Duane Bailey

The meeting focused on the presidential search process for McNeese State University. The search committee report was presented, outlining the selection process of finalists. Candidate interviews were conducted with Dr. Dee Dee Anderson and Mr. Mike Reese, involving both open sessions and executive sessions for personnel matters. The Board deliberated on the candidates and ultimately appointed Mr. Mike Reese as the next President of McNeese State University, effective July 1, 2026. The meeting also included public comments regarding the university's future and concluded with recognition of a departing student board member.

The board meeting encompassed a wide range of academic, athletic, and financial approvals across the university system. Key actions included approving degree designation changes, contract agreements for numerous athletic coaches and directors, and the appointment of internal audit leadership. Facilities projects, such as loan applications for capital improvements, property purchases, and naming rights for various campus spaces, were authorized. Financial approvals addressed student fee increases, affiliation agreements, and system-wide legal service contracts. The meeting also included personnel appointments for leadership roles, an update on the ULS United initiative, ADA compliance efforts, and executive session deliberations concerning legal settlements and conflict waivers.

The Board convened to receive a report from the Presidential Search Committee regarding the selection of the finalist for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette presidency. Following an interview with the finalist, Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, the Board held deliberations and formally appointed him as the President of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, authorizing the System President and Board Chair to negotiate employment terms. The meeting concluded with remarks from the new President.

The Board approved several contractual agreements for athletic staff at Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech University, McNeese State University, and Northwestern State University. Internal audit plans for the fiscal year were approved, along with various facility actions including land sales at Louisiana Tech University, a land lease at Nicholls State University, the naming of structures at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and property donations and leases at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Additionally, the Board authorized student fee reallocation, amended meal service contracts, established endowed positions, appointed several university Deans and a Vice President, and discussed pending litigation in executive session.

The meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office for the 2026 Vice Chair and Parliamentarian. The Board approved the termination of five degree programs at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. An update was provided on the System Integration Resolution, covering the formation of a task force and a three-phase implementation plan. Other business included an update on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette presidential search, an overview of upcoming activities in Washington, D.C., the approval of a personnel action, and the adoption of a resolution in memory of the System President's mother.