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NEW ORLEANS – The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Commission on Colleges today gave final approval for the University of New Orleans to join the University of ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ.  Today’s action concludes the five-month transition of UNO from the LSU System since Act 419 of the 2011 Louisiana Legislative Regular Session was signed into law in July.

“Moving to the ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ System is something that many believed would be instrumental in UNO becoming the best institution it can be, and we are excited that we are now a member.  We have worked closely with the leadership at the system for the past several months, and we are certain that our coordinated efforts will lead to success in the coming years,” said UNO Interim Chancellor Joe M. King.

“Before we started this transition, I was told UNO’s greatest strength was its people.  Over the past several months, I have grown to appreciate the talented, hard-working, and dedicated faculty, staff and students at New Orleans’ urban research university, and it is with great warmth that I welcome them into the ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ System family.  The addition of UNO complements our eight regional, comprehensive, research universities truly making the ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ System Nine Universities Strong,” said ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ System President Randy Moffett.

Enrolling almost 11,000 students, the University of New Orleans is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a doctoral institution with high research activity.  For more than 50 years, it has been one of the city’s foremost public resources, offering a diverse set of world-class, research-based programs, advancing shared knowledge and adding to the city’s industry, culture and economy.   Since 1958, UNO has educated students from all 64 Louisiana parishes, all 50 states in the United States and more than 100 countries.

The University of ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ is the largest higher education system in the state enrolling about 94,000 students at nine institutions: Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech University, McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, and the University of New Orleans.

“The move into the ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ System is an incredible opportunity for the University of New Orleans and its students. This shift, the selection of a new president, campus improvements and many more exciting changes are energizing the student body and will help UNO become the university we know it can be,” said UNO Student Government President John Mineo IV.

“Having served on the ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ System Board of Supervisors for 16 years, I have seen this system evolve from the Board of Trustees of State Colleges and Universities that oversaw both two- and four-year schools to now a unified system of nine universities.  UNO is a tremendous addition to our cadre of universities, and I believe this is the beginning of great things to come,” said ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ System Board of Supervisors Chair Winfred Sibille.

The ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ System collaborates in a variety of ways and it is in that vein that each of the system’s universities extends warm wishes to UNO.

Welcome from Grambling State University President Frank G. Pogue
“On behalf of the Grambling State University family I am pleased to welcome all members of the University of New Orleans family to the University of ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ. The Grambling family has many connections to the City of New Orleans from the Bayou Classic to a large student and alumni base.  We are excited to grow those connections through unique and meaningful partnerships with our new sister institution UNO.”

Welcome from Louisiana Tech University President Daniel D. Reneau
“UNO has long been a valuable and important part of Louisiana’s higher education infrastructure.  Their addition to the ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵS will continue to strengthen our system and its contributions to the advancement and long-term success of our state.  On behalf of the Louisiana Tech Family, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of UNO and I look forward to working closely with them in the future.”

Welcome from McNeese State University President Philip C. Williams
“Speaking on behalf of the McNeese community, I welcome the University of New Orleans to our System!  We believe UNO’s record of high academic standards and successful educational outcomes will complement the current membership of the University of ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ.”

Welcome from Nicholls State University President Stephen T. Hulbert
“It is with great pleasure that I join the entire Nicholls family in welcoming the University of New Orleans to the University of ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ.  We at Nicholls stand ready to collaborate with your faculty in teaching, research, and service, and to work with your staff in making our institutions even better in serving our constituents.  Welcome aboard!”

Welcome from Northwestern State University President Randall J. Webb
“I have long had an admiration of and appreciation for UNO and its faculty, staff and students.  UNO is widely known for high-quality degree programs and services.  On behalf of the Northwestern State University family, I warmly welcome the UNO family to its new home in the University of ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ.  We look forward to collaborative efforts that we hope will enrich experiences for their students and ours. It will be a privilege to work with you.”

Welcome from Southeastern Louisiana University President John L. Crain
“Southeastern welcomes the University of New Orleans to the University of ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ. UNO will complement the excellent tradition of sound academics and valued service to our communities that characterize the institutions of our system. We look forward to expanding collaborative endeavors with them for the benefit of our region and state.”

Welcome from University of Louisiana at Lafayette President E. Joseph Savoie
“This new addition will foster greater collaboration and further enhance research advances and economic development of Louisiana. The ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ Lafayette community offers its congratulations to UNO and looks forward to cooperative efforts that will make our state even stronger.”

Welcome from University of Louisiana at Monroe President Nick J. Bruno
“The University of New Orleans is a strong institution; its faculty, staff and students will contribute greatly to the strength found within the University of ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵ and specifically, the University of Louisiana at Monroe. ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵM wholeheartedly welcomes UNO and eagerly anticipates future collaborations for the betterment of higher education in Louisiana.”

-ÑÇÖÞ×ÔοÊÓƵS-