tech! There is no reason for the Ark-La-Tex to hand over LSUS to Ruston. LSUS is a bargain for area students who desire a degree from a big name university (LSU) without having to relocate. The average person on the street outside of Louisiana has never heard of Tech. No new jobs will be added to this area because of a merger. If anything, local jobs will be taken away. In addition, if you will check Tech's ranking in U.S. News and World Report, you will find that LSU BR outranks Tech in every division. No, it would be a terrrible mistake to give this or any other local campus to Ruston. Ask the LSUS faculty what they think: most are opposed to this takeover.
The Times: Merger heads to La. House
Am I correct in saying LSUS is in SHREVEPORT and LSU BR is in BATON ROUGE? Or did something happen with the geography of this state when I wasn't looking? :shocked2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg06
I agree with you. I know this is all about economic growth in the SB market. However, I also know how politician's think; they are not entrepreneurs. They think in terms of "cost savings", not economic growth. And this is expecially true in tough economic times, when government is making cuts everywhere. The pro merger group needs to keep this in mind and appeal to the pols' conservative "cost cutting" characteristics.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg06
HD
I'm a little disappointed in Fannin, he came to bat with the Cost Savings argument and had NOTHING to back it up...
Received from Shreveport Chamber lobbyist @ 12:20 PM:
The House merger bill (HB 964) just passed House Education Committee after three hours of testimony. The vote was 14-4. We now need 2/3 vote (at least 70 votes) on the House floor.
The Senate bill (SB 527) will be heard in Senate Education Committee this Thursday.
Latest word from Barrow Peacock - sent today @ 11:06 AM:
Thank you for taking the time to write. The House Education Committee is hearing this bill right now. I am still opposed to the merger of LSUS and Louisiana Tech, as it currently reads. If LSUS and Louisiana Tech are allowed to merge, as HB 964 and SB 527 state, safeguards and assurances must be provided that require a postsecondary education system to meet the needs of our community with advanced graduate level courses. Our area of Louisiana, which is the third largest metropolitan area in the state, will be at a competitive disadvantage to compete in the global economy. With the importance of Barksdale Air Force Base, Haynesville Shale discovery, and our promising film production and digital media industry, Moonbot Studios & Millennium Studios, in Shreveport-Bossier, our state will be making a mistake to allow these two institutions to merge as currently proposed. Barrow PeacockSTF
He is speaking double talk. His words indicate that he should be FOR the merger. His statement is that he is against. Tech would bring post graduate programs to Shreveport. They aren't going to get it any other way.Quote:
Originally Posted by SportTechFan
Wait. How does the area do this stuff without the merger? The status quo does not do what he's wanting.Quote:
Originally Posted by SportTechFan
Everyone commenting about that LSUS faculty article and all the ones like it. The reaction is always the same - shock that people hold the letters LSU as divine and that the faculty and other that stand to lose their job/influence are against it.Quote:
Originally Posted by GermDawg
Maybe I'm mistaken, but from the moment this was started, those "safeguards and assurances" are exactly what the study and everything else has addressed. Peacock is blowing smoke every single time he sends that reply.Quote:
Originally Posted by SportTechFan
This would pass easily with two things:
1. Jindal's endorsement
2. Martin's endorsement
It is time for DR to make two phone calls.
Better than that, the entire Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, Mayor, and D.R. need to make the phone calls to both.Quote:
Originally Posted by revf
Now that this is headed to the floor I emailed my Rep; Jack Montoucet asking him to support this, EVERYONE ACROSS THE STATE needs to let their Reps now to support HB 964. SIC 'EM DAWGS!
How the &*(* did I get a ULM grad as my Senator in South LA, really...:bomb:
Just had this report of the House Education Committee meeting emailed to me - I am advised that it was issued by LSU System (note "Minden cardiologist Dr. Phillip Rozeman"):
LSUS/La Tech Merger Approved by House Education Committee
The House Education Committee on a 14 to 4 vote on Tuesday approved a bill to merge LSU Shreveport with Louisiana Tech University.
Bill 964 by Rep. Thomas Carmody of Shreveport now moves to the House floor where a two-thirds vote is needed for passage.
“We need to meet the needs of the region,” said Carmody. “The bottom line is not simply about merging two institutions, this is about seeking to provide a brighter future.”
House Appropriations Committee Chairman, Rep. James Fannin of Jonesboro and a co-author of the bill, told committee members the merger makes sense because of the state’s continuing money troubles that would require cutting $210 million by June 30th along with an estimated $71 million reduction in the new fiscal year for higher education alone.
