Dr. Joseph Savoie , the sixth president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette , announced Nov. 12 that he will retire effective Dec. 31, 2025, after 17 years leading the institution.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors named him president emeritus during a special meeting.

A two-time UL Lafayette graduate, Savoie became president in 2008 and has been credited with guiding the University through a period of unprecedented growth and achievement. In a message to faculty, staff and students, he described his service as “the honor of my life” and said his decision came after months of reflection on the university’s future.

“I am so proud of what we have achieved together,” Savoie said. “Higher education has changed immensely in the past two decades. I owe it to

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