News Summary
Dr. David Guzick has resigned as chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport, effective April 23, 2023, after facing pressure from the LSU Board. He will transition to the role of chief research officer with a reduced salary. Lester Johnson, the vice chancellor of academic affairs, has been appointed interim chancellor. During Guzick’s tenure, research funding rose significantly and he achieved key milestones for the medical school. The search for a permanent replacement is underway as the institution looks to continue its advancements in medical education and research.
Shreveport
Dr. David Guzick has officially resigned as chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport, effective April 23, 2023. This decision follows months of pressure from LSU Board member Esperanza Moran, who had previously called for Guzick’s dismissal. In a marked transition, the LSU Board of Supervisors unanimously appointed Guzick as the system’s chief research officer following his resignation.
Guzick’s new position as chief research officer comes with a reduced salary of $475,000, compared to the $900,000 he earned as chancellor. As the search for a replacement commences, Lester Johnson, the current vice chancellor of academic affairs, has been named interim chancellor. Johnson will maintain his existing salary of $208,763 but will receive an additional stipend of up to $100,000 to support his interim duties. The timeline for finding Guzick’s permanent successor has not yet been disclosed.
Guzick’s administration received significant backing from LSU leadership, including LSU System President William Tate, as well as faculty members at the Shreveport campus. His tenure was characterized by successful initiatives that included the removal of the medical school’s probation status with its accrediting body, an achievement recognized as a major milestone. Moreover, 17 department chairs and the LSU Health Shreveport Faculty Senate submitted letters in support of Guzick, urging the board to maintain his position.
Dr. Guzick was appointed chancellor in January 2023, having previously been named Dean of the School of Medicine in June 2024. Throughout his time in these roles, the research funding at LSU Health Shreveport (LSUHS) grew by an average of 14%. Under his guidance, LSUHS recruited 14 funded researchers since July 1, 2024, enhancing the institution’s research profile significantly.
In a significant step to address an ongoing shortage of research space, LSUHS acquired the former Sears property at Mall St. Vincent. This site is planned to be developed into a comprehensive cardiovascular and cancer research facility, with an expected opening date of mid-to-late 2027. Importantly, this development is slated to occur without any state funding.
During his tenure as Dean, Guzick modernized the curriculum with an active learning approach and worked diligently to secure full accreditation for the medical school, achieving this milestone in March 2025. His collaborative efforts with Ochsner LSU Health System contributed to notable improvements in patient care quality and operational excellence.
Details regarding Guzick’s future plans remain undisclosed following his resignation. Dr. Lester Johnson is set to officially assume the role of interim chancellor and dean on May 15, 2023, while LSU Health Shreveport begins the transition into new leadership and continues its commitment to medical education and research advancements.
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Additional Resources
- La Illuminator: Ousted LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor to Join LSU System Staff
- Wikipedia: LSU Health Science Center Shreveport
- KSLA: LSU Releases Statement Following Resignation of LSU Health Chancellor David Guzick
- Google Search: David Guzick
- Bossier Press: Dr. David Guzick Resigns as Chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chancellor
- KSLA: Interim Chancellor LSU Health Shreveport Named by Board Supervisors
- Google News: LSU Health Shreveport
