Copyright American Press
McNeese President Wade Rousse has been chosen as one of three finalists in the Louisiana State University presidential search. The previous LSU President, William Tate, left the role in May. The search was narrowed down to five candidates earlier this week: Rousse; James Dalton, provost at the University of Alabama; interim LSU President Matt Lee; Giovanni Piedimonte, vice president of research at Tulane; and Robert Robbins, former president of the University of Arizona. In the final running are Rousse, Dalton and Robbins. In a statement provided to the American Press on Tuesday, Rousse stated pursuing the position aligns with his ultimate higher education mission. “Our team’s success at McNeese has been recognized and celebrated across Louisiana. In recent weeks, several higher education leaders and stakeholders have encouraged me to consider pursuing the presidency of Louisiana State University,” he said. “My love for McNeese runs deep, but my goal has always been to make the greatest possible impact on higher education in my home state. LSU plays a pivotal role in shaping Louisiana’s higher education landscape and overall well-being, and I can confirm that I am thoughtfully exploring this opportunity.” The three finalists began interviews on Thursday, which will continue on Friday and Monday. The LSU Board of Supervisors will ultimately select the next president. Rousse was sworn in as the eighth president of McNeese less than one year ago on Dec. 7, 2024. Prior, he served as a professor, dean of the Burton College of Business and executive vice president at McNeese.
