Local leaders push to keep NSU alive

Death by 1,000 cuts.

That’s the way University of Louisiana System board member Paul Aucoin described what’s happening right now at Nicholls State and other higher institutions across the state.

But at a second town hall meeting held at Nicholls, Aucoin said the way to combat the cuts was simple: Fight – until you cannot fight anymore.

“If you want the Legislature to do something, you’ve got to generate some outrage, so that’s what we’ve got to do, I’m telling you,” Aucoin said before thunderous applause from the crowd. “I’m not talking about outrage in front of your TV sets. I’m not talking about outrage when you’re reading the paper. I’m not talking about outrage when you’re at a party. I’m talking about getting out there in the public and calling your legislator, as well as calling the one you don’t know. … You need to tell them we don’t want to lose this university and we don’t want to lose any university.”

A few hundred members of the Nicholls and Tri-parish community turned out at the town hall meeting, designed to rally support toward the cause – ending cuts to higher education all throughout Louisiana.

Among the speakers on the behalf of higher education were Aucoin, Nicholls President Stephen Hulbert, Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph and other prominent members of the Tri-parish community.

The rallying cry throughout the meeting was similar among all speakers: to generate an insurgence of public support to flood the Legislature and let them know the cuts must end.

“This call to action is to ask your assistance to reach out to state government through our legislators and more specifically through Gov. Jindal in order to get support for this university and other four-year universities and the two-year colleges [in our state] to protect themselves by making decisions to keep these institutions whole. That’s the focus of this effort,” Hulbert said.

Since 2008, Nicholls’ budget has been slashed by more than $10 million – or 29 percent.

The result of those cuts has been the elimination of 117 full-time positions as well as the removal of eight degree programs and four concentrations, which the university says has negatively impacted 400 current and 1,000 future students.

Future plans call for $10.8 million more to be cut off the university’s budget by July 1, 2011.

In Baton Rouge, there is no help currently on the table, but that might be about to change, according to state Rep. Jerry “Truck” Gisclair, who said he and fellow local lawmakers are trying to do what they can to keep the university alive.

“We, as legislators have been talking amongst ourselves and what we’re trying to do is take it to the next level and start a procedure to try and get a special session started as soon as possible so we can address these shortcomings,” Gisclair said.

The state representative said the problem that he believes needs to be addressed is more about the way funds are distributed throughout the state.

“We want to try and redirect the money to where it’s really needed, instead of with all of the toys in Baton Rouge,” he said.

But with the “big wigs” having voiced concern as much as they can, Hulbert said it will be the masses who have the opportunity to get something done.

“Students are the ones who have the real voices,” Hulbert told the body in attendance Thursday. “They are the ones who need to speak up, and have their family and their friends speak up and say that this is going to affect their access.”

One of those students to step to the plate in the university’s time of need is art senior Amy Mahler.

Mahler and several classmates founded the Non-Profit Organization “Stand Up 4 LA,” which has organized meetings, fundraisers and rallies since the movement has started.

The senior student said the group plans to do everything in its power to help raise awareness among the Colonels’ student body.

“We’re not just talking about Nicholls, either,” she said. “We’re talking about universities across the board.”

Mahler also asked people to support democracy and keep an eye on candidates’ voting records when it’s election time, because keeping the right people in office, she said, is a key to pushing for change.

“Register if you’re not already registered and go vote,” she said. “Stay informed and do your civic duty.”

Mahler also gave two other tips to students that she believes can put heat under Louisiana’s government leaders.

“Write to your legislators,” she said. “Tell them how you’re feeling. If you’re upset about this and you’re emotional, tell them, because they want to know this. And they need to know this. And lastly, speak up about your concerns. If someone asks you how you feel about these budget cuts, and you’re emotionally upset about this, make sure you tell them. Because that’s what they need to know.”

One of those emotionally involved is Randolph, who is a Nicholls graduate.

The Lafourche Parish president said she and the parish will do anything they can to assist the university in its time of need.

“We are in a situation at this point where the two book-ins of our parish, Port Fourchon and Nicholls State are in crisis,” Randolph said. “This is something we would have never imagined. … So many of our family members, friends, neighbors have come here. This is the third generation now to attend Nicholls State, and it’s made a difference for many, many lives here in Lafourche Parish.”

A difference maker – at least for the time being.

But Hulbert has to just sit and wonder for how much longer if the university’s current budget continues to be slashed.

“We simply cannot continue to have these further reductions without some attempt by government to partner with us in order to get through the future,” Hulbert said. “If state government is willing to partner with us and work out arrangements so we can do some of the things we need to do to be successful, then Nicholls will not have to see further reductions in some of the programs that can be so damaging to students. We can get through it. We’ll tighten our belts, but we can get through this next period of time. And that’s what this is about.”

Local doctor Irving Blatt addresses a crowd at Nicholls State University’s town hall meeting Thursday night. Blatt was one of several prominent community members to speak out against budget cuts. CASEY GISCLAIR