A New Chapter for Savoie

Joseph Savoie, the former president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, has decided to retire at the end of this year. This choice means he won't take a break or join the College of Education and Human Development as planned for 2026. Savoie shared this news in an email to university staff. He reflected on his long time at the university and its current challenges. He felt it was best for the school to step down now. Savoie has been part of the university for over 50 years. He graduated twice from there and worked as its president for 17 years. He called this time one of the greatest honors of his life. The university faces money problems. Savoie asked everyone to keep supporting each other. He believes the school's best days are still ahead. Savoie stepped down as president in July. He was given the title of president emeritus. He was supposed to keep his presidential pay until the end of the year. His pay package included a big salary, a house on campus, and a car or car allowance. The university system president said Savoie would take a six-month break before becoming a full-time teacher. Details about his new pay were not shared. He was expected to earn the average of the top three teacher salaries in that college.