Baton Rouge, Louisiana, October 24, 2025
News Summary
The LSU presidential search committee has announced the top candidates for the university presidency following William Tate’s departure. Interim president Matt Lee is among the finalists, alongside former University of Arizona President Robert Robbins, M.D., and McNeese State University President Wade Rousse. The committee reviewed around 30 applicants, with a focus on transparency amid scrutiny. Public interviews are set to take place soon, leading to a recommendation for the LSU Board of Supervisors to make a final decision.
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – The LSU presidential search committee has announced its top candidates to fill the role of university president, following the departure of former president William Tate. The announcement was made during a meeting on Thursday, revealing that current interim president Matt Lee is among the finalists for the position.
In addition to Lee, the search committee identified former University of Arizona President Robert Robbins, M.D., and current McNeese State University President Wade Rousse as key candidates. The search for a new president gained significance after William Tate left LSU to take on the same role at Rutgers University. Tate’s exit in May 2025 led to Matt Lee stepping into the interim position, with his new responsibilities beginning on July 1.
The search committee shared that they reviewed approximately 30 interested individuals for the presidency. Out of these, 20 were deemed qualified, with 5 to 9 categorized as highly qualified. Five candidates received the most support during the search process based on their qualifications and committee feedback. However, one of the top candidates requested anonymity regarding their name and current university of employment.
Before assuming the role of interim president, Dr. Matt Lee served as LSU’s Vice President for Agriculture and Dean of the College of Agriculture. The search committee has been under scrutiny regarding the transparency of the selection process, a concern highlighted by Steven Procopio from the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, who stressed the LSU presidency’s public significance.
LSU Board Chairman Scott Ballard clarified that non-disclosure agreements signed by committee members were intended to protect candidates’ identities during the selection process. These non-disclosure agreements prohibit members from discussing deliberations and related documents. First Amendment attorneys have noted that such agreements are considered unusual for public bodies.
The search committee is expected to conduct public interviews with the candidates on Wednesday. Post-interviews, the committee will recommend three finalists to the LSU Board of Supervisors, which will make the final hiring decision. A special session to vote on the next president has yet to be scheduled by the Board of Supervisors.
The LSU presidential position has been vacant since June, with Dr. Matt Lee continuing as interim president during the search process for a permanent successor.
Summary of Candidates
| Candidate Name | Current Position |
|---|---|
| Matt Lee | Interim President, LSU |
| Robert Robbins, M.D. | Former President, University of Arizona |
| Wade Rousse | Current President, McNeese State University |
FAQ Section
Who is the current interim president of LSU?
The current interim president is Matt Lee.
Who are the top candidates for the LSU presidential position?
The top candidates include Matt Lee, Robert Robbins, M.D., and Wade Rousse.
Why is there a vacancy in the LSU presidential position?
The position became vacant after former president William Tate left to take the same job at Rutgers University.
What role will the search committee play in selecting the new president?
The search committee will interview candidates and recommend three finalists to the LSU Board of Supervisors for a final hiring decision.
When will the public interviews with candidates take place?
The public interviews are expected to occur on Wednesday.
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Additional Resources
- WAFB: LSU Search Committee Reveals Top Presidential Candidates
- Wikipedia: Louisiana State University
- Louisiana Illuminator: LSU Presidential Search Committee Non-Disclosure Agreements
- Google Search: LSU Presidential Search 2025
- WBRZ: LSU Presidential Search Committee Reveals Top Candidates
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Presidential Search
- Louisiana Illuminator: LSU Invites Candidates to Apply for President
- Google News: LSU Presidential Search
- Louisiana Illuminator: LSU President Overview
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