At a Nov. 13 meeting in Lafayette, the University of Louisiana System Board appointed current Vice President of Research, Innovation and Economic Development Dr. Ramesh Kolluru as the new interim president of the University. Dr. Jaimie Hebert, who had held the position of interim president since August, requested to be returned to his former position as provost, a position he has held since 2018.
According to the University’s website, Kolluru is “…a nationally recognized leader in the areas of science and technology, public-impact research, economic and workforce development, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship.” His developments since taking the role of vice president in 2013 helped the University earn the title of Carnegie R1 Top-Tier University in 2021. He has generated more than $65 million in research grants and contracts during his tenure in research.
Kolluru also serves as a tenured professor in the School of Computing and Informatics, with expertise in computing, health innovation, homeland security and emergency management, public-private partnerships and data science. He also oversees operations of the University Research Park and various research centers and institutes at UL Lafayette.
In a speech given to those present at the board meeting directly after his appointment, Kolluru expressed his gratitude and intent to push the University forward using the acronym “SAI:” success, accountability and innovation. Kolluru addressed staff and faculty, saying, “I know how hard you work and how often the very systems that are meant to help you hold us all back. That must change.” Kolluru was appointed by the board without opposition.
Kolluru also addressed students, mentioning, “Like you, I once walked these halls in 1992… you are the mission of this University.” Together, Kolluru hopes for faculty, staff and students to “reset and rebuild,” noting that, “We will empower those who teach and create, we will support those who serve and elevate those who learn at this University.” His plans for improving the University span from “enrollment to employment.”
Kolluru noted that his plans for the University going forward will be presented after Thanksgiving. It is still the System Board’s plan to conduct a formal search for a long-term University President in the future.
Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette’s sixth president, resigned in July after serving as president for 17 years. He announced in an email to the University yesterday that he will be formally retiring effective Dec. 31, 2025 after serving as president emeritus since his resignation.