NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Northwestern State University announced the passing of a distinguished alumnus and former Louisiana House Speaker.
Joe Reece Salter was a native of Florien, Louisiana, and was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1986, where he served for more than 20 years and was the first representative of his district to become House Speaker and served in that leadership role from 2004 to 2008. In addition to his career as a lawmaker, Salter was also a teacher and administrator in Sabine Parish Public Schools and was a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard.
In 2008, he was inducted into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame. Salter is also a member of NSU’s Hall of Distinguished Educators and the Sabine Hall of Fame.
Salter was a member of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors overseeing more than nine of the state’s public universities.
Joe Salter was elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1986. With his re-election in 2004, he became the 62nd speaker of the House. During his tenure, he has served as Chairman of the House Legislative Bureau and Rural Legislative Task Force, as a member of the Special Committee on Louisiana Homeland Security, the House Education Committee, and on key committees that address the budget and financing of state government.
In honor of his legacy of service, the flag at Northwestern State University will be lowered to half staff per the order of university president James T. Genovese. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has ordered all state flags to be lowered as well.
An event honoring Salter’s lifetime of service was held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, upon his retirement, having served the public in so many areas.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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