Adele Smith – Health & Physical Education Faculty, 1975-80 and 1991-1999

Adele Smith

I am not an alumna of U.S.L.; I did not earn any degree from U.S.L.; in fact, I have never taken any academic courses at U.S.L.,  I have, however, spent more than twelve years of my career working at U.S.L., and I would like to submit some of my recollections from my tenure here as my contribution to the Book of Letters.

My first employment term was from 1975-80, and my first position (after interviewing with Dr. Al Simon, Dr. Ed Dugas and Dean Robert Ducharme) was a split position–half-time teaching activities and half-time Director of Women’s Intramurals.  My cohort in Men’s Intramurals was Jimmy Clarke, who, in the 1990’s, became U.S.L.’s Dean of Enrollment Information, and now is working in Baton Rouge with the Board of Regents.  The Intramural Office was a tiny room in the front left corner of the first floor of Judice Hall.  I believe the building was “condemned” even at that time.  I now anxiously await the completion of the renovation of that wonderful building.  My office was in McLauren Gym, but I taught activity classes in McNaspy Stadium, E.K. Long Gym and on the E.K. Long tennis courts.  It was a long hike when you had to carry a lot of materials to your class!

                After one year of a split appointment, I became a full-time instructor in the Department of Health and Physical Education.  I still had additional duties, however, accepting the position of faculty advisor for the “Sweethearts,”  the U.S.L. official dance troupe.  My good friend and teaching colleague in H&PE, Sherry LeBas, was the faculty advisor for the U.S.L. varsity cheerleaders. An interesting twist is that during the summers, I coordinated a cheerleader camp for local high school cheerleaders, and Sherry coordinated the dance team camp. Another good friend and colleague, Dawn Wilson, and I taught gymnastics for the after-school program in the gymnastics facility, the E.K. Long Gym Annex.  It was in that facility where I got to see Jeff Hennessy (the coach), his daughter, Leigh, and a number of other “world-class” trampoline athletes perform their amazing stunts.  It was a treat not many people get to witness!

                During the late 1970’s, I became involved with a major project — assisting Dr. Byrdie Eason, our resident Exercise Physiologist, in the creation and management of the “U.S.L. Aerobic Center.” There were many days that Dr. Eason, Sherry Lebas and I were up early, directing the morning walk/jog program on the McNaspy Stadium track; conducting the Center’s Aerobic Dancing program in the late afternoons, after our regularly scheduled classes; and holding the Aerobic Swimming sessions in the Conference Center pool from 9:00 to 10:00 PM, because we couldn’t get access to the pool any earlier.  We made many friends with community members who joined our new program, and I still see some of those people occasionally.  It was an honor to help Dr. Eason put her vision of this worthwhile program into effect.  She deserves much praise and credit.

                When I had to leave in 1980 (husband was transferred), my position was advertised and eventually offered to a young woman named Nanette Cook.  It is interesting to note, that when I returned to Lafayette in 1991, the position that I was offered by the Department of Health and Physical Education at U.S.L. was the same position held by Nanette Cook, who was taking maternity leave!  Thanks, Nanette for saving my place!

                When I returned in 1991, I returned to a full-time teaching load, having a 7:30 AM class every morning!  During the next year, then Dean Robert Alciatore was given permission by the central administration to add an extra person to the College of Education staff on a part-time basis.  Dr. Alciatore offered the position to me and I accepted.  Technically, I was still a full-time position in Health and Physical Education, on loan to the Dean’s office half-time.  During the seven years I have served as Assistant to the Dean, I have learned much about educational administration and have had opportunities that I would never have had as a full-time teacher.  The half-time administrative job has seemed like full time, often over and above the “20 hours per week,” but I am glad I did not turn down the offer.  Let me also say that I would never give up teaching completely!

                I now look forward to meeting the next Dean, who is, as of this writing, yet to be named, and hope to continue learning each and every day in my position as Assistant to the Dean.  Also, I am happy to say, I was assigned to teach a tennis class this semester, after a long seven year lapse!  See you on the courts!