Ray Authement facts for kids

Ray Paul Authement Sr. (born November 19, 1928 – died April 5, 2020) was an important American leader in education. He was the longest-serving university president in the United States. From 1974 to 2008, he was the fifth president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. This university was once known as the University of Southwestern Louisiana. It is located in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Early Life and Education

Ray Authement was born on November 19, 1928. His family lived near Chauvin in a country area of Terrebonne Parish. His parents were Elias Lawrence Authement and Elphia Marie Duplantis. Both of his parents were from Terrebonne Parish.

In 1950, Authement earned his first college degree, a bachelor's degree, from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He then went on to study at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. There, he earned a master's degree in 1952. In 1956, he completed his Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in mathematics.

Ray Authement married Barbara Braud. They had two daughters. Their daughter Kathleen A. Prouet passed away in 1999. Their other daughter, Julie A. Johnson, lives in Lafayette.

Career in Higher Education

Authement started his career in education at Louisiana State University in 1954. He also taught at other universities. These included McNeese State University in Lake Charles. He also taught at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Before becoming president, Authement taught mathematics. From 1966 to 1970, he served as the academic vice-president of the University of Southwestern Louisiana.

Leading UL Lafayette

Ray Authement became the president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1974. He led the university for 34 years, until 2008. During his time as president, many big changes happened.

Campus Growth and Development

Under Authement's leadership, the university started a large building program. This program cost $130 million. New buildings and facilities were added to the campus.

The university also changed how students were admitted. It moved from open enrollment, like a community college, to having more selective admissions. This meant students needed to meet certain requirements to get in.

UL Lafayette also joined NCAA Division 1. This is the highest level for college sports.

Academic Achievements

Authement worked to create new Ph.D. programs. These advanced study programs were in computer science, mathematics, English, and history.

The university grew to be the second-largest in Louisiana by student numbers. Only Louisiana State University had more students. UL Lafayette also became the first public university in Louisiana to get a Doctoral II ranking. This showed its strength in research.

In 1997, Authement started a campaign to raise private donations. The goal was to collect $75 million. These funds helped create many new scholarships and professorships. They also established 20 endowed chairs, each worth $1 million.

New Facilities and Research

Many important buildings were constructed during Authement's presidency. The Cajundome was built. This is a large arena for basketball and other events. Oliver Hall, a computer science building, was also constructed.

Cajun Field, also known as "The Swamp," was built. This is the home stadium for the Ragin' Cajuns football team.

UL Lafayette also developed the University Research Park. This park helps businesses and researchers work together. The National Wetlands Research Center was also established. Another important center was the Louisiana Immersive Technologies Enterprise. This center helps develop new digital media.

The Edith Garland Dupré library was fully updated. Newer buildings included the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum. Moody Hall, for business students, and Legacy Park student apartments were also built. An indoor athletic training facility and a large parking garage were added too.

Lasting Impact

Under Ray Authement, UL Lafayette became a major economic force in the Acadiana region. It also gained national attention for its work in computer science, environmental research, and French studies.

The Carnegie Foundation recognized UL Lafayette as a "research university with high research activity." This put it in the same group as universities like Baylor and Clemson.

Several things are named in his honor at the university. The Ray P. Authement Valedictorian Scholarship helps top students. The Ray P. Authement College of Sciences is named after him. The university also gives out the Dr. Ray Authement Excellence in Teaching Award to faculty members.

In 2009, Authement was named UL Lafayette president-emeritus. This means he held an honorary title after retiring. He even continued to teach mathematics classes at the university.

Later Life and Passing

After retiring, Ray Authement and his wife lived in Lafayette.

Ray Authement passed away on April 5, 2020. He was 91 years old. He died in Lafayette after a long illness. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his family planned a celebration of his life for a later time.