BusinessReport.com

Posted on January 16 at 1:06 p.m.

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.

On Letter from Sean O'Keefe to President Lombardi

Posted on January 14 at 5:57 p.m.

LSU spokesperson, Zewe, said “the business community does not and will not dictate to LSU who stays and who goes”

The business community plays a huge role as contributors providing insight and leadership. I would venture a guess that this same business community are major benefactors providing financial support to LSU for both academia and athletics. As McCollister says, the board of supervisors consists of business leaders. Why alienate the very group that provides a huge support system? This is short-sighted.

This is not just about the money, it is about building coalitions and not alienating business leaders who have been key to the success of the university system.

On TWO CENTS: Publisher takes LSU’s president and Board to task