Southern University says search for new president will take longer than initially planned

The search for a new Southern University System president will take longer than expected, the university said on May 6.

The Southern University System Presidential Search Committee said that its original timeline has been extended. The original timeline established earlier this year would have seen recommended candidates presented to the Board of Supervisors on May 12 and a new president installed by July 1.

This timeline has been extended to give the consultants at TM² Executive Search extra time to “conduct a comprehensive national search that brings us the very best finalists to fill this critical position.”

“Our stakeholders deserve a thoughtful and deliberate process that identifies visionary leadership for the next chapter of the Southern University System,” Jason Hughes, chair of the Southern University System Presidential Search Committee, said.

Southern said that additional updates regarding the presidential search process and timeline will be shared as they become available.

SU's Presidential Search
Category	Details
The Institution	Southern University and A&M College System, the only historically Black university system in the United States.
The Announcement	The Southern University Board of Supervisors and the presidential search committee announced the timeline to select a new President/Chancellor is being extended.
The Reason	The committee cited a desire to exercise "due diligence" and ensure a highly comprehensive vetting process rather than rushing to meet the original deadline.
Current Leadership	The system is currently being led by Interim President Orlando F. McMeans, Ph.D.
The Stakes	The incoming leader will oversee the flagship campus in Baton Rouge, SU at New Orleans (SUNO), SU Shreveport (SUSLA), the SU Law Center, and the SU Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
Next Steps	The search committee will continue to evaluate applicants and gather stakeholder input, with a revised timeline for final candidate interviews.