Straight Talk from the President - November 3, 2008
Dear Colleagues,
We will celebrate all things ULM on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. in the Monroe Civic Center. At Envision ULM 2008, we will recognize one of our greatest attributes and what continues to propel us forward: the strength of our intellectual infrastructure. To illustrate this, we highlight the many academic contributions of our faculty and staff. I encourage you to attend the fourth annual event, emceed by the Honorable Jay McCallum ('82), a 3rd Judicial District Court judge. To purchase tickets, please call University Relations at 342-5440 or e-mail Claudia Evans at evans@ulm.edu
Yet another strength lies within the daily operations of our university. A review of ULM’s financial procedures, control systems, and financial reports concludes that ULM is in strict accordance with current accounting standards and reveals “no findings.” The review, conducted by the Legislative Auditor's Office, spans two years, July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2008. I sincerely appreciate the diligence of Vice President for Business Affairs Dave Nicklas and his team. They put forth a lot of effort, ensuring a successful audit review. The positive report is especially relevant, as ULM will complete the process of reaffirming accreditation by SACS in 2009. The Legislative Auditor's Review is available online as a PDF.
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| ULM's 21st National Champions Water Ski Team |
Once again, I congratulate the ULM Water Ski Team. The team recently won its 21st championship title at the National Collegiate Water Ski Association’s 30th National Championship Tournament in Chandler, Ariz. Twenty-two teams from across the nation competed in the NCWSA tournament, demonstrating some of the country’s best collegiate skiing. ULM’s Water Ski Team is known throughout the world for its prowess and just as importantly, its sportsmanship. I learned that our team cheered on all of the other Louisiana teams during the competition, and for that, I am truly proud.
As you may know, ULM is participating in a University of Louisiana System study that analyzes our university’s impact on the economy and quality of life in Louisiana. The report, coordinated by Applied Research Technology Corporation of Baton Rouge, will incorporate ULM’s economic footprint and that of the other seven institutions in the UL System. Results are expected by late spring. ULM’s economic impact study committee, led by Richard Hood, executive assistant to the president, includes professors of Economics Robert Eisenstadt and Paul Nelson, who have considerable experience in conducting similar studies; Robin Logan, executive director of university planning and analysis; Priscilla Turner, special events assistant; and Laura Harris, director of media relations. In the next few weeks, faculty, staff and students will be asked to complete a brief online survey. This survey will focus on questions regarding your monthly and annual expenditures on goods and services in northeast Louisiana. Of course, all responses and data are strictly anonymous and voluntary, although every response is essential towards ensuring an accurate reflection of ULM’s impact on the region.
Lastly, I know you appreciate the importance of tomorrow’s presidential election. Remember to exercise your right to vote. To confirm your voting location, visit: maps.google.com/vote
I wish all of you a good week, and I look forward to seeing you at Envision ULM.
Sincerely,
James E. Cofer
President
Photo of ULM Water Ski Team by Glen Yacher, The Hawkeye