In Memory of Dr. Ray P. Authement, UL Lafayette's Fifth President

Dupré Library mourns the loss of Dr. Ray P. Authement, UL Lafayette's fifth president. Dr. Authement served as president for 34 years, the longest term for any American public university president. His accomplishments, including developing 17 research centers, upgrading the university to a Doctoral II institution, and competing in NCAA Division I, molded the University to what it is today. Dr. Authement was a trailblazer in times of great change, and his leadership will remain an inspiration for generations to come.

To learn more about this influential president, Special Collections invites you to view the following sources:

• Collection 302 – Ray P. Authement Collection: This collection contains newspaper clippings from Dr. Authement's working files, personal correspondence, programs, video tapes, books and artifacts from his various endeavors throughout the community. While the collection cannot be accessed at this time, the finding aid is available on the Special Collections web page.
• UL Lafayette Presidents Digital Exhibit: This exhibit explores each of UL Lafayette's presidents, presenting photographs, writings, articles, and some of their accomplishments. Items courtesy of Special Collections.

Photo Credit: Special Collections, Edith Garland Dupré Library