NICHOLLS PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
THIBODAUX — Dr. Stephen T. Hulbert has announced his retirement from the presidency of Nicholls State University to the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System with an effective date of Aug. 1, 2013.
“Having served as Nicholls’ president for the past 10 years, I have decided that it is time for me to hand over the reigns of leadership to a new president,” Hulbert said. “Becky and I have truly enjoyed our time in southeast Louisiana, and we have loved being a part of the Nicholls family. We have made many dear and lasting friendships while serving the students, faculty and staff of Nicholls.”
During his 10-year tenure, Hulbert has presided over campus improvements, including three new student residence halls; the renovations of the Galliano Dining Hall, Calecas Residence Hall and Beauregard Hall; the construction of the Harold J. Callais Memorial Recreation Center and the women’s soccer field house; and groundbreaking for the Chef John Folse Culinary Institute’s classroom building.
In addition to facility improvements, Hulbert led the university through its best SACS reaffirmation visit and an NCAA recertification. He also led the transition from open to selective admissions while forging agreements with regional community colleges that allow for seamless transitions from two-year colleges to a four-year university.
“Every university president seeks to leave the institution better off than when he or she took the mantle of leadership,” Hulbert said. “In spite of six consecutive years of multiple budget cuts, five major hurricanes and a devastating oil spill in the Gulf that had a disruptive influence on our region and university, the students, faculty and staff have dedicated themselves to doing everything in their power to maintain the high quality educational experiences that Nicholls provides. I cannot tell you how proud I am of their efforts and what their spirit of endurance has meant to the continued progress of this university. It has been a true honor to serve as their president.”
In announcing his retirement to the university family, Hulbert said: “My commitment to Nicholls remains absolute now and throughout the months ahead of my departure. While I will not participate in any way in the search process to select my successor, I will offer my total support for a smooth transition of leadership that is in the best interest of the university and the students it serves.”
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