News Summary
Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) is experiencing a significant crisis as multiple organizations have submitted a Resolution of No Confidence against Chancellor Dr. Aubra J. Gantt. Allegations include fostering a hostile work environment, disregarding student input, and engaging in abusive leadership tactics. Faculty and student groups express their discontent through formal resolutions, citing issues like abuse of power and violations of merit-based hiring. Despite this opposition, the Southern University System’s president remains supportive of Gantt, calling for collaboration among the organizations instead of conflict.
Shreveport – Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) is currently facing a growing crisis as multiple organizations have initiated a Resolution of No Confidence against Chancellor Dr. Aubra J. Gantt, highlighting serious concerns over her leadership style and practices. The allegations against Gantt center around claims of creating a hostile work environment, ignoring student voices, and engaging in abusive leadership tactics.
The Resolution of No Confidence was formally submitted by several groups within SUSLA, including SUSLA United, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), and the Student Government Association (SGA). This latest resolution follows an earlier submission made in June 2025, indicating ongoing dissatisfaction with her leadership.
Concerns outlined in the letters emphasize a range of issues including the abuse of power, a failure to acknowledge student concerns, undermining merit-based hiring practices, and exercising improper surveillance on students and staff. Reports have revealed further alarming practices, such as restrictions on workplace interactions and a demanding monitoring of staff, which has contributed to a pervasive atmosphere of fear.
In response to the growing discontent, Dennis J. Shields, the president of the Southern University System, has defended Dr. Gantt, asserting confidence in her judgment and refusing to endorse calls for her removal. Shields has expressed a desire for collaboration among the various student organizations rather than continued opposition.
The dissatisfaction reached a peak when SGA President Marlon Davenport shared his experiences of feeling ignored in his attempts to communicate with Gantt. Notably, recent decisions regarding changes to Friday class schedules were implemented without adequate consultation with the SGA. This lack of engagement culminated in a town hall meeting where Dr. Gantt left prematurely, further aggravating student concerns.
Reports suggest that there is a perception among students that Gantt is only present during promotional events and is disconnected from real student issues, leading to frustration over unaddressed concerns. Davenport also faced administrative backlash after an email addressing student issues was sent; his SGA email account was reportedly disabled by Dr. Gantt shortly afterward.
Beyond student concerns, faculty and staff feelings of isolation have been echoed throughout the university; restrictive practices within the workplace and a notable lack of support have been recurrent themes. The AAUP has accused Gantt of an autocratic leadership style that negatively impacts faculty morale and shared governance, while the Staff Senate has reported disturbing patterns, such as the neglect of qualified candidates for internal promotions and invasive surveillance practices.
Both the AAUP and Staff Senate have taken significant action by adopting resolutions of no confidence against Dr. Gantt’s leadership, which mirrors the discontent permeating the SUSLA community. Collectively, these organizations are advocating for a leadership approach that emphasizes transparency and collaboration in order to ensure the institution’s health and future success.
Current sentiments within the SUSLA community suggest that employee morale has decreased and institutional progress has stagnated since Dr. Gantt’s appointment in June 2023. She inherited significant challenges, including declining enrollment and budget constraints from previous leadership, but suspicions persist regarding management decisions made under her direction, particularly within the Office of Student Affairs.
As this situation develops, the SUSLA community remains watchful, believing that effective leadership is crucial for fostering a supportive and thriving educational environment.
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Additional Resources
- KSLA News: Resolution of No Confidence Submitted Against SUSLA Chancellor
- Wikipedia: Southern University at Shreveport
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Southern University Shreveport Groups Call for Leadership Change
- Google Search: Chancellor Dr. Aubra J. Gantt
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Leadership
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
