LSU and the Pennington Biomedical Research Center are the two stars that Baton Rouge should build around, in order for the state to compete globally.
By Rolfe McCollister Jr. , Publisher
(edited)
The populist notion of putting a "chicken in every pot" has not served our state well. This philosophy has created a large population dependent on the state for their chicken and ensures mediocrity in many arenas. We haven't prioritized and played to our strengths--or prepared for global competition.
With the reported surplus in the state budget and potential increases for the future, we have a major opportunity to show we have learned something from the past. Now comes the test to see if we have the vision, wisdom and political will to invest wisely.
Brainpower is essential to compete in the 21st century in a global economy--and universities attract and develop brainpower. The high-paying jobs of the future that our children will want are in "mental industries." LSU is clearly Louisiana's flagship and our state's only shot at a top tier university--but it desperately needs better funding.
As our state strives to rebuild and pursue economic development, LSU can be a major asset. Recently, The Wall Street Journal ranked the E.J. Ourso College of Business ninth nationally as one of the top regional business schools. That attracts top students and provides quality grads for Louisiana companies.
In addition, as I pointed out recently, Ed Seidel, director of LSU's Center for Computation and Technology, won the Sidney Fernbach Memorial Award, one of the world's most prestigious awards in the field of computational sciences. Seidel and LSU's supercomputer can help foster and support new industries like digital animation and video gaming.
These are just a couple of examples of how LSU has distinguished itself and competes nationally and globally.
The same can be said for the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, which has long been one of our state's hidden gems but poorly supported and promoted by our local and state leaders. This is a world-class facility and faculty that can compete globally. Bio-med will be one of the biggest industries of the future, and Pennington has the potential to be an all-star.
The fact is, when building a winning team, you have to identify your star players and their strengths and build around them. We know the stars will get the big bucks and the others will play a role, offer support and get less. But the stars are who the folks come to see, and you can't win the championship without them.
LSU and Pennington are Louisiana's big league stars--our Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade--and we should build our future team around them and fund them accordingly. Huey Long is dead and gone and we're tired of eating that same ol' chicken out of the pot. Let's hope our governor and legislature agree.
By Rolfe McCollister Jr. , Publisher
(edited)
The populist notion of putting a "chicken in every pot" has not served our state well. This philosophy has created a large population dependent on the state for their chicken and ensures mediocrity in many arenas. We haven't prioritized and played to our strengths--or prepared for global competition.
With the reported surplus in the state budget and potential increases for the future, we have a major opportunity to show we have learned something from the past. Now comes the test to see if we have the vision, wisdom and political will to invest wisely.
Brainpower is essential to compete in the 21st century in a global economy--and universities attract and develop brainpower. The high-paying jobs of the future that our children will want are in "mental industries." LSU is clearly Louisiana's flagship and our state's only shot at a top tier university--but it desperately needs better funding.
As our state strives to rebuild and pursue economic development, LSU can be a major asset. Recently, The Wall Street Journal ranked the E.J. Ourso College of Business ninth nationally as one of the top regional business schools. That attracts top students and provides quality grads for Louisiana companies.
In addition, as I pointed out recently, Ed Seidel, director of LSU's Center for Computation and Technology, won the Sidney Fernbach Memorial Award, one of the world's most prestigious awards in the field of computational sciences. Seidel and LSU's supercomputer can help foster and support new industries like digital animation and video gaming.
These are just a couple of examples of how LSU has distinguished itself and competes nationally and globally.
The same can be said for the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, which has long been one of our state's hidden gems but poorly supported and promoted by our local and state leaders. This is a world-class facility and faculty that can compete globally. Bio-med will be one of the biggest industries of the future, and Pennington has the potential to be an all-star.
The fact is, when building a winning team, you have to identify your star players and their strengths and build around them. We know the stars will get the big bucks and the others will play a role, offer support and get less. But the stars are who the folks come to see, and you can't win the championship without them.
LSU and Pennington are Louisiana's big league stars--our Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade--and we should build our future team around them and fund them accordingly. Huey Long is dead and gone and we're tired of eating that same ol' chicken out of the pot. Let's hope our governor and legislature agree.
Publish Date:
12-05-2006
