Board approves new health administration bachelor's and a physical‑therapy‑assistant associate degree; several program terminations also cleared

The Academic and Student Affairs Committee recommended and the full board recorded approvals for two program proposals and several program terminations.

Program approvals: Senior staff recommended a bachelor’s degree in health administration at LSU Shreveport, citing regional workforce demand and institutional capacity; staff said it will be among the only bachelor‑level health‑administration degrees in northern Louisiana. The committee also approved an associate degree in physical therapy assistant at LSU Eunice to broaden statewide capacity in allied health professions.

Program terminations and portfolio management: Committee staff told regents that seven degree programs and one certificate termination outside the previously approved termination packet were being processed as part of a multi‑year effort to right‑size institutional portfolios. Staff framed terminations as strategic decisions to reallocate resources and noted ongoing legislative interest in allocating funds for teacher‑support programs.

What it means: The new health administration and PTA programs aim to meet regional employer needs; approved terminations will reduce offerings the institutions judged no longer viable and reassign resources. The board approved the consent agenda and the program items by motion.