Dr. Joe W. Aguillard
Dr. Joe W. Aguillard is an American educator, administrator, and pastor who served as superintendent of Beauregard Parish schools (1998âÂÂ2000), division chair of Louisiana College, and president of Louisiana College from 2000 to 2016. He was later named President Emeritus by the Louisiana College Board of Trustees in recognition of his leadership and service.<nowiki></nowiki>
Early life and education
Aguillard is a graduate of Louisiana College, where his family has longstanding ties.. His parents met at the college, and he later met his wife there; all of his children also attended the institution.
He earned a bachelorâÂÂs degree from Louisiana College, two masterâÂÂs degrees from McNeese State University, and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Nova Southeastern University. He later completed a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), producing a 306-page dissertation documenting his familyâÂÂs historical connection to Louisiana College dating back to 1932.
Career in education
Prior to entering higher education, Aguillard served as superintendent of Beauregard Parish schools.
In 2000, he joined Louisiana College as an associate professor of education and Chair of the Division of Education and Coordinator of Teacher Education.
In 2004, he was named Teacher of the Year by the Louisiana College student body.<nowiki></nowiki>
During his tenure in the Education Division, Aguillard developed the collegeâÂÂs first graduate program, the Master of Arts in Teaching, and led the unit through national accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Program completers increased from 14 to more than 600.
Presidency of Louisiana College (2005âÂÂ2015)
Appointment
In January 2005, Aguillard was elected president of Louisiana College by a 17âÂÂ13 vote of the Board of Trustees following a contested selection process.<nowiki></nowiki>
At the time of his appointment, the college had been placed on probation in 2004 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools due to governance and academic concerns.<nowiki></nowiki>
Growth and expansion
During AguillardâÂÂs presidency, Louisiana College experienced significant growth in enrollment, academic programming, and campus infrastructure.
Enrollment increased from 1,005 students in 2005 to 1,893 students in 2010, according to Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data.<nowiki></nowiki>
Due to rapid enrollment growth, the college temporarily housed students in local hotels because existing campus housing reached capacity.
AguillardâÂÂs administration oversaw major campus expansion projects, including the construction of student apartment housing, athletic facilities, and campus renovations. A multi-million-dollar football stadium was developed during this period.
Financial development during his presidency included a $10 million gift, one of the largest contributions in the institutionâÂÂs history.<nowiki></nowiki>
Institutional conflict and board review
During AguillardâÂÂs presidency, internal disputes regarding governance and theological direction became public through media reports and institutional review processes.
In 2013, the Louisiana College Board of Trustees conducted an investigation into erroneous allegations raised during this period and formally exonerated Aguillard of wrongdoing.<nowiki></nowiki>
At a 2014 recognition ceremony, trustee Dr. Leon Hyatt stated:
âÂÂI want to say probably Dr. Aguillard is the most criticized president the college has ever had. Why? Because, like Jesus, he told it like it is.âÂÂ<nowiki></nowiki>
During this period, Aguillard reported concerns related to institutional governance and campus safety to external authorities including the Clery Bureau. In 2018, the U.S. Department of EducationâÂÂs Clery Act Compliance Division acknowledged receipt of a formal complaint submitted by Aguillard regarding alleged violations of federal campus safety reporting requirements.<nowiki></nowiki>
Honors and recognition
In 2006, Aguillard and his wife, Judy Collins Aguillard, were named Distinguished Alumni of Louisiana College during the institutionâÂÂs centennial celebration, where the award was presented by former U.S. President George H. W. Bush.
On August 28, 2014, the Louisiana College Board of Trustees held a formal ceremony naming Aguillard President Emeritus in recognition of his leadership and service.<nowiki></nowiki>
Later work
Following his presidency, Aguillard continued to serve in higher education and ministry as a professor and pastor, focusing on Christian education, leadership, and the relationship between biblical authority and institutional effectiveness.
References