In a unanimous decision on Wednesday, the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors appointed Grambling State University’s President, Rick Gallot, as the new head of the University of Louisiana (UL) System. Earlier the same day, ULS President and CEO Jim Henderson was unanimously elected as Louisiana Tech University’s president.
Both Gallot and Henderson will assume their new roles on January 1st.
Upon his appointment, Gallot remarked, “Serving the University of Louisiana System’s students, teachers, staff, and Board of Supervisors is a privilege. I look forward to continuing Dr. Henderson’s ‘Systemness’ by using Louisiana’s 90,000 students to propel higher education.”
Before joining Grambling State University (GSU) in 2016, Gallot had a notable political career, serving as both a state senator and representative. Under his leadership at GSU, the institution witnessed historic growth. The ULS press release highlighted that during Gallot’s tenure, the university set new enrollment records and saw a significant 200 percent improvement in its fiscal health score.
Gallot, a proud alumnus, holds a bachelor’s degree in history from GSU and a juris doctorate from Southern University. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in organizational leadership at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida.
The role of the UL System’s president is pivotal, acting as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and overseeing its nine universities spread across Louisiana. Key responsibilities of the position include providing vision and leadership, managing budgets and finances, appointing top administrative personnel, representing the system to various stakeholders, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality education and research.
The UL System president is elected for a term of six years. While the Louisiana governor appoints the president, it’s the state Senate’s duty to confirm the appointment. However, the ultimate decision rests with the UL System Board of Supervisors, a 15-member board chosen by the governor and ratified by the state Senate.
With these new appointments, the state’s higher education landscape is set to witness transformative leadership in the coming years.
