The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has a new interim president. Jamie Hebert is stepping down, and the UL System Board has appointed Ramesh Kolluru as the new interim president while a search for a permanent takes place. This year the school has eliminated more than 70 positions and made other cuts because of a $25 million budget deficit. But Kolluru says this financial crisis will not prevent the school from growing.
“During these financial challenges, it’s easy to say, ‘Let’s step back and scale back.’ We’re not stopping. We are not yielding an inch of the ground that we have covered. We will continue to push forward,” Kolluru said.
Kolluru says he’ll release a plan after Thanksgiving on how the university can grow revenue. He says student success will be the mission of the university.
“A university that’s laser-focused on ensuring student success from enrollment to employment, and everything in between,” Kolluru said.
Kolluru is the school’s current vice president for research, innovation and economic development. He had this message for the faculty at today’s UL System Board meeting.
“We’ll also empower our deans, department heads and staff to clear your path, so that you can focus on building your careers here. In doing so, you move this university forward,” Kolluru said.
There is speculation Kolluru will be named the permanent president in the near future. Also, president emeritus Joe Savoie announced he will retire December 31st.
Dr. Jamie Hebert is returning to his post as provost.
