Nicholls has begun portions of the proposed administrative restructuring in an attempt to provide leadership stability.Stephen Hulbert, University president, said that through these adjustments, Nicholls may be able to reduce the size of the administrative staff by strengthening the responsibilities of executive personnel throughout the University.
“The reality is that my obligation as president is to provide for the continuity of the institution,” Hulbert said.
He said that the administrative restructuring was proposed because the University underwent severe program cuts in May 2009. With the University facing future budget cuts that could be as high as 32 percent, many options were considered.
“It seemed to me, before we cut any more academic programs that affected students, we should look at every way to reduce the size and scope of the administrative structure,” Hulbert said.
The proposal was shared within the University community in July 2010, and it suggested that over time there could be alternatives to cutting academic programs.
“Many people on campus did not respond to my proposal,” Hulbert said, “Some academics responded vehemently that they were opposed to a restructuring.”
He said the proposal was put aside when the intensity of the budget cut discussions became so great that an administrative reorganization seemed minor in comparison to what might have to be done.
Hulbert said that with the retirement of Carroll Falcon, provost, and Lionel Naquin, vice president for finance and administration, there was an opportunity to introduce several aspects of restructuring without making major changes.
Hulbert said that instead of replacing the vice president of finance and administration, he changed the position to executive vice president.
This position will be responsible for all aspects of finance and administration, as well as other obligations over time. Larry Howell, previously the special assistant to the president, assumed the title.
The positions are interim in nature but will eventually be filled permanently.
“I looked at people who have significant administrative experience on this campus already,” Hulbert said. “These people care about the University and offer great leadership skills through this transitional time.”
“At this point in time, we are restructuring without downsizing,” Hulbert said.
He said that this transition will focus on the financial management of the institution.
“I feel an obligation to work for the good of this institution and its people during a difficult time, but at some point in time I will be retiring and its part of my responsibility to see to the future and the stability of leadership,” Hulbert said.