Calling the measure a “local bill,” Fannin told the committee the merger would hold down administrative costs and consolidate programs in two different systems. “Do we want mediocrity among all of us or do we want to focus on consolidation where we can, cut out programs, and elevate higher education?” Fannin asked.
And Fannin said, “We have to have some changes in what we do and how we provide higher education to our citizens.”
Carmody said LSUS was in a “death spiral” and the “coup d’gras” was “not far away” as a result of declining enrollment. “Something’s got to give,” he said.
Minden cardiologist, Dr. Philip Rozeman, the lead proponent of the merger, said the takeover would most likely give LSUS a better partner in Louisiana Tech that is more likely to deliver new academic programs.
“The merger fulfills the best way to provide a more comprehensive university for the Shreveport area,” Rozeman said.
Before approval, Carmody amended the bill without objection to require the Louisiana Community and Technical College System along with the Southern University System to set up remedial courses on the LSUS campus because increased admission standards that go into effect this fall, ban remedial courses at four-year public universities.
Businessman Mike Woods of Shreveport, a longtime LSUS backer, said plunging finances underscore the need for a merger, noting a 42 percent reduction in LSUS state funding over the last four years and a nine percent drop in student credit hours. “It’s not going to get any better, it’s going to continue to get worse,” Wood said.
Dr. Wayne Hogue, a LSUS instructor who supports the move, declaring that the merger represents a “spectacular economic development opportunity” for North Louisiana, told committee members the measure would set free LSUS academically. “This is the only way for us to get the shackles off us and start all over,” Hogue said.
Leading objections to the merger were Interim LSU System President Dr. William Jenkins and LSUS Chancellor Dr. Vincent Marsala.
Dr. Jenkins told legislators, “I frankly can’t understand why Shreveport/Bossier doesn’t want to grow it’s own research institution?”
Citing the University of Texas at Dallas campus as a potential model for development of LSUS, Jenkins said, “Shreveport/Bossier needs their own public, major research institution” and not one tied to another institution 70 miles away.
Jenkins also told legislators, pointing to a University of Maryland study of a proposed merger in Maryland, that up to 80 percent of mergers inside and outside higher education fail and that cost savings might not materialize. “Be very careful of doing down that path, that would very well be a trap,” Jenkins said.
Marsala blamed repeated delays by the Louisiana Board of Regents on a failure to quickly deploy new programs at LSUS, adding that the LSU System and LSU Board of Supervisors had approved every proposal submitted for new degree programs.
And Marsala told the committee plans to bring new programs to LSUS would work. “This is very progressive and can be implemented in the fall,” said Marsala of the new LSU Shreveport Commitment Plan that would initiate as many as 24 new academic programs over the next 18 months.
Rep. John Bel Edwards of Amite noted an estimated $1.5 million fiscal impact of a merger,including legal fees and property surveys, but Fannin countered that savings would be a long-term proposition. “Sometimes you have to spend money to save money,” said Fannin.
Legislative Fiscal Analyst Charley Rome, confirmed that there is uncertainty over long-term costs, particularly for consulting services. “We’re not really sure what the net impact will be,” Rome said. “We’re not really sure when the changes will take place.”
Later, Higher Education Commissioner Jim Purcell disputed Marsala’s claims of delays in approving new programs by the Board of Regents, claiming Marsala at one point even supported the suggested merger.
Reading from a list of programs approved by the Board of Regents over the last 12 years, Regents Chairman Robert Levy declared the Regents approved all proposals submitted by the LSU System for LSUS.
But Marsala, reading from a letter he sent to the Regents, detailed repeated delays by the Regents in approving a new degree programs.
“There are formal and informal ways to throw water on something, Marsala said.
The measure could come up for House debate next week.
Contacted Rep Cliff Richardson.
That's such a stupid response it could have been written by an 8-yr old. Peacock claims it would be "a mistake to allow these two institutions to merge as currently proposed", but he doesn't give a single reason WHY???Quote:
Our area of Louisiana, which is the third largest metropolitan area in the state, will be at a competitive disadvantage to compete in the global economy. With the importance of Barksdale Air Force Base, Haynesville Shale discovery, and our promising film production and digital media industry, Moonbot Studios & Millennium Studios, in Shreveport-Bossier, our state will be making a mistake to allow these two institutions to merge as currently proposed. Barrow Peacock
This guy's constituents should be ashamed to have representation this weak. It truly makes me wonder what kind of shameful representation you are getting the rest of the time.
HD
I have a great feeling this is going to happen. Does the medical school come with this merger?
No.Quote:
Originally Posted by rebelboi
It was a case of the devil you know vs. the devil you don't know in the last election.Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
Also, what does the importance of Barksdale AFB and the Haynesville Shale have to do with the merger of two universities?
When Peacock gave that standard response about "safegrounds" when the bill was first filed, I didn't agree with his position but I understood it. Now, two months later, he gives the same response template about the merger.
It sounds like he is saying he wants a GUARANTEE that the merger will accomplish its goals and objectives. Is it even possible to provide that? There is some degree of risk when making any bold decision like this, and I think the multiple third party studies provide more than enough evidence that it is worth trying. It pisses me off that this guy is a representative.Quote:
Originally Posted by TechAlum05
How many of the current LSUS students meet the admission requirements of Louisiana Tech?Quote:
Originally Posted by Reckless Abandon
There can be no guarantees with any major proposal. Some of the risks can be reduced or eliminated, but there will always be an element of risks with any significant change.Quote:
Originally Posted by Reckless Abandon
Actually, he's a Senator. Instead of being one out of 105 representatives, Peacock is one out of 39 senators in Baton Rouge.Quote:
It pisses me off that this guy is a representative.
Expansion of engineering degrees/certificates for starters.Quote:
Originally Posted by TechAlum05
I meant how would the merger be a detriment to Barksdale and the Haynesville Shale.Quote:
Originally Posted by JuBru
According to LSUS:Quote:
Originally Posted by Cool Hand Clyde
"Based on the Fall 2011 class, 30% of our freshmen and 28% of our transfer class would not meet La Tech entrance requirements."
Yeah I won't be too pissed if the merger doesn't happen.....but would be glad if it does.
That's kinda how I feel. Sometimes I get concerned that LA Tech may be taking on more dead weight than it can handle.Quote:
Originally Posted by FishingBack
HD
This has been my concern since the beginning. We've constantly done more with less, and if we have to carry LSU-S, I feel we may run ourselves too thin.Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
Didn't the amendments address those that don't meet Tech's requirements through remedial programs by SUSLA and BPCC?
and for whatever reason it seems we are being portrayed as the bad guy in this scenario. We did not approach anyone about this. We only agreed to support it if this is what is wanted because we see how good it could be for the region. This is not a good way for us to be winning a fan base in Shreveport. Then again the vocal minority is always louder than the silent majority.Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
The first 3-5 years will probably be a little rocky, but this is about the future, 10-20 years down the road. State funding will follow the FTE. Our endowment, research dollars, partnerships, and sponsorships should greatly increase as a result of the merger. Our graduate programs should grow significantly in Shreveport and attract more American graduate students. It will attract students who don't want to move to a small town. Reneau has a law school and optometry school as part of the Shreveport campus plan. Our political clout should grow much stronger.Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
Yep.Quote:
Originally Posted by Allgood
Hoping this is all true. I have contacted people and ask them to support it, but I am still worried about TECH getting screwed in the process. I am hoping for the best. Logically, it does seem that it will be a good thing- but only if they fund it all properly.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg06
Yep. The Shreveport media is portraying Tech as the enemy when this idea was brought forth by the NW Louisiana business community and Shreveport-Bossier Imperative for Higher Education. Tech has just been along for the ride and agreed to help them out.Quote:
Originally Posted by MiloBumP
The pro-merger group should hire you to pitch this thing to the legislature. They certainly could have used someone today who could summarize the transaction like you just did.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg06
HD
DR should never have mentioned any interest in a law school nor should he have metioned the term "flagship." Both subjects are to LSU supporters as the term "mid-major" is to maddawg and champion110. If you want any effort to be DOA with LSU sycophants, just mention law school or flagship - and DR talked of both.:icon_wink:
HD...you know better than that! I've always respected your opinion and i think that the INCLUSION of LSUS is not going to be more dead weight but has been needed for NW Louisiana for quite some time! Moreover, this will take Tech to the next level and I mean Tech Ruston and Shreveport.Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lotsudo
I agree! We are just facing a bunch of bureaucarats right now that are afraid of losing their jobs. And they continue to spin what this is really all about. We can overcome this obstacle & prevail. That's what LA Tech has always been about. If the politicians see it differently, that's just not our problem. Nothing ventured...nothing gained! Nor lost. That's how I see it.
