John V. Lombardi
President
Louisiana State University System
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
Dear Dr. Lombardi:
This is to advise that I plan to resign as Chancellor of the Louisiana State University, and Professor of Public Administration, effective June 1, 2008. I am advised by the System Counsel that you have agreed that commencing February 1, 2008, I will no longer be responsible for new administrative duties. This will afford me the opportunity to complete teaching the graduate class I have just begun this spring semester and other related initiatives.
We agree that you and the Board of Supervisors deserve to have a leadership team which has complete confidence of the system leadership to carry out your strategic objectives. It is apparent to me that the board and system would be well served to have a new leader who will have that level of confidence. I understand that you are in concurrence with this position.
I wish you and the board every success in that quest.
Regards,
Sean O’Keefe
Chancellor
Comments
Posted by prone on January 16, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Smells like Blancos'(both of them)parting gift to ULaLa. A shorter flag pole for the flagship university may allow more sun on Lafayette. How many new appointments to the LSU board were made since Katrina?
Posted by jbaldy on January 16, 2008 at 12:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
WHAT A @%**&^# SHAME! The shame is that there are obviously some people connected with LSU (on the board and otherwise) who do not give a DAMN about what is best for LSU. Not only are they costing LSU a substantial amount of badly needed money (according to what some potential and active donors are saying), but THEY are negatively affecting the school's and the State's reputations for politics and "good old boy (and gal?)" networking, rather than their purposes. So what? THEY (and THEY know who THEY are) don't care! No wonder nobody wants to bring their business to LA.
It is hoped that the Chairman/Publisher and/or VP-Editorial of your fine publication will reveal who THEY are and why THEY really wanted to get rid of Chancellor O'Keefe, who probably stepped on some toes but was otherwise doing a fine job!
Posted by brbiz on January 16, 2008 at 1:06 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Having watched the 12:30 news conference on WBRZ, we heard absolutely no details as to why this decision has been made. Statements that personnel reviews are not a matter of public policy are respected, but obviously this decision is of utmost importance to everyone with a vested interest in LSU and the people deserve a better explanation. The press conference was a farce, as most are.
So, we find ourselves shaking our heads and still asking why the decision to push O'Keefe out was made. Claiming the decision was not political and had nothing to do with the rumored disagreements between Bertmann and O'Keefe is not good enough, especially to those who have contributed millions of dollars because of their respect and response to a man who has shown great success in the largest capital campaign in the history of LSU.
It also does not seem to matter that under O'Keefe's watch, that LSU's legislative funding increased substantially more than under Emmert's reign. Under O'Keefe there are more endowed professorships, rising admission test scores, and higher departmental national rankings. I mean, show us a reason of poor performance and we can respect your decision.
We do not expect anyone to admit in a press conference that this is a political move, but give us a break and realize the citizens of our state as well as those watching across the country are intelligent enough to see politics when it hits them in the face.
A list of the board of supervisors can be viewed here:
http://www.lsusystem.lsu.edu/boardofsupe...
I agree that someone must step forward and explain a decision to force someone out who has proven results.
Posted by WarmHen on January 16, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I can't help but think that LSU is being led by a bunch of yahoos. Lombardi is bombastic and uninformed as evidenced by newpaper quotes in which he heralds the LSU medical system as "terrific" and doing great work, just needs yet more money! This seems to be yet one more action of ignorant leadership. Is anyone questioning the rightness of bringing in this guy????
Posted by carol on January 16, 2008 at 2:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I still have no idea what all the real facts are here, but this is an ugly way to handle business. On the face of it, I would say that Mr. O'Keefe has conducted himself with a lot more class than has LSU and its board. I am sorry to see Mr. O'Keefe leave in this manner.
Posted by caustin on January 16, 2008 at 3:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This is an absolute disgrace. I am so disappointed in LSU right now on this decision to run off Chancellor O'Keefe.
Below is a letter sent to the board on behalf of LSU MBA Alumni Board of Directors but to no avail.
Dear President Lombardi:
I am writing in support of Sean O’Keefe in his role as Chancellor of LSU. As VP of Student Affairs of the LSU Flores MBA Alumni Association, I can personally attest to the Chancellor’s support within our organization and the business community. Chancellor O’Keefe has consistently supported Louisiana Looking Up!, the Flores MBA Alumni Association’s extremely successful annual fund-raising event, by recruiting key speakers from the business community and through his personal appearances. All proceeds from Louisiana Looking Up! are contributed to the LSU Foundation for travel scholarships for full-time MBA students. In closing, Chancellor O’Keefe’s personal dedication and commitment to LSU are appreciated by me and the other business leaders with whom I have worked closely with in support of LSU. He is the ultimate stand-up guy and role model, who has consistently and adamantly supported our efforts, as well as, all of that of the Flores LSU MBA Program. We of the LSU Flores MBA Alumni Association owe Dr. O’Keefe a debt of gratitude for his support.
Sincerely,
Carmen R. Austin, MBA, CCIM
Class of 2004
I am utterly appalled as I am sure so many others are at this time. What a mistake!Who is going to show accountability for this decision??
Posted by theway on January 16, 2008 at 6:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
O'Keefe's ouster is just another example of the LSU mafia led by its in-house lawyer, Ray Lamonica, and his Board ally, Jim Roy. First they removed the gutty Donald Smithburg from the health care role. Now the extremely competent O'Keefe. The next target will probably be Tim Ryan at UNO. All successful leaders who are nationally recognized for their talent. Other than the gridiron, LSU's fractious Board can't help but continue to shoot itself in the head. What an embarrassment to Louisiana.
Posted by quick on January 17, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"theway's" posting above is right on. It's so nice to see that there are a few people who actually get what's going on. The LSU System office needs to be completely dissected and looked at under a microscope. The rotten, infected pieces need to be excised and replaced by ethical, good people who 1) actually care about the organization, 2) are not only intelligent and capable, but experienced in the areas they oversee, and 3) aren't influenced by power or politics. It's been said before, but does anyone really question why Louisiana has the reputation it has for it's good ole boy mentality? The people of Louisiana need to wake up--THE EMPORER HAS ON NO CLOTHES.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)