A Message From the
chancellor I Will Forever Love Purple, Live Gold As I reflect back on my years at LSU and ponder about this final letter for the LSU Alumni Magazine, I am overwhelmed by the privilege that it has been for me to have served this great university. I have held a number of positions at LSU, and my current appointment as Interim President and Chancellor is one that has been particularly challenging. I hope, during this period of transition for LSU, that I have at least brought some stabilization to our institution so it can regain the momentum it needs to be a world leader in learning, research, and service at the highest levels. LSU enjoys an abundance of strengths – its history, its tradition, the most beautiful campus in America, and so on. But easily the greatest strength is its people. My experiences with our students have been exhilarating. We have so many students with world-class talent that they imbue optimism for the future of Louisiana. Year after year, LSU boasts of Goldwater, Truman and Udall award winners who can compete with any student at any university in America. Their performance reinforces the excellence in education offered at LSU. We have terrific faculty and staff working under very demanding conditions. My admiration for Louisiana State University is higher now than ever before because of what our faculty and staff are accomplishing every day during trying economic times. Their commitment, dedication, and loyalty to LSU are inspiring. LSU is simply among the finest comprehensive research-intensive public institutions in America. I say it often but cannot say it enough – LSU is a mystical and magical place. The spirit of everyone associated with LSU – students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters – is just incredible to behold and experience firsthand. It is comforting for me to leave the reins of the University in the hands of F. King Alexander, LSU’s new president. I am very confident that he will provide exemplary leadership. I will watch with great interest as LSU thrives as a leader in the 21st century world of higher education. I am honored and humbled to have served you for so many years and I wish all of you, my friends, only the best of times. I will forever Love Purple and Live Gold.
William L. Jenkins, Interim LSU Chancellor
LSU Alumni Magazine | Summer 2013
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