Twelve years had passed since then-Gov. Mike Foster had nominated him to become Louisiana’s commissioner of higher education.
Weeks before he arrived on campus, Savoie appointed six Transition Advisory Teams to be led by Jerry Luke Leblanc, the University’s vice president of administration. The teams evaluated key areas of the University and recommended improvements. Each reported that a clear plan for the University’s growth and development should be a priority.
Savoie invited the University community to help formulate a five-year strategic plan. The plan the University adopted has eight tactical imperatives. One of them calls for “creating an institution our stakeholders will highly regard.” It specifically cites branding as the way to increase loyalty to the University and enhance the University’s visibility.