Dear Southernites:

Last Friday, I was prepared to make an inspiring presentation to the SU Board of Supervisors regarding the Lab School Expansion Committee's plan to create new schools in New Orleans and Shreveport, and a boarding school in Baton Rouge. I was prepared to tell the Board that we were making history. That this move was a paradigm shift in education. That the pipeline to higher education in Louisiana was about to become significantly stronger. And, that this Lab School Expansion project would garner national attention. I had rehearsed my comments and polished my Power Point presentation. I was excited and ready to persuade the Board. But, it didn't happen.

  

At the beginning of the meeting during public comments, Dr. Albert Samuels, Vice President of the SUBR Faculty Senate, walked up to the microphone and gave an amazing speech in favor of the plan. It was brilliant!   When the Board got to the item on the agenda, someone quickly made a motion, it was seconded and then unanimously approved, all before I could make it to the podium. It was the best presentation I never made. Thanks, Dr. Samuels!! On Monday, we successfully submitted our application to the Louisiana Department of Education to begin the process.