Copyright Baton Rouge Advocate
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Former President Joseph Savoie will officially retire Dec. 31, forgoing a sabbatical and faculty appointment in the College of Education and Human Development planned for 2026. Savoie announced the decision in a Wednesday afternoon email to university employees ahead of a Thursday morning University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors meeting with an agenda item on the same topic. "Like many of you in recent months, I have done a great deal of reflecting on our University — its people, its challenges and its future," Savoie wrote. "These are difficult times, and at moments like this, we are called to act in the best interests of the institution. That understanding has led me to the decision to retire effective December 31, 2025. In doing so, I will forgo the sabbatical and faculty appointment in the College of Education & Human Development that had been planned for the coming year. "Throughout my career, I have tried to serve the long-term interests of the University and its people. This decision is a continuation of that commitment. "Being part of this community for more than half a century has shaped my life in ways I could never have imagined. As a two-time graduate of the University and as someone who has spent decades walking these grounds, I carry with me countless memories of the people, the places and the purpose that define this institution. The best experiences of my life have this campus as their backdrop. I am deeply grateful to every person who continues to work for its success and to those who, in these times of uncertainty, have shown care and compassion for one another. I ask that you continue to do this as the University works to address its fiscal realities and ensure stability. "Serving my alma mater for 17 years as its president remains one of the greatest honors of my life. I am confident that the University’s best days are ahead because of each of you, and I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of a place that has given my family and me — that has given all of us — so much." Savoie, who stepped down as president of the university in July before his contract was up, was named president emeritus at that time. He was set to continue earning his presidential salary through the end of the year. His compensation package included an annual salary of $510,500, housing on the UL campus and the use of a vehicle or a vehicle allowance of $1,000 per month. Last month, UL System President Rick Gallot said that Savoie would take a six-month sabbatical before moving into a full-time tenured faculty position in UL's College of Education. Details about his new salary were not disclosed at that time, but Savoie was expected to earn the average of the top three faculty salaries for that college.
