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→Analysis of Taylor's tenure
For twenty-five years, Dr. Taylor led Louisiana Tech on what is broadly known as the most crucially transformational years in Tech's history. It would be impossible to recall almost any aspect of Tech's history without the presence of Dr. Taylor progressively spearheading efforts large and small, from a simple name change to a skyscraper. His efforts made Louisiana Tech a household name throughout the nation and in many parts of the world. He cleverly grew the athletic programs into national prominence to blaze an early path for women in sports, long before it was widely accepted, and for numerous other All-American athletes who became his anointed ambassadors for Tech, and like a great branching tree that he painstakingly cultivated, they helped him put Louisiana Tech on the map.<br>
For twenty-five years, Dr. Taylor led Louisiana Tech on what is broadly known as the most crucially transformational years in Tech's history. It would be impossible to recall almost any aspect of Tech's history without the presence of Dr. Taylor progressively spearheading efforts large and small, from a simple name change to a skyscraper. His efforts made Louisiana Tech a household name throughout the nation and in many parts of the world. He cleverly grew the athletic programs into national prominence to blaze an early path for women in sports, long before it was widely accepted, and for numerous other All-American athletes who became his anointed ambassadors for Tech, and like a great branching tree that he painstakingly cultivated, they helped him put Louisiana Tech on the map.<br>
Dr. Taylor's polished skill and eloquent persuasion charmed five governors and hundreds of Legislators into funding Louisiana Tech's progressive vision, at times when funding was cut at other state institutions. Dr. Taylor, as you all know, always found a way to politely, yet insistently, never accept "no" for an answer when it came to Louisiana Tech's needs. Aillet Stadium, Love Field, Wyly Tower, Thomas Assembly Center, Neilsen and Caruthers, and a dozen more structures incremental to Tech's growth and accreditation were either constructed or renovated under Dr. Taylor's agenda. Our world class Intramural Complex built for the student body's quality of life, was among the very first of its kind.<br>
Dr. Taylor's polished skill and eloquent persuasion charmed five governors and hundreds of Legislators into funding Louisiana Tech's progressive vision, at times when funding was cut at other state institutions. Dr. Taylor, as you all know, always found a way to politely, yet insistently, never accept "no" for an answer when it came to Louisiana Tech's needs. Aillet Stadium, Love Field, Wyly Tower, Thomas Assembly Center, Neilsen and Caruthers, and a dozen more structures incremental to Tech's growth and accreditation were either constructed or renovated under Dr. Taylor's agenda. Our world class Intramural Complex built for the student body's quality of life, was among the very first of its kind.<br>
Meanwhile, his focus on the excellence of academics was never lost. He understood that in order to attract world class scholars and bring the singular honor and academic respect he believed Tech could hold in the world, the institution must have the facilities that reflect that greatness. He made the difference that made the difference for Louisiana Tech and caused our enrollment to break five figures. And from those numbers sprang countless CEO's, scientists, public servants, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, inventors, world class athletes, and a diverse network of respected achievers around the globe that proudly constitute what Dr. Taylor referred to as 'The Tech Family.'</blockquote>
Meanwhile, his focus on the excellence of academics was never lost. He understood that in order to attract world class scholars and bring the singular honor and academic respect he believed Tech could hold in the world, the institution must have the facilities that reflect that greatness. He made the difference that made the difference for Louisiana Tech and caused our enrollment to break five figures. And from those numbers sprang countless CEO's, scientists, public servants, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, inventors, world class athletes, and a diverse network of respected achievers around the globe that proudly constitute what Dr. Taylor referred to as 'The Tech Family.'</blockquote>