Dear Colleagues,
As the year comes to a close, I want to pause and simply say thank you.
Across LSU, Pennington Biomedical, the AgCenter, LSU Health New Orleans, and LSU Health
Shreveport, you show up every day with a deep sense of purpose, whether that be teaching,
discovering, healing, serving, or a combination of them all. You are committed to
supporting one another and the people of Louisiana. That work is demanding, often
behind the scenes, and always important. I may be new to the LSU family, but I see
the magnitude of your collective effort, and I am awed by and grateful for it.
To put it mildly, this year also brought change, and it’s fair to say that change
can be challenging. New structures, new expectations, and new ways of working together
can raise questions and require patience. I appreciate the professionalism, thoughtfulness,
and openness you have shown as we take these steps forward together.
What gives me great confidence and genuine excitement are the people who make up this
LSU community. When we believe in one another, roll up our sleeves, and stay focused
on what matters most, we don’t just make progress – we build something special. And
yes, we can do meaningful work, push ourselves, and still enjoy the journey along
the way.
As the holidays arrive, I hope you are able to step away, catch your breath, and spend
time with those who matter most to you. You’ve earned the chance to rest and recharge.
I look forward to spending more time with you all upon our return.
Thank you for your commitment to LSU and to each other. I’m proud of what we have
accomplished together and excited about what lies ahead.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year.
Best,

Jim Dalton
Executive Vice President & Chancellor
Louisiana State University