By Eileen Fleming
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wwno/local-wwno-924154.mp3
New Orleans, La. – Ryan says he was told by Louisiana State University System President John Lombardi that he was dismissed. He says he was not given a reason. Ryan has been chancellor for the past seven years, in charge of UNO through Hurricane Katrina recovery and budget shortfalls.
"I am proud of my accomplishments as a faculty member, a dean and the chancellor of the University of New Orleans. This university has done so much with so little -- so few resources and so little support from the LSU system."
A protest of budget cuts on campus earlier this month erupted at the administration building. Two people were arrested and the campus police chief was hurt. UNO has lost about $12 million dollars over the past two years. Another $17 million dollars in cuts are expected next year when federal stimulus money runs out. Staff and student programs have been cutback while tuition increases. Lombardi is serving as interim chancellor while a nationwide search is conducted for Ryan's replacement.
For WWNO, I'm Eileen Fleming.