The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has a new interim president, Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, following a special meeting of the UL System board on Thursday. The board also committed to forming a search committee for a permanent president, a decision that follows concerns from faculty about the selection process.
Dr. Kolluru, previously the university's vice president for research, innovation, and economic development, takes the helm from Dr. Jaimie Hebert. Hebert, who served as interim president since August, requested to return to his position as provost.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Ramesh Kolluru has been appointed the new interim president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
- The UL System Board of Supervisors has committed to forming a search committee to find a permanent president after faculty raised concerns.
- The leadership change occurs as the university addresses a significant $25 million budget deficit.
- Former interim president Dr. Jaimie Hebert requested to return to his role as provost, recommending Dr. Kolluru to ensure continuity.
A Sudden Transition in Leadership
The appointment of Dr. Ramesh Kolluru as interim president was announced during a special board meeting on November 13, 2025. The change was prompted by Dr. Jaimie Hebert, who had been leading the university on an interim basis since the departure of former president Joseph Savoie in July.
In his address to the board, Hebert stated he felt his skills were best utilized in helping the university navigate its recent challenges and that it was time to step back into his role as provost. He recommended Kolluru as his successor to maintain momentum on key initiatives.
“Dr. Kolluru also has a broad and deep understanding of our research enterprise, and right now we need that continuity,” Hebert explained to the board. “We need to be able to continue through this transition and not lose pace with what we were accomplishing in a positive way.”
After the meeting, Kolluru mentioned that he was not aware he would be appointed until Hebert made the suggestion during his address. The university has been without a permanent president since Joseph Savoie stepped down. Savoie is set to officially retire at the end of the year.
Faculty Concerns Prompt Formal Search
A significant development from the meeting was the board's decision to conduct a formal search for the university's next permanent president. This announcement came after an hour-long executive session and appeared to address recent pushback from faculty and other campus stakeholders.
Initial speculation suggested the board might appoint a new president without a comprehensive search process. This possibility drew criticism from campus members who advocated for a more transparent and inclusive selection involving faculty and student input.
Commitment to an Inclusive Process
Board Chair Mark Romero affirmed the board's new direction. “We are going to confirm a great group of community leaders and individuals that have a vested interest in seeing this university succeed,” he said, “and that are committed to serving the interests of supporting the selection of the future president of this university.” However, specific details regarding the search committee's members or a timeline for the process have not yet been released.
Dr. Kolluru also voiced his support for the decision. He told board members he was glad “we are going through a process that will engage our faculty in deciding our future leadership.”
Navigating a Financial Crisis
The leadership transition is set against the backdrop of significant financial challenges for UL Lafayette. Shortly after becoming interim president, Dr. Hebert announced the university was facing a $25 million budget deficit.
To address the shortfall, Hebert's administration took immediate action to control costs. These measures included the difficult decision to eliminate more than 70 positions across the university.
By the Numbers: UL Lafayette's Fiscal Challenge
- Budget Deficit: $25 million
- Positions Eliminated: Over 70
- Interim Leadership Changes: 2 since August 1
In his remarks, Dr. Kolluru seemed to reference these ongoing struggles and the institutional issues contributing to them. He spoke of a need for systemic change to better support the university community.
The Path Forward Under New Leadership
Upon his appointment, Dr. Kolluru outlined his vision for the university, emphasizing a focus on improving internal systems. “Let me be clear — it's not our people who have failed our systems. It is our broken systems, in some part, that have failed our people,” Kolluru stated.
He introduced a plan centered on three core principles, asking attendees to remember the acronym "S-A-I":
- Service
- Accountability
- Innovation
Kolluru committed to presenting a draft plan for growth to the board by the end of November. His immediate goals are to stabilize the university's finances while fostering an environment of innovation and accountability.
“I believe in this university, I believe in you, and I believe in us as one UL,” Kolluru concluded in his address to the university community.
As interim president, Dr. Kolluru will guide UL Lafayette through its ongoing fiscal recovery while the board prepares to launch its search for a permanent leader to shape the institution's future.
