Roslin Growe – Education Faculty Member, 1986-1999

Roslin Growe

                When I first arrived in Lafayette over thirteen years ago from Arkadelphia, Arkansas, I was not prepared for the myriad of new sights, sounds and tastes that would become so much a part of my life, and such an enjoyable one.  I had arrived in the deep South and entered a new world for me, one which eventually became my home.  I remember my first time at a crawfish boil, when I said I would never eat a crawfish–where I came from, crawfish was used as bait for fishing–but it wasn’t long before I was eating them boiled…and fried…and in etouffe, and just about any old way.

                Lafayette is a very special place to live.  As a professor who is particularly interested in multiculturalism, I relish this area’s many cultures – Cajun, Creole and French–and the rich customs and heritage which they provide.  From the lyrical expressions, vintage Louisiana (“cher, baby”), to the foot-stompin music, spicy food and celebratory festivals, Lafayette is like no other place, anywhere.

                For the past six years, I have had the privilege to serve as the Department Head of Educational Foundations and Leadership at The University of Southwestern Louisiana as well as an Associate Professor.  In the Department of L, we prepare students to become exemplary administrators and school counselors.  Currently, we are in the process of expanding our counseling program.  We also plan to offer training for school board members and, eventually, courses via satellite, so that we can exchange nationwide the latest information in our field of education.

                As an educator and administrator, I believe that a true commitment to education is the fundamental key to success and quality of life.  To continue to learn is to continue to grow as an intellectual and ethical human being.  I take to heart and enjoy my role as a mentor.  One of my students, Paula Montgomery, earned her doctorate in administration and is currently an adjunct professor at USL.

It has and continues to be a challenge as an educational administrator.  Back in 1986, I was the first female, tenure-track faculty member in L and later, the first female, African-American, Department Head of L.  I have seen improvements in the number of minority faculty at USL.  I admire President Authement who has been a proponent of increasing the number of minority faculty, administrators and students at this University.  For this, I commend him.

I look forward with excitement to the new millennium and to being part of the many changes that the era will bring in education, administration and counseling.