The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL) has taken decisive action to tackle a substantial $25 million structural budget deficit, announcing the layoff of 51 employees and the elimination of an additional 19 vacant positions. Interim University President Jaimie Hebert communicated these difficult decisions to faculty and staff in a recent email.
These significant cuts span all university divisions, impacting both civil service and non-civil service personnel. President Hebert emphasized that these were not hasty decisions, stating, “These personnel changes were not made lightly. They came after thorough consideration of needs and priorities,” reflecting the university’s careful approach to this challenging situation.
Positions Eliminated Across Multiple Divisions
A total of 70 positions have been affected, encompassing a mix of retirements, resignations, reassignments, and direct layoffs. As part of this overhaul, the university has restructured its Office of Communications and Marketing and the Office of Auxiliary Services, and has entirely closed the Office of Sustainability and Community Engagement.
“Each affected employee has contributed to the life and mission of this University. We are grateful for their service to our students, colleagues and community,” President Hebert acknowledged in an internal email.
These recent cuts follow an earlier elimination of six positions in September. Cumulatively, these actions have successfully reduced the $25 million structural deficit by an impressive $20 million, leaving $5 million still requiring attention.
Future Financial Adjustments Planned
Looking ahead, President Hebert has outlined plans for an additional $15 million in reductions over the next few months. This ambitious target aims not only to eliminate the remaining $5 million structural deficit but also to further decrease the university’s recurring annual financial shortfall.
UL’s current financial struggles are not new. Previous audits have consistently pointed to significant issues within the university’s finances, including a troubling pattern of late billing over three consecutive years. The Louisiana Legislative Auditor flagged these concerns in the late spring, which the university attributed to staffing shortages and high turnover rates. Furthermore, a prior audit had already unveiled a substantial $12.6 million deficit within UL’s Athletic Department, underscoring the broader fiscal challenges.
Leadership Changes and Persistent Fiscal Pressures
These financial upheavals coincide with recent changes in the university’s administration. Jaimie Hebert assumed the role of interim president in July, following Joseph Savoie’s early departure and transition to president emeritus. Adding to the administrative shifts, Jerry Luke LeBlanc, UL’s former vice president of finance and administration, resigned in May, with Edwin Litolff currently serving as interim vice president of finance.
In his initial address to university stakeholders, President Hebert clearly articulated that fiscal stability and operational efficiency are paramount. Contributing significantly to the financial strain is a persistent decline in full-time undergraduate enrollment. After reaching a peak of 14,964 students in 2017, enrollment figures have not recovered, consistently adding to the university’s budget challenges.