Meet LSU’s Three Finalists for President

Baton Rouge, Louisiana (KNGT-FM) - The process of hiring a new president at Louisiana State University has been expedited over the last few days at the request of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. On Wednesday, the finalists for the job were named, and we're gonna take a look at each of the final 3 candidates.

The search committee has narrowed the list down to three finalists - McNeese State University President Wade Rousse, former University of Arizona President Dr. Robert Robbins, and University of Alabama Provost James T. Dalton.

Each of the three finalists will spend a full day at LSU for public forums and meetings. They’ll have the chance to speak with students, faculty, and staff to share their vision for the university’s future. After those visits wrap up early next week, LSU’s Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting to vote on the next president.

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Meet The Finalists:

Wade Rousse is a McNeese graduate and the first in his family to earn a college degree. He became McNeese’s president in 2024 after returning to the university in 2019. Before that, he worked in the marine transportation industry and earned advanced degrees in business and economics. During his time at McNeese, Rousse has helped raise $40 million in new revenue and strengthen the school’s academic programs.

Dr. Robert Robbins is a heart surgeon and experienced university leader. He served as president of the University of Arizona from 2017 to 2024, during which time he helped launch a $3 billion fundraising campaign and expanded the school’s medical programs. Robbins is known for promoting research, innovation, and diversity among students and staff.

James T. Dalton is the provost at the University of Alabama and a respected pharmaceutical scientist. He has authored over 300 research papers and holds numerous patents. Before joining Alabama, Dalton was dean of the University of Michigan’s College of Pharmacy and worked for years in medical research and drug development.