LSU Partners with SSA Consultants for Presidential Search

Baton Rouge, LA – Louisiana State University (LSU) has enlisted the help of SSA Consultants from Baton Rouge to aid in the search for a new president, as the university aims to conclude the process by the end of the year. This announcement follows the recent departure of former President William Tate IV, who accepted a position at Rutgers University.

The search committee, which held its inaugural meeting on March 20, 2023, plans to meet three additional times this fall to review potential candidates. The committee is set to present a shortlist of three to five finalists to the LSU Board of Supervisors for final approval. LSU Board Chairman Scott Ballard has expressed hope that the new president could begin as early as the spring semester of next year.

SSA Consultants brings a wealth of experience to the table, having previously recruited executives in various sectors including finance, healthcare, and public services. Christel Slaughter, the president of SSA, has indicated that some aspects of the search will be subcontracted to Eric Monday, the former Chief Financial Officer at LSU, who now serves as the executive vice president at the University of Kentucky.

There has already been significant interest in the presidency, with job advertisements set to be posted soon to attract formal applications. Rumored candidates for the role include interim president Matt Lee, McNeese President Wade Rousse, and U.S. Representative Julia Letlow. The committee’s efforts are underscored by its commitment to adhere to open meeting laws and maintain transparency during the search process, despite concerns being raised regarding potential biases related to political connections and the committee’s racial and gender diversity.

Details of the Search Process

The committee is composed primarily of LSU alumni and includes only five full-time LSU system employees. Critics have pointed out a lack of diversity within the committee, which consists of three women and three people of color. This has raised questions about the committee’s representation and its impact on the search process.

Political ties have also surface in the discussion, particularly with the influence of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry on LSU Board directives. Slaughter’s support for conservative candidates has added another layer of complexity to the dynamics of the search, with concerns regarding how state leadership’s political viewpoints may affect candidate selection.

The next scheduled committee meetings are on September 10, October 1, October 29, and November 12. These meetings will play a crucial role in narrowing down candidates, although potential candidates’ identities may be kept confidential to encourage a broader applicant pool and protect their current roles. There have also been ongoing discussions regarding whether the presidential position will oversee both the LSU system and the Baton Rouge campus as a dual role or return to separate positions.

As LSU moves forward with this search, the goal remains to strike a balance between maintaining transparency in the process and respecting the confidentiality needs of potential candidates.

Conclusion

With the partnership of SSA Consultants, LSU’s search committee aims to navigate the complexities of selecting a new president while addressing the concerns associated with diversity, politics, and transparency. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the future leadership of the university.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Features of the Search Process