KAPPA NEWS
Dr. Ray L. Belton: President and Chancellor of Southern University and A&M College System
Dr. Ray L. Belton (Shreveport (LA) AL 2000) is the 17 th President and Chancellor of Southern University and A&M College System, since 2015. He is a native of Shreveport, Louisiana. Belton graduated from Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) and Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge (SUBR). He has a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Belton is also a Veteran of the United States Army. “As President/Chancellor of the Southern University and A&M College System, I believe it is imperative that our five campuses — Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport, Agricultural Center and Law Center — remain steadfast in their commitment to invest in educational outcomes designed to raise the educational attainment of its constituents. We must continue to expand opportunities for our students so they will be positioned to successfully participate in the 21 st Century global marketplace.
benefited from a more than 220 percent increase in capital outlay funding; enhanced aged technological infrastructure; and began a campus facilities master plan. Further, the academic community has been reconfigured, and faculty and staff were acknowledged this year through salary adjustments. Our athletics department has excelled and now, for the first time in
history, all 15 teams are eligible for postseason competition. Also a history-maker, our advancement division raised more revenue this year than in the history of the 138-year-existence of the institution. Finally, last fall, four of the five campuses experienced enrollment increases, with significant numbers in the enrollment of first-time freshmen on the New Orleans and Baton Rouge campuses. As you see, despite our challenges, the Southern University and A&M College System continues to evolve and advance its role, scope and mission.” Dr. Belton discussed his impact thus far. “Southern University and A&M
We aspire to be viewed as a preeminent institution of higher education, one that is marked by the development of leaders and the advancement of research and innovation. Over the last nine years, fulfilling such goals have been a challenge as higher education institutions across the state of Louisiana have been imposed upon to respond to significant budgetary reductions — nearly $800 million to be exact. Specifically, the Southern University System had to not only counter a 47 percent decrease in funding, but also the implementation of a policy of selective admission that directly correlated with a decline in enrollment.
Suffice it to say, the loss of revenue of such magnitude over a sustained period of time prompted drastic impact on an institution determined to ensure an environment conducive to learning. Despite the levy placed on Southern University, the campuses buffered the impact of the noted scenarios by leaning on the dedication and unconditional support extended by the university community. The Southern University System continues to enjoy such committed energy, the outcome of which today reflects an institution guided by excellence and one shaping pathways for student success. Moreover, in the last two years, we have invested
millions into deferred maintenance and have
Publishing achievement for 105 years
THE JOURNAL 84 TH GRAND CHAPTER MEETING ISSUE | 37
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