The presidents of Tulane University and LSU are convinced the reopening of university campuses this fall is vital to the continued recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. Mike Fitts, president of Tulane, and Tom Galligan, interim president of LSU, expressed their views in a guest commentary in The Advocate.

The two leaders are correct when they say the pandemic has shaken society to its core, brought great uncertainty, the heartbreaking loss of thousands of lives and economic turmoil. All of those outcomes, they said, have “clearly shown the need for and the importance of research universities like LSU and Tulane.”

Research universities, they said, are playing a vital role in pursuing the discoveries that can change the course of the pandemic and contain public health threats. They said that job can be done while protecting the safety and well being of their students, faculties, staffs and campus communities.

Universities are also economic engines, they said, noting that combined the two universities contribute $8.2 billion annually to the state economy through their operations, capital investments, research and other activities that support some 60,500 direct and indirect jobs.

“Our graduates don’t just get well-paying jobs, they create them through the startups, discoveries and youthful energy needed to power a new economy,” the presidents said. “The world is rapidly changing as a result of this pandemic and the current generation of college students — nimble, adaptable and innovative — will be the ones to lead it.”

All universities play a crucial role in the local economies they serve when students are able to enjoy an on-campus experience. The two presidents noted that many retailers, restaurants and other businesses that rely on student populations would be in jeopardy of closing without students, faculty and staff.

Research universities have made breakthroughs in testing for the coronavirus, producing personal protective equipment and doing clinical trials on treatment options and potential vaccines. The presidents added that they also put extraordinary medical professionals on the front lines of caring for COVID-19 patients.

The two men said universities are often urged to be more businesslike in their operations, and the pandemic has shown they are every bit as adaptable and nimble as businesses — “if not more so.”

We know that McNeese State University and others around the state share the sentiments of the Tulane and LSU presidents. Their students, faculties and staffs are also ready to do their part to help restart this state’s economy.