Baton Rouge, La. – October 25, 2023 – During a special meeting, the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to appoint Richard J. Gallot, Jr., JD as the next President and CEO of the University of Louisiana System. The first Gramblinite and second African American appointed to the position, Gallot will begin his new role January 1.
Currently serving as President of Grambling State University, Gallot previously represented the city of Grambling and northeast Louisiana in both the state Senate and House of Representatives.
“Rick’s long career of servant leadership to our state prepared him well for this role,” Board Chair Liz Pierre said in a UL System release. “After thoughtful consideration, the Board believes President Gallot is best positioned to lead the University of Louisiana System to new heights in the coming years.”
Named the 10th president of Grambling State in 2016, Gallot led the institution through a period of historic growth including a 200 percent improvement in the fiscal health score, new enrollment records, development of transformational partnerships, increases in retention rates, and the establishment of new and innovative academic degree programs.
“I am incredibly honored to have the opportunity to serve the students, faculty, staff, and Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System,” Gallot said. “The sense of Systemness created by Dr. Henderson is something I look forward to carrying on by leveraging the collective strength of 90,000 students as the driver of higher education in the state of Louisiana.”
He will succeed Dr. Jim Henderson whom the Board named earlier this evening to fill the presidential vacancy at Louisiana Tech University. Information about the search to replace Gallot at Grambling will be announced at a later date.
“Rick is ideally suited to carry on this work and take it to the next level,” said current UL System President and CEO Dr. Jim Henderson in a release. “His character, leadership acumen, and political instincts will ensure the UL System continues to advance at an even more rapid pace.”
Gallot earned a Bachelor of Arts in history from Grambling and a juris doctorate from Southern University School of Law. He is currently pursuing a doctorate of organizational leadership from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Fla. He has also completed leadership training from Harvard University’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government at the John F. Kennedy School of Government.