Despite eliminating 328 positions, more than a quarter of its work force, the LSU AgCenter faces a $3.1 million deficit for the current fiscal year, an LSU System spokesman says. The AgCenter has been hit with $26 million in state funding cuts over the past three years. The center’s facilities conduct agricultural research, run outreach programs such as 4-H and provide services to farmers and ranchers statewide; but the center has no students and therefore is unable to take advantage of recent tuition and fee hikes for higher education approved by the Legislature. AgCenter Chancellor Bill Richardson is scheduled to discuss the budget woes and possible steps to address the shortfall with the LSU Board of Supervisors July 15. Also on the board’s tentative agenda:
—A possible 5% increase in tuition and mandatory fees for LSU medical and dental school students. The Legislature approved the hikes, so long as the increases do not exceed the Southern Regional Education Board averages for medical professional schools.
—Approval of an eight-year lease for the old Kmart building in north Baton Rouge for use as the new headquarters of the LSU Health Care Services Division, which operates six of LSU’s 10 public hospitals.
—A one-year contract extension with no increase in pay for LSU head basketball coach Trent Johnson as well as for LSU co-head swimming and diving coaches Dave Geyer and Douglas Shaffer. LSU women’s basketball coach Nikki Caldwell’s contract also is scheduled for submission.
