Opinion: LSU: University and Athletics Department to Officially Combine

For as long as anyone can remember, the Athletics Department at LSU has been an autonomous unit functioning within yet outside of the purview of the University. Funded by the massive and influential Tiger Athletic Foundation, which has more money than the University does, the Athletics Department had little official interaction with the University. Chancellor Michael Martin announced recently that as a result of the huge budget cuts to the University, the Athletics Department will officially combine with the University in order to save money and streamline the institution. As part of the administrative downsizing, Martin recently announced the termination of the Vice Chancellor of Communications and University Relations. Replacing him is Senior Associate Athletic Director Herb Vincent, whose new title is Vice Chancellor of University Relations, in addition to Senior Associate Athletic Director. This puts him in charge of the image of the University for all of the Baton Rouge campus—which is the state’s only national flagship university.

I have a feeling that this is the beginning of a wonderful partnership, one that’ll continue to grow over the next few semesters as LSU tries to save money and make the administration more efficient. It’s about time that the two organizations officially wed under one name and focus on strengthening both brands as one. It’s no joke that the Athletic Department has done a fantastic job over the past few years building an incredible department that is run with grace and efficiency. With new buildings, high attendance ratings, multiple honors and championships and strategic hirings, someone is clearly doing their job right. I think this is a great decision and a step forward for the flagship agenda—and the financial savings is just icing on the cake.