Richard Vath

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.

The Board met to conduct a presidential search for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, resulting in the appointment of an interim president and the return of the former interim president to the role of Provost. Additionally, the Board appointed an interim president for McNeese State University due to a leadership vacancy. The session also included discussions on pending litigation, the authorization of legal actions, and the approval of a resolution to investigate the feasibility of transforming the university system into a fully vertically integrated organization.

The Board approved various academic and student affairs items, including honorary degrees and the naming of an honors program. Several athletic coaching and administrative contracts were finalized across multiple universities. The Audit Committee reported on audit activity and financial irregularity policies, while the Board authorized the removal of an internal audit director. Facility naming rights for a student union were granted, and the Finance Committee addressed student housing procurement, lease agreements, student fee referendums, professional legal services contracts, and sponsorship agreements. The Personnel Committee confirmed appointments for several dean positions. Additionally, the Board approved an artificial intelligence policy, conducted presidential evaluations, updated the status of ongoing presidential searches, and elected a 2026 Vice Chair.