The search for a new vice president of student affairs may come to an end after the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors meets Friday. The Board is scheduled to vote on approval of the appointment of Dr. Eugene Dial, dean of student life, as the new vice president.
“At this point, Dr. (Donald) Ayo has recommended my appointment upon Dr. (Joanne) Ferriot’s retirement, effective July 1,” Dial said.
Dial would replace Ferriot after her retirement.
He said he learned he would be on the agenda about two weeks ago.
“The deadline for topics to be under consideration to be placed on the agenda is usually about three weeks before the meeting,” Dial said.
Dial said he is pleased with the possibility of becoming the new vice president.
“I feel excited,” he said. “I have spent my entire adult life preparing for that position. I’m not overwhelmed by it, but am in awe of what the position entails.”
He said the new position would be a larger-scale version of his current one.
“In the position of dean, you provide the day-to-day student leadership and make sure it is implemented,” he said. “As a vice president, you have to lead by example and be a visionary leader. You are then responsible for all areas of student life and have to plan for success.”
If the Board approves his appointment, Dial said the University will immediately have to begin searching for a new dean of student life.
“We will advertise to the nation, and all colleges in the state and region,” he said. “If they approve the appointment, then we will have to request approval to start the search.”
He said he would hope to have a new dean appointed before July 1.
“We are also in the process of looking for a director of University Police, and I wouldn’t want to start the semester without having both positions filled,” Dial said.
He said the University has interviewed one candidate for University Police, and one other person is about to have an interview. He said there are also other people who will need to set up interviews before a decision can be reached.
