The year 2014 was a banner one for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
It was also a great one for the city, which gained honors as the “happiest city in America” by the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research, USA Today’s No. 1 “best college town weekend,” and the No. 2 “best college town” by Travel + Leisure.
Students, faculty and staff members moved the University forward on several fronts. Here are highlights to recognize some of those accomplishments:
10. New Provost
Dr. James Henderson kicked off the year at UL Lafayette as the provost and vice president for academic affairs. He’s already making positive impacts… http://www.louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20140116/henderson-begins-work-provost
9. Emergency Effective
University and local officials successfully responded to a bomb threat over the summer. The University’s bomb dog walked 18 miles, and she was just one of the heroes… http://www.louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20140722/university-local-officials-effectively-respond-bomb-threat
8. Interdisciplinary Emphasis
The College of General Studies became University College. Other changes were made to the Honors Program and the new University Connection program to emphasize interdisciplinary studies… http://www.louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20140826/college-general-studies-becomes-university-college
7. Soaring Graduations
The University's graduation rate has risen over 49 percent during the last decade. Ragin’ Cajun student-athletes bested peers’ rates at other Louisiana and conference schools, and the University held its first Summer Commencement since 1949… http://louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20140930/graduation-rate-has-increased-significantly-over-last-decade
6. Officially Geaux
‘Geaux Cajuns®’ earned federal trademark protection. Geaux Cajuns!… http://www.louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20140529/%E2%80%98geaux-cajuns%C2%AE%E2%80%99-earns-federal-trademark-protection
5. Lane Change
Cyclists traveling campus along St. Mary Boulevard gained new bike lanes. The city also installed bike lanes along St. Landry Street this year… http://www.louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20140220/bike-lanes-opened-along-st-mary-boulevard
4. Gaining Respect
The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics Department ranked No. 34 overall in the U.S., which was partly a nod to its multiple championships wins. Athletics added new seats to the Cajun Field end zone and broke ground on a student-athlete performance center… http://www.mzines.net/publication.aspx?pid=690&pkey=bsfkjsbjl&pageid=34
3. Landmark Enhancements
The University added public art to its main campus. A statue was revealed to honor its first president. Also, a wall with the University’s name was constructed on the lawn in front of Martin Hall…
http://www.louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20140516/university-adds-public-art-campus-honor-its-first-president
2. Historic Enrollment
Total enrollment at the University this Fall was 18,796 students, the highest in the school’s history and the largest increase among colleges in the state. And, there’s a growing trend of students from out of state… http://www.louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20140917/record-number-students-enroll-fall-2014
1. Silicon Bayou
Three IT companies announced they are bringing about 1,000 new jobs into the local economy through partnerships with the University. The average pay is even more impressive…
http://www.louisiana.edu/news-events/news/20140904/plans-latest-tech-center-brings-new-job-total-1000
Keep up with University news throughout the year: