Robert A. Savoie

Dr. Robert A. “Bobby” Savoie, PhD, of New Orleans, La., is an alumnus of LSU, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 1980. He then received an MBA from Loyola University (1981) and a PhD in Engineering and Applied Sciences with a specialization in Engineering Management and Systems Engineering from the University of New Orleans (2009).

Currently, Dr. Savoie serves as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Geocent, an information technology and engineering services company headquartered in Metairie, Louisiana. Geocent was formed in 2008 and is now working with government and commercial clients throughout the U.S. in advanced Software Engineering/IT/DevSecOps, Engineering and Technology Services/Solutions, primarily in Defense, Aerospace, and Homeland security. Dr. Savoie previously founded Integrated Resources Group (IRG) in 1986 and served as CEO until IRG merged with Science & Engineering Associates (SEA) in 1997. He became president and then CEO of SEA and guided the company through an extraordinary growth period.

While serving as a CEO of successively larger companies, Dr. Savoie continued his work as an engineer and consultant, primarily in nuclear power and defense. Most recently this has expanded to include NASA's next generation Space Launch System (SLS), large government information systems, and numerous economic development activities.

Dr. Savoie currently serves on the boards of the National World War II Museum; Loyola University; the University of New Orleans (UNO) Foundation; the LSU Foundation National Board; and the LSU Health Foundation. He was appointed by Governors Bobby Jindal and John Bel Edwards to represent the State of Louisiana on the Aerospace Alliance Board. Previously, Dr. Savoie served as a director, trustee, and senior advisor for the Atlantic Council of the United States; the Louisiana Technology Council; the U.S. Small Business Technology Foundation; the Boy Scouts of America; the Academy of the Sacred Heart; the J. Bennett Johnston Science Foundation; Isidore Newman School; Greater New Orleans, Inc., and the Ochsner Health Foundation.

Some of Dr. Savoie’s recent honors include:

• UNO President’s Medallion for Distinguished Service
• LSU College of Engineering Hall of Distinction
• University of New Orleans Distinguish Alumnus of the Year
• NASA's Distinguished Public Service Medal
• Laureate of the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame
• Loyola University, College of Business Alumnus of the Year
• Young Leadership Council Role Model Award 

What is your favorite memory involving LSU?
I have two: 1) Walking out of an engineering final in my last semester after several days of very little sleep and seeing that I had an "A" in my last (and toughest) course, which meant I did not have to take the final exam and was actually finished with all of my degree requirements! 2) The "earthquake game!"

What makes LSU unique?
The memories, friendships, and associations that I started building in school as an undergraduate and continue to do so to this day. LSU engenders a special love for our university that lasts a lifetime. It is so much more than just an education!

Why did you choose to attend LSU?
I really had no choice! Growing up on a sugar cane farm in Belle Rose, Louisiana, we had a choice between Nicholls and LSU. Since I wanted to study engineering, LSU was the logical choice. I had gone to LSU football games since I was a child, but I didn't learn to love the university until I became a student. Given a choice of any school in the nation, I would choose LSU every time.

Why do you support LSU?
I believe LSU and the future of Louisiana go hand in hand. The stronger LSU becomes, the better the economic outlook is for our state. LSU professors and researchers have enjoyed extraordinary achievements, from the Nobel Prize in Physics for the work at LIGO to the development of new varieties of sugar cane. Still, we have barely scratched the surface of what we can do if our state government, our university systems led by LSU, and industry come together to solve the challenges of tomorrow.

If someone asked you why he/she should make a gift to LSU, what would you say?
A strong university system led by LSU holds the key to Louisiana's economic future.

What motivated you to accept our invitation to be an inaugural member of the LSU Foundation National Board?
I am honored to be included in the inaugural LSU Foundation National Board. Other than my family upbringing, LSU was the starting point for the achievements I have enjoyed in my life. This is my opportunity to give back a part of what was given to me.

What most excited you about being part of the National Board?
Contributing to a bright economic future for Louisiana and ensuring that future students are given the same foundation from which to grow and pursue their dreams that I had.