Who really cares at this point?Quote:
Originally Posted by Cool Hand Clyde
Without Jindal's assistance the merger won't succeed at this time. Nevertheless, while concern regarding whether we will be given the resources to manage the merger is legitimate, the potential reward for NW Louisiana and for Tech is so great that the battle must be pressed. Now is not the time for timidity or caution.
What LFR saidQuote:
Originally Posted by LookingForResults
Although, some of you are killing me with your vitriol! This is not and should never be a comparison of the haves and have not’s nor TECH being better than LSUS but should be a conversation (and I mean civil conversation) of what is best served for northwest Louisiana. Instead of denigrating LSUS, their students/faculty and questioning their purpose, we need to embraces what they will bring to the table and build on that. This is not a sporting competition between TECH and LSUS…or TECH trying to get into CSUA. Because most of you know how we were looked at. At this juncture who cares about comparisons of academic entrance requirements of LSUS students versus those currently attending TECH? That will be worked out over the next several years if this ever comes to fruition. If I were an LSUS student or faculty member right now or one that was sitting on the fence and happened onto this thread, I would totally be against the merger with the rhetoric I’m reading! It is getting to the point that this entire thread needs to be moved to recruiting or to the pit! Some of you are just adding fuel to the fire. We don’t need the decisions made based on what was said on this board…most of which will end up in the S’port Times opinion section ultimately working against the process!
Sorry...had to vent! Been a long day
Dr. Rozeman is Mr. Shreveport. He was raised, attended college, attended med school, worked, and volunteered in Shreveport his entire life. Where did they get Minden from?Quote:
Originally Posted by SportTechFan
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by Lotsudo
The correct approach is to say, for instance, that the merger increases the value of the degrees for the students who otherwise would have attended LSUS, money into the area, business partnerships, etc., etc. If this merger is really what's best for LSUS, let's act like it. We aren't destroying them or (necessarily) taking them over by force, but we are making them better in every way and building them up.
I agree with that. But, I've bought enough businesses over the years to know that it's real easy to get burned on an acquisition. While I still favor this merger, it's very obvious to me that LSUS will benefit from the merger much quicker than LA Tech will. Afterall, LA Tech has to pay for it. But, make no mistake, there will be unexpected costs and quite a bit of pain associated with the merger for LA Tech. IMO, the benefits for Tech won't really begin to emerge until after the first 4-5 years or so.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lotsudo
HD
There is nothing but positive upside for TECH, LSUS and N. Louisiana in this deal. It's all positive!!!!!
I have not read throught the last 262 post but I would like to comment on some of the conversations I have seen on articles (and I assume happened on this thread).Quote:
Originally Posted by Lotsudo
-LSUS is not a bad school. Many of our prominent posters here on BB&B have some type of education from there.
-Pilot Pride is something that should be honored and respected. Many people worked just as hard as you did for their education and if this merger happens it's going to hurt reguardless of the benefit. (It would hurt you if Tech was changing it's name!) Plus, isn't that one of our biggest complaints? Alumni should support THEIR school before any other school!
-This is about the call from businesses in NW La that a research university is needed. PERIOD!
-The LSU System will not allow a research university at ANY campus other than that in Baton Rouge, it's part of their mission statement.
-The LSU Flagship Agenda wants to get rid of the "other than a&m" campuses because they feel the simply pull money from BR. (FYI, Jindal supports this group) (so does the Raising Cane's founder, a good reason for both LSUS & LaTech people to find chicken alternatives!)
I look at LSUS as a beautiful wine grape. Their problem is that they are located in a part of the vinyard the owners have either decided to only give moderate attention to and/or have decided to forfiet a harvest altogether. It's a shame, they are hundred year old vines who's fruit will be left for the birds. They will be left to wither on the vine never to be what they where grown to be. A merger would not only allow some to be made into a wonderful wine, to be cherished by all. But some will help seed the new vinyard to grow into their own great vine and leave a new legacy.
I hope all Tech people are respecting those that have worked hard to get to where they are. Many on both sides are not informed enough to truely comment so please save the negative remarks.
And PLEASE EVERYONE, research the information, make an informed opinion, and when you share that opinion do so with the respect deserving of college educated people.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HogDawg
Agreed...But you have to look at it in this light: If LSUS (ahem, TECH-Shreveport) benefits from it, so will a "Global" La TECH and NW/C Louisiana. And if anyone thinks that this will happen over night, they better go back to bed Rip Van Winkle...
