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S O U T H E R N
O F F I C E
U N I V E R S I T Y
S Y S T E M
NEWS
Volume 2, Issue 2, Fall 2010
O F
T H E
P R E S I D E N T
President’s Message Dear Southernites:
As the fall season begins, we are working diligently to reorganize and right size the Southern University System as we navigate very turbulent waters.
In char6ng a new course, we are star6ng a process to reposi6on the Southern University System as a next genera6on Historically Black University and a model for higher learning in a global economy. This ini6a6ve, Project Posi ve Direc on, is the first step in establishing a systemic approach to producing globally compe66ve graduates from among our tradi6onal and increasingly selec6ve enrollment base. The key components of Project Posi ve Direc on include reorganizing the System Office and laying the groundwork for a unified business model, assis6ng the unit Chancellors in addressing key concerns, increasing community college transfers and intra system matricula6on, pursuing a special admissions niche for bright, underprepared K-12 graduates, especially black males, and enhancing public trust and respect. Project Posi ve Direc on is designed to help us survive a year of severe budget cuts and simultaneously ini6ate posi6ve movement. The efforts will also help us prepare for the many unknowns of the future, such as a possible 38 percent budget reduc6on next fiscal year. It is also the beginning of the regenera6on of our system for the 21st century. The path will not be easy. Historically Black College and Universi6es, like Southern, have met challenges with strength and determina6on. The hardship created by the current fiscal crisis is no excep6on. The SU System and HBCUs have a social responsibility to play an ac6ve role to inspire change, to shape policy in all areas of society, to contribute to the public good, and to assist humankind in making the world a be7er place to live for all ci6zens. As the president of the na6on’s only African-American university System, it is my sincere hope that our purpose, a dedicated team, and hard work and determina6on will restore, grow, and sustain the Southern University System and higher educa6on in Louisiana and in the world. The Southern University System of Higher Learning: Be7er Learning...Be7er Life! Sincerely, Dr. Ronald Mason Jr., J.D. President
SU System President Ronald Mason Jr. recently visited each SU campus and unit to tour facili1es and to meet with chancellors, administrators, faculty, staff, and students. Priori1es to address key concerns including enrollment, faculty salaries, football revenue, deferred maintenance, and facili1es (including clinical and classroom space) are key components of Project Posi ve Direc on, Mason’s new ini1a1ve designed to promote posi1ve movement for the University. Pictured is President Mason touring the SU Ag Center, A.O. Williams Hall.