As the year draws to a close, here are some of the stories – in no particular order – that UL Lafayette’s Office of Communications and Marketing and other University news pages brought you in 2019. (You can find more by or ).
We look forward to continuing to share accomplishments and accolades from throughout the University community in 2020. Send news tips to communications@louisiana.edu.
See you in the new year!
Commitment to student research
In 2020, the University will launch Advance, its Quality Enhancement Plan. The QEP is a mandatory project that’s part of the reaccreditation process. This year, we met a number of students already deeply engaged in research.
- Internship puts UL Lafayette senior on the front lines of autism research
- Graduate student sets his own pace in pursuit of dual master’s degrees
- Caffery Prize winner lifts the veil on hidden history of region’s vigilantes
Faculty research
Faculty and staff researchers continued to push the bounds of knowledge and learning in 2019, and proved once again that the work done at UL Lafayette has far-reaching implications.
- UL Lafayette sets another record for R&D funding
- $3.8 million NSF grant funds creation of invasive plant species consortium
Diversity
The University has earned widespread recognition for its diversity and inclusion efforts, but isn’t resting on its laurels. It expanded its Louisiana Educate Program that began in 2018, for example. It also produced a Strategic Plan for Inclusive Excellence.
- University’s commitment to inclusion earns national acclaim
- University gets strategic about diversity and inclusion
- Social mobility aim of University's Louisiana Educate Program
- University, partners mind the (achievement) gap in higher ed
- Social mobility helps University earn high marks from Washington Monthly magazine
New in 2019
The University launched academic and certificate programs, deepened its cultural stewardship, and strengthened its commitment to Louisiana and its citizens.
- Accounting master’s degree now offered online
- Center for Louisiana Studies brings folklore marker program to state
- University taps economist as Blanco policy center’s founding director
- Cardiovascular nursing graduate certificate program moves ahead
Interesting people
University students and alumni have no shortage of stories to share, and we met a number of interesting Ragin’ Cajuns in 2019.
- ‘Grit’ carries first-gen grad from Breaux Bridge to the Brooklyn Bridge
- Trip to Vietnam helps student veteran find healing 50 years after war
- Governor names second consecutive University grad state poet laureate
In Memoriam
UL Lafayette said farewell to several members of its family in 2019, including:
- former Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco;
- novelist and former writer-in-residence Ernest J. Gaines;
- baseball head coach Tony Robichaux;
- oilfield innovator and University benefactor ;
- volunteer softball coach ; and
- , both mainstays in the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics Department
New spaces
Campus improvements in 2019 addressed food security, saw the opening of student housing where high-end accommodations and retail space coexist, and provided University Police with an expanded, state-of-the-art headquarters.
- New pier provides pathway into the heart of Cypress Lake
- UL Lafayette pantry addresses food security on campus
Sports
The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns gave its fans plenty to cheer about in 2019, including wins, records, and the return of a couple of old friends.
- A familiar face: It's a homecoming for new Ragin' Cajuns baseball coach
- Iconic Ragin’ Cajuns softball head coach earns ‘absolute ultimate’ honor
- Ragin’ Cajuns Water Ski Team earns seventh national title
Sustainability
Innovative programs and international praise are just some of the indicators that the University is on top of its game when it comes to sustainability and eco-friendliness.
- Green machine: University No. 195 in the world for eco-friendliness
- EPA applauds University's storm water management efforts
- UL Lafayette adds composting, food donations to landfill diversion efforts
- ‘Trees for Threes’ gives basketball players extra incentive
Rankings
Academic excellence at the University earned recognition from a range of national publications and other entities.
- Teacher preparation programs earn national accreditation
- College of Nursing earns national praise for end-of-life care training
- U.S. News & World Report ranks University among 'best colleges'
- Princeton Review again rates UL Lafayette among nation’s ‘Best’
- Forbes magazine places UL Lafayette among nation's 'Best Value Colleges'