Baton Rouge, LA, October 24, 2025
News Summary
The LSU Presidential Search Committee has nominated six candidates to be considered for the university system’s next president. This decision followed an 11-4 vote during a meeting that saw heightened security due to previous protests. Candidates include Interim President Matt Lee, Wade Rousse from McNeese State University, Julius Fridriksson from the University of South Carolina, Giovanni Piedimonte from Tulane, and Dr. Robert Robbins, former president of the University of Arizona. An unnamed sixth candidate is expected to be revealed by October 29. The committee emphasizes transparency in the search process.
Baton Rouge, LA – The LSU Presidential Search Committee has nominated six candidates to apply for the position of the university system’s next president, a decision made during a meeting characterized by heightened security and an emphasis on transparency. The candidates include Interim President Matt Lee, Wade Rousse, president of McNeese State University, Julius Fridriksson, vice president of research at the University of South Carolina, Giovanni Piedimonte, vice president of research at Tulane, and Dr. Robert Robbins, former president of the University of Arizona. A sixth unnamed candidate will be revealed by October 29 for consideration.
The decision to invite these six candidates was made after an 11-4 vote by the committee, following a meeting on Thursday. The committee’s chair, Scott Ballard, described the meeting as a “pivotal moment” in the search process. This meeting was marked by increased security measures, including police presence outside and a checkpoint for attendees, in light of previous arrests of students during the last meeting.
Opposition arose within the committee as members Claire Cazalot, Kenneth Schafer, Olivia Phelps, and Daniel Tirone voted against the motion to invite the candidates. Some university professors have expressed their desire for candidates with robust educational backgrounds and significant academic experience.
Students demonstrated against the arrests from the previous meeting, expressing a strong desire for increased involvement in the selection process. In an effort to maintain confidentiality, committee members signed non-disclosure agreements, preventing them from discussing the deliberations of the search. Public advocacy groups have also called for greater transparency in the search process.
The search comes after the resignation of former president William Tate in May 2025, who left the position to take a role at Rutgers University. LSU officials aim to make a final hiring decision next month as the process advances.
Details of the Candidates
- Matt Lee: Interim President of LSU.
- Wade Rousse: Current president of McNeese State University.
- Julius Fridriksson: Vice president of research at the University of South Carolina.
- Giovanni Piedimonte: Vice president of research at Tulane University.
- Dr. Robert Robbins: Former president of the University of Arizona.
- Sixth unnamed candidate must identify themselves by October 29.
Timeline
- May 2025: Former president William Tate resigns.
- October 29: Deadline for the sixth candidate to identify themselves.
- Next month: Expected final decision on the new president.
Background Context
The LSU Presidential Search Committee, with the involvement of SSA Consultants, was provided a list of 30 interested candidates to review for the president’s position. This process unfolded against a backdrop of protests and calls for inclusivity from students and faculty alike, leading to a combination of concerns regarding both the security of meetings and the necessity for a transparent selection process.
FAQ
What is the LSU Presidential Search Committee?
The LSU Presidential Search Committee has nominated six candidates to apply for the university system’s next president.
Who are the nominated candidates?
The candidates include: Interim President Matt Lee, McNeese State University President Wade Rousse, Julius Fridriksson, vice president of research at the University of South Carolina, Giovanni Piedimonte, vice president of research at Tulane, Dr. Robert Robbins, former president of the University of Arizona, and a sixth unnamed candidate who must identify themselves by October 29 for consideration.
What was the outcome of the latest committee meeting?
After a meeting on Thursday, the committee voted 11-4 to invite the six candidates to apply.
What concerns were raised during the search process?
Transparency in the search process has been called for by public advocacy groups.
When is the expected hiring decision?
LSU is expected to make a final hiring decision next month.
Key Features of the LSU Presidential Search
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Interim President | Matt Lee |
| Candidates Invited | Six, including Wade Rousse, Julius Fridriksson, Giovanni Piedimonte, and Dr. Robert Robbins |
| Meeting Vote | 11-4 in favor of inviting candidates |
| Heightened Security | Police presence and security checkpoints were established |
| Deadline for Sixth Candidate | October 29 |
| Final Decision Timeline | Next month |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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William Tate Focuses on Winning Culture at Rutgers University
LSU Delays Presidential Search Until After Halloween
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William Tate IV Appointed as President of Rutgers University
LSU Accelerates Search for New President Amid Protests
5th Circuit Court Strikes Down Louisiana Ten Commandments Law
LSU Settles Case with Former Law School Dean Alena Allen
LSU Interim President Highlights Achievements and Priorities
Additional Resources
- La Illuminator: LSU Presidential Search Committee Members Required to Sign Non-Disclosure Agreements
- Wikipedia: Presidential Search Process
- WAFB: LSU Search Committee Reveals Top 5 Presidential Candidates
- Google Search: LSU Presidential Search Committee
- Business Report: LSU Presidential Search Committee Set to Narrow List of Contenders
- Encyclopedia Britannica: University President
- The Advocate: LSU Students Arrested, Disciplinary Measures
- Google News: LSU University President
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