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Dear University community,

Thank you to everyone who joined us Wednesday for the State of the University. It was good to begin a new academic year together and reflect on our progress, our momentum and where we are headed next.

If you weren’t able to join us, or would like to revisit the address, and view the presentation slides.

Here are a few highlights from the address:

• Our financial trajectory has changed, but our work is not finished. We begin this fiscal year with a balanced budget for the first time in more than a decade. Continued discipline will be essential as we live within our budget, generate revenue and make intentional investments in our people, student success and priorities that advance our mission.
• Student success is everyone’s job. Enrollment is moving in the right direction, but getting students here is only part of our responsibility. We are investing in advising, affordability, mental health, career preparation and other resources to help more students reach the finish line.
• Our research is creating opportunity for Louisiana. Our research enterprise now exceeds $263 million annually, and Â鶹ҹÊÐ generated more than $4.4 billion in statewide economic impact last year. We will continue putting that capacity to work to prepare people, solve problems and create economic opportunity for the state and people we serve. 
• We have momentum — and a shared destination. Louisiana Vision 2035 sets ambitious goals for enrollment, research, doctoral education and philanthropy. It does not create our momentum; it gives our collective work a collective purpose and a shared destination. And it invites all of us to contribute our ideas and dream big.

As I mentioned during Wednesday’s address, our trajectory is not predetermined. Where we go depends on how we choose to move. 

Let’s move different. Let’s make this year matter.

Geaux Cajuns! 

Dr. Ramesh Kolluru
President