If/when centenary shuts it's doors for good there's an instant campus available.
The Nary may have chosen to diminish its profile with the move to D3, but there is still a market for small liberal arts colleges, and Centenary is still a very good one.Quote:
Originally Posted by hisaw
You oughta give Methodists more credit.
Whew...I don't want to open up that bucket of worms! That's the last thing I want is a bunch of liberal arts Weslian Methodist on my Baptist @$$!Quote:
Originally Posted by hisaw
It's not just that Centenary's administration decided to diminish their athletics profile. It's that Centenary's enrollment has dwindled to only 805 students. Just last year Centenary had to cut their degree offerings in half from 48 degree programs to only 24 degree programs. Over the past decade in the US News & World Report rankings, Centenary has fallen from a top 50 liberal arts college down to #171. Tech is actually more selective than Centenary now (61% acceptance at Tech vs. 64% acceptance at Centenary). I don't think Centenary is sustainable at this rate. If Centenary doesn't find a way to reverse the trend, Louisiana Tech could very well acquire Centenary as our liberal arts campus in the future. Centenary College of Louisiana Tech University. There is precedent for this as Eva Klein talked about how Rutgers acquired her alma mater as their liberal arts campus. I think a public liberal arts campus would thrive in Louisiana since we don't have one. It's really hard to justify paying so much tuition for a private liberal arts education in Louisiana in our current economy.Quote:
Originally Posted by Champ967
The Shreveport Times: Tech, LSUS merger bill advances
The Baton Rouge Advocate: Proposal to merge colleges clears education committee
The NOLA Times-Picayune: LSUS and LA Tech merger gets initial approval (Note: Dr. Rozeman, Shreveport cardiologist)
Four opinion pieces based in sound logic and reasoning in The Times today:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/artic...er-legislation
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/artic...rger-LSUS-Tech
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/artic...gher-education
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/artic...gions-identity
One uninformed opinion that makes no sense in The Times today:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/artic...ech-takes-LSUS
The LSUS students are clueless. I really feel bad for them. Some think that we are trying to close down their campus! That's ridiculous. The whole idea behind the merger is to GROW the campus. Tech has no incentive to kill it and every incentive to grow the Shreveport campus. The LSUS administration and SGA have FAILED their student body by spreading these ridiculous rumors. I don't know if you can fault their newspaper because of the lies coming from the "leaders" at LSUS. The Shreveport Media (The Times and tv stations) are doing nothing to get the facts to the citizens of northwest Louisiana. That's pathetic journalism.
http://www.ksla.com/story/18188078/b...-tech-advances
Tech... the bad guy...Quote:
Originally Posted by MiloBumP
http://www.ktbs.com/sports/LSUS-Base...z/-/index.html
It would also make sense for NSU to takeover LSUA and ULL to gobble up LSUE. Especially since LSU is trying to divest itself from these burdensome satelites.
I spoke with some powers-that-be at NSU recently and floated this idea. They love it! There is no love lost between NSU and LSUA. LSUA represents a threat to NSU, competing for students and limited resources. So, NSU would dearly love to eliminate it as a rival. What better way then by taking it over!
But! and herein lies the HUGE difference and is reflective as to why Tech has grown, while other state universities wallow. NSU will only consider taking over LSUA if LSUBR asks them to. They are so afraid to offend "big brother". Amazing...
Again, people are missing the point. The merger goes BOTH ways. Tech picks up a real baseball program to replace the crappy one we have now.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg06
None of your merger ideas are similar to our situation with Tech, LSUS, and NW Louisiana.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
The problem is that Northwestern State does not have Tech's statewide mission. NWST is designated as a regional school by the Board of Regents so I doubt they would approve it. NWST is not a national research university, and they do not have the innovation capacity that Tech has. I don't see NSU creating higher paying jobs and boosting business and bringing industry to Alexandria with their degree programs. NWST produces nurses and teachers, not engineers and innovators. Remember, Tech did not initiate this. The NW Louisiana business community wanted better, and that's why they approached Tech.
LSU-E is a juco, and Eunice is not a metro area. What's the point of ULL taking them over?
The way I see it is that the opponents of the merger are kinda like the loyalists during the Revolutionary War. They live to serve their own, either misinformed or selfish, purposes. They worship a far away power that they think likes them, while it actually looks down on them while sniggering.
