Thursday, October 30, 2025

Message from the President

Dear Colleagues,

Skies are clear and we're moving full steam ahead as we approach the end of October. The Transition Team will meet next Wednesday, November 5, to begin planning for the shift back to the LSU system, and colleagues in Academic Affairs are busy drafting the "Substantive Change Argument" for our accreditor, SACSCOC, who must approve the university's shift from one governing board to another at their June 2026 meeting.

Late October is often when things get more intense in and out of the classroom. Midterms, papers, and projects are weighing heavily on students' minds, and it begins to seem like it may be impossible to complete everything that must be done before the end of the semester. Recognizing that stress levels are high for everyone is important, and I hope that we can recommit to trying to teach our students as well as to support each other with empathy and compassion whenever possible.

It's also important to try to position ourselves to take advantage of those amazing moments of joy and inspiration that occur every day at the University of New Orleans. This week I had the pleasure of meeting with Cruz Cassard, the Student Body President from Nicholls State University, who is a member of the Louisiana Board of Regents Task Force on Career Alignment. Learning about Cruz's advocacy for paid internships and maximizing opportunities for experiential learning on college campuses was truly inspiring.

Last night, I had the incredibly good fortune of being able to spend an hour at "Studio 410" for Jazz at the Sandbar. Our student musicians were absolutely amazing - technically, but also through their energy and sense of joy that came across through their music. When special guest Ivan Neville sat down at the piano and began to sing with them, somehow managing to play 2 keyboards simultaneously while also appearing to dance and shout words of encouragement to our students in between lyrics - well, that was a perfect moment of joy. Thanks to Professor Brian Seeger for all that he does to make the magic happen.

And finally, for stargazers and those who love brisk fall evenings - please try to stop by the observatory open house tonight between 7:30 and 10:30 PM. It's on the 3rd floor of the Science Building and is being coordinated by Dr. Kendal Leftwich. (Thank you Dr. Leftwich!)

With UNO Pride and Wishes for Clear Skies (as well as a happy and safe Halloween),

Kathy E. Johnson, Ph.D. 
President, University of New Orleans