NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University mourns the passing of former Louisiana House Speaker Joe Reece Salter, a distinguished alumnus and member of the Long Purple Line, NSU’s alumni hall of distinction.
Elected to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1986, Salter served more than 20 years and was the 62nd Speaker of the House from 2004 to 2008. He was the first from his district to hold the position and became one of the most respected leaders in state government. Alongside his legislative service, Salter devoted his career to education as a teacher and administrator in the Sabine Parish school system. His impact was recognized with induction into the Louisiana Political Hall of Fame in 2006, NSU’s Hall of Distinguished Educators and the Sabine Hall of Fame.
Salter also served as a member of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, which is the management board over nine public universities. A Florien resident, he was reappointed by Governor Jeff Landry on January 4, 2025, to represent the 4th Congressional District, with his term extending through December 31, 2030. He was active on several standing committees, including Audit, Facilities Planning, Finance, Legislation (as Chair) and Personnel. In addition to his career in public service and education, he was a veteran of the United States Army National Guard.
Throughout his service, Salter demonstrated outstanding leadership, particularly in guiding Louisiana through the aftermaths of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He was the recipient of numerous honors, including awards from the Louisiana Council on Aging, Louisiana Public Broadcasting and the Louisiana Federation of Teachers, as well as induction into multiple halls of fame recognizing his work in education, politics and athletics.
In honor of Salter’s life and legacy, President James T. Genovese has ordered the Northwestern State University flag to be lowered to half-staff. Landry has ordered the same for all state flags.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