On the other hand the supporters are kinda like the rebel soldiers during the same war. They are trying to help a region throw off a yoke placed on it by a self righteous power far away that has no care for what does the region good.
It is most definitely an uphill battle to get the stubborn "loyalists" to understand that we "rebels" are only trying to help.
The point is to save money! That's the point.
LSU Chancellor may take Colorado State Job: http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20120509/NEWS0402/120509003/LSU-chancellor-approached-about-another-job?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|FRONTPAGE
Being the chancellor of the flagship may not be that good of a job. Emmert left for Washington, not sure what happened to O'Keefe and Martin may leave for CSU.
I think over the last 10 years his Cardiology practice has thrived in Minden to the point where the majority of his patients are seen there.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg06
WTF did I just read?!?Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg06
That makes no sense:
Also their is an asinine comment on the KSLA page...
I suggest everyone go comment on the pro merger articles, right now we are driving up the popularity of the opponents opinions and they are getting top headlines...Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawg06
Just posted this response to the S'port times opinion letter:Quote:
Originally Posted by GermDawg
At the time of LSUS' founding in 1967 (and move to a 4-year university in 1972) there were two public universities within approximately an hour of Shreveport that had been around since the 1800's (Northwestern State - 1884 and Louisiana Tech - 1894). Shreveport students who wanted to go to a local public university within a reasonable distance already had options to do so. My personbal belief was that Shreveport wanted an affiliation with the flagship university - LSU. Skip ahead 40 years and the landscape has changed. Money is tight,there are too many 4-years universities in Louisiana, and the demands of the local economy have changed to require more technical and research components. Again I ask the question, if LSUS is not meeting the needs of the local economy, which makes more sense: (1) invest money the state does not have to build technical and research programs from scratch at LSUS, or (2) merge LSUS with Louisiana Tech, the Tier 1, doctoral, research university 1 hour to the east?
People need to forget about what is best for them as individuals, but what is best for the future of Shreveport and Louisiana. This includes fiscal and educational considerations. Louisiana is frequently mocked for itseducational decisions and the quality of education it provides. We have an opportunity here to show the state and the nation that we know what is best for our state's educational needs and that we have the consitution to make the tough decisions when they are necessary. The right decision is not always the easy decision.
Excellent response.
http://www.ksla.com/story/18188078/b...-tech-advancesQuote:
Originally Posted by GermDawg
Leonard Hollar
The thing that needs to be looked for in this proposal is: Who will profit most? Who either has land to sell to LaTech in Ruston so buildings can be built to house the influx of students after LSUS is closed, and/or who will gain after acquiring the property LSUS now stands upon? There is neither rhyme nor reason for this merger based upon any sort of logic, and the legislatures who presented the bills in the House and Senate certainly haven't presented a clue as to why they wish to go against the advice and wishes of almost everyone involved, from the Regents to the Faculty, Students and Alumni of LSUS. As stated on the opinions page of today's "Times", as a University, LaTech is behind in almost every collegiate standing when compared to LSUS. They should have added: Except football.
Yes, this makes no sense. "LaTech is behind in almost every collegiate standing"???
How are we behind in "almost every collegiate standing"? What does that even mean? Obviously this guy knows NOTHING about Louisiana Tech.
And he knows nothing about LSUS. He's in the same crowd that thinks LSUS is LSU.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUGETechfan
Because he's ignorant and thinks that LSU-S is LSU A&M.Quote:
Originally Posted by HUGETechfan
Well said BadMan
There is going to be minimal funding for LSUS going forward if they do not merge. The money for LSU to support these remote campuses is not there. You would have to be a complete moron to not think that LSUS would be better off as part of LA Tech.
http://www.4icu.org/us/Louisiana.htm
TECH...#3
LSUS...#14
Lolz ULM.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lotsudo
Did the House vote on the merger bill? It won in committee and was supposed to go to the floor yesterday. Well....?
The Times-Picayune editorial this morning is a piece in SUPPORT of the merger. I couldn't find it on nola.com, but it is in this mornings paper. It appeared the website may not have today's editorials up yet, everything still looked like yesterday's. I'll look later to see if it is linked.
Nuke
The bill is scheduled to be debated by the House on May 15th.Quote:
Originally Posted by dawg80
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nuke Dawg
Found it. Here is the editorial.
LSU Shreveport and Louisiana Tech merger is sensible: An editorial
Good find. Thanks!Quote:
Originally Posted by qng001
Isn't the Senate Committee considering their version of the bill today? What time? I'd love to listen in...