Student Government Association President Drew Brown, from left, former SGA President and McNeese graduate Sam Gil, McNeese President Wade Rousse and Alumni board president Matt Graham converse after the groundbreaking ceremony for the university’s new student union as the rain pours down behind them. (American Press Archives)
McNeese State University President Wade Rousse has been chosen by the LSU Board of Supervisors to serve as the next president of Louisiana State University by a vote of 12-1.
Rousse was one of three finalists for the LSU presidency. The other finalists were James Dalton, provost at the University of Alabama, and Robert Robbins, former president of the University of Arizona.
Rousse said the LSU role aligns with his goal of advancing higher education in Louisiana. He noted in a previous statement to the American Press that McNeese’s recent successes have drawn statewide attention and support for his candidacy.
Interviews with the finalists began last Thursday and continued through the week. The LSU Board of Supervisors met today to make the final decision. Before entering the executive session, a public comment period was held.
Several LSU students took it as an opportunity to express their opposition to Rousse, with several condemning his ties to Gov. Jeff Landry and the state Legislature.
Ethan Elmer, speaker of the LSU student senate, said he conducted a small survey to determine student priorities. The survey, which was initially distributed on Friday, had 124 participants. The survey results found that students found campus infrastructure, strategic vision, DEI protections and campus safety most important.
Based on the survey, he also concluded “students generally do want to see this president overly connected to the state Legislature and state governor.”
Student Ryan Spalt expressed discontent with the presidential search process, stating that “without student accountability,” the committee will pick a “Jeff Landry lapdog.” He continued by explaining his belief that Landry’s interests are in opposition to the students, citing Landry’s interest in privatized education, the deployment of the National Guard to “neighborhoods of Black and brown people” and the “infringement upon religious freedom” on campuses.
“I had a suspicion this would be a process that had little to no student input, and just like everything else, would be controlled by Gov. Jeff Landry. What’s worse, it’s not just that students had no say in the process, but that you were actively hostile towards us,” he said. “The decision today will come back to bite you in the ass. The students will reject any MAGA president you choose, especially Wade Rousse, and we are not going anywhere.”
LSU student Weston Davis stated his opposition to Rousse stems from concerns over McNeese’s enrollment numbers, “dependence on oil and gas industry” and interest in the incorporation of artificial intelligence into university curriculum.
Rousse provided a brief statement after his selection, stating this role will be the “honor” of his life. The campus can expect structural changes in leadership and decision-making that will “elevate this LSU system to world-class levels,” he said.
McNeese released a statement shortly after Rousse’s appointment, which stated the university under Rousse’s leadership “experienced remarkable growth and renewed energy.”
“He has given his all to our institution for the last six years and deserves an opportunity to flourish at a higher level. I have no doubt he will have monumental success in his new role just as he has had at McNeese,” said Kedrick A. Nicholas, senior vice president of McNeese, in the release. “I believe McNeese will maintain its ability to thrive because of our resilient student body, our dedicated faculty and staff, and our faithful contingency of community supporters and donors. I am excited about our future, which I expect to include the ability to partner with Dr. Rousse and his future team at LSU to propel the higher education landscape in Southwest Louisiana and the state as a whole.”
“McNeese is, and will remain, laser-focused on our enduring mission and vision: to deliver a life-changing higher educational experience and to be the premier regional university for all of Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Today, our work is more focused and quantifiable than ever. Our efforts towards recruitment, retention and job placement are yielding immediate and tangible results. Regardless of any change at the top, we will stay the course. This commitment is essential for the long-term health of our university and, more importantly, for the success of our students and the citizens who rely on us,” Michael Buckles, provost and vice president for academic affairs at McNeese, added.
Dalton will serve as the university executive vice president and chancellor of the A&M campus.
Rousse became McNeese’s eighth president in December 2024 after serving as a professor, dean of the Burton College of Business, and executive vice president.
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