Letter to the editor

Members of the Jaguar Nation:
As this semester is now well underway, I pause to take this time to reflect on our present state as a student government and current status an institution. Although much progress has been made in numerous areas, as your president, I am compelled to recognize that both your government and campus have a ways to go.
On this past Tuesday, your student government celebrated another historic milestone. In a continued effort to advance the student body, we partnered with the newest location of Raising Canes Chicken fingers on Plank Road. Continuing to fulfill the promises of my campaign platform, we worked hard to bring a much needed 20 percent off discount to the student body every Tuesday. Although some would assert that this event is insignificant, I submit to you that our newest corporate partnership is of the greatest importance as it serves as a shining example of the outstanding credibility and respected reputation that this year’s student government has earned in the greater Baton Rouge community.
Although our newest achievement is noteworthy, I feel that it is my responsibility to inform you of the present circumstance that will affect our campus for semesters and years to come. My fellow jaguars, our university in now searching for a new chancellor.
At present, Interim-Chancellor Margaret Ambrose has provided laudable leadership to our campus. She has been an innovative academician and an able-bodied administrator, as proven through her visionary blueprint for retention and by standing firm in one of the most tumultuous times in our university’s history. However, a collective wisdom, far greater than mine, has concluded that it is time for our campus to secure a permanent leader. As student government association president, and seeking only to do what is in the best interest of the student body, I am compelled to participate in this search process for this reason alone. Our campus needs to be refreshed. Because of this, and because the students’ voice must be heard on this crucial matter, I have accepted my appointment to the search committee for our new chancellor. My primary reason for actively participating in this endeavor is solely for the sake of our institution’s reputation locally, nationally, and abroad as I wholeheartedly believe that it need be shown that Southern University at Baton Rouge is committed to producing positive results. Although I could express reservations as it pertains to the timing of the search, with the impending visitation of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, I still hold that the eventual ushering in of a new, youthful chancellor will renew our spirits; however, the time to select new leadership has been placed upon us. Furthermore, SU must find a chancellor who is full of vigor and creative ideas, and duly qualified and experienced. In addition to these qualities, above all, we need a chancellor who is not afraid to challenge us to defeat the good ol’ “Southern Establishment” and overcome the severe hindrances of the most archaic traditions that accompany it. As our university has experienced such searches before, and as I have expressed to the upper levels of both university and system administration, I will only be party to a search that is fully legitimate and laden with transparency. I have been assured that this search committee will be such, and as a result, I stand ready to serve.
Lastly, even though our university faces some difficult times ahead, I ask you to join with me in the belief that such events are merely transitory; that they are fleeting. However, the one thing that will remain forever is the indelible mark of our legacy that your student government association now seeks to leave. We must understand that we are a chosen generation, a marvelous people; members of the mighty Jaguar nation, who are scholars and leaders, and the future of this great society. That in itself is worthy of praise, but more so, worthy of preservation. Because of this, the student government has initiated an engraved brick program, entitled L.O.L. (Leaving Our Legacy) where every student enrolled in this university will be able to purchase a brick with their name, major, and expected date of graduation. These bricks will lie in the present brick paving surrounding the hand statue in the plaza in front of the union for all generations to see. These bricks are set to cost no more than $35.00 for students and can be purchased in the student government association office on the second floor of the Smith-Brown Memorial Union. Let it be made known that your student government is not in the business of making money off of its students; however, we are in the business of bettering our institution, and leaving our powerful legacy is the best way to do such!
Fellow jaguars, the challenges ahead for our institution are many but they are not insurmountable. As Black History Month is upon us, always remember that “We shall overcome”, together.
With sincere regard,
Carey L. H. Ash, 66th President Student Government Association Southern University at Baton Rouge Chairman, Louisiana Council of Student Body Presidents