Southeastern NEWS
                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           SLU 10880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504-549-2341/fax 504-549-2061


                                           
    Date: July 6, 2001
      Contact:                           Rene Abadie     1

SOUTHEASTERN THANKS AREA LEGISLATORS

     HAMMOND   Southeastern Louisiana University fared well during the recent legislative
session, and the Florida Parishes legislative delegation deserves special thanks for its efforts on
behalf of the university, a Southeastern official said.
     "Once again our delegation worked in concert to help Southeastern in its mission to lead the
educational, cultural and economic development of southeast Louisiana," said Interim President
Randy Moffett. "We are fortunate to have a delegation that works so cooperatively in the interest
of the university."
     Moffett said this year's session saw the passage of several bills that directly benefit
Southeastern, including a $900,000 appropriation to finish renovations on the Columbia Theatre
for the Performing Arts located in downtown Hammond.
     "The appropriation allows us to put the finishing touches on what will be the premier center
for performing arts on the north shore," Moffett said. Originally, built in 1928, the 900-seat
facility is nearing completion of its renovation and is scheduled to open early next year.
     The Legislature appropriated $39 million in funding for  higher education for faculty pay
raises, of which Southeastern will gain approximately $1.8 million.
     "It's essential that we keep faculty pay competitive so that we can recruit and retain excellent
faculty," he said. "Just as it is important to the campus that we have modern buildings and
facilities, the quality of our faculty is critical. Competitive salaries allow us to recruit and retain
excellent faculty, allowing us to thrive academically and best serve our students."
     The legislature also appropriated $16 million for library and scientific equipment at state
colleges and universities. Southeastern's share of the appropriation is approximately $1 million.
Another $1.3 million in enhancement funds was allocated to Southeastern to assist in meeting
operational expenses such as increases associated with the state's health insurance plan and civil
service pay increases.
     Moffett said the Legislature re-affirmed the priorities of the university's capital outlay
program. Among the appropriations which are slated to fund construction this year are:
classroom building renovations, $4.12 million; expansion of the Teacher Education Center, $6.2
million; biology building construction, $11.9 million; and repairs to the Pottle Music Building,
$685,000.
     Moffett said his appreciation reflects the gratitude of Southeastern's faculty, staff and
students. "The Florida Parishes delegation is one of the most effective delegations in Baton
Rouge," he said,  "primarily because of their unity in passing legislation that benefits the entire
region. Southeastern continues to benefit greatly from their dedication."
-SLU-
Press release available online at www.selu.edu/NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newsm01.htm