Baton Rouge, LA, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Louisiana State University is searching for a new president following the departure of William Tate IV. The committee is considering various candidates and aims to prioritize diversity. SSA Consultants have been engaged to assist in the process. Public meetings are scheduled to keep the community informed and involved as LSU aims to finalize appointments by the spring semester.
LSU Launches National Search for New President Following Departure of William Tate IV
BATON ROUGE, LA – Louisiana State University (LSU) has officially commenced its search for a new president, following the unexpected departure of William Tate IV to become the president of Rutgers University. The presidential search committee held its first meeting on August 19, establishing the groundwork for an appointment anticipated to be finalized by the spring semester of 2024.
The meeting, chaired by LSU Board of Supervisors Chair Scott Ballard, included discussions about the committee’s responsibilities, the consulting firm engaged for the search, and the legalities surrounding public meetings. SSA Consultants, a Baton Rouge-based firm, has been selected to assist in the search, with Christel Slaughter leading the team. Slaughter will collaborate with Eric Monday, a former LSU Chief Financial Officer who is also rumored to be a potential candidate for the position.
The search committee is considering a range of candidates, including interim president Matt Lee, McNeese State President Wade Rousse, and U.S. Representative Julia Letlow. As the committee conducts its work, there are ongoing discussions about the importance of diversity and representation in the presidency, with students expressing their wish for a leader who embodies various backgrounds and can foster an inclusive environment.
Concerns have been raised about the committee’s composition, which is predominantly white male, leading some to question whether this could influence the diversity of candidates considered. Professor-Emeritus Robert Mann highlighted that the makeup of the search committee could impact the candidate pool, emphasizing the need for a broad spectrum of representation in leadership.
Search Process and Timeline
Following legal recommendations concerning open records laws, portions of the search process will occur behind closed doors to ensure candidate confidentiality. The committee plans to hold additional public meetings on September 10, October 1, October 29, and November 12 to provide updates on the search and engage with the university community.
The goal of the current search is to narrow down the pool to three to five final candidates for the Board of Supervisors’ consideration. Historical context indicates that past LSU presidential searches have varied in transparency, with some candidates’ names kept confidential until the later stages of the process.
Context of Leadership Changes
The initiation of the presidential search marks a significant leadership decision during a time when the governance of higher education in Louisiana has shifted notably under the influence of Governor Jeff Landry. His administration has reportedly aligned the governance of colleges more closely to conservative values, raising concern among some faculty and students about how this might influence the upcoming appointment.
In light of these changes, there is a clear intention among the university community to ensure that the eventual new president supports diverse perspectives while promoting an inviting and collaborative campus culture. LSU’s aim is to uphold a commitment to diversity and inclusivity through its leadership, reflecting its broader values and aspirations for the future.
Summary
- Search for LSU’s next president initiated on August 19.
- Committee chaired by Scott Ballard, working with SSA Consultants.
- Target is to appoint a new president by spring semester 2024.
- Concerns about the diversity of the search committee and candidate pool.
- Upcoming public meetings scheduled to include community input.
FAQ Section
What prompted the search for a new president at LSU?
The search was initiated following the unexpected departure of William Tate IV, who left to become the president of Rutgers University.
Who is leading the search committee?
The search committee is chaired by Scott Ballard, Chair of the LSU Board of Supervisors.
What consulting firm is assisting in the search?
SSA Consultants, based in Baton Rouge, has been hired to aid in the search process.
When does LSU expect to appoint a new president?
The committee aims to have a new president in place by the spring semester of 2024.
What concerns have been raised regarding the search process?
There have been concerns about the lack of diversity on the search committee, which could affect the candidate pool and the overall inclusiveness of the search process.
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Additional Resources
- LSU Reveille: LSU Launches National Search for New President
- Business Report: Guide to the Search for LSU’s Next President
- The Advocate: LSU Search Committee and SSA Consulting
- LA Illuminator: LSU’s President Abruptly Leaves
- NOLA: LSU President Search After William Tate’s Departure
- Wikipedia: Louisiana State University
- Google Search: LSU president search
- Google Scholar: LSU president
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Louisiana State University
- Google News: LSU president search
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