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Shreveport’s LSU Health Chancellor David Guzick Resigns

Campus of LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, showcasing students and faculty.

News Summary

Dr. David Guzick has resigned as chancellor of LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport amid mounting pressure from board members. His departure follows other high-profile resignations and comes after a tenure marked by significant achievements, including the removal of probation status for the institution and a boost in research funding. Guzick will now focus on expanding biomedical research at LSU. In the interim, Dr. Lester Wayne Johnson has been appointed as chancellor.

Shreveport Says Goodbye to LSU Health Chancellor David Guzick

In a surprising move that has rippled through the community, Dr. David Guzick has stepped down from his position as chancellor of LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport. This decision comes after months of intense pressure from board members, particularly Esperanza Moran, who had previously suggested Guzick’s removal during a board meeting in September. The official announcement of his resignation was made by LSU spokesman Todd Woodward on Wednesday.

What Led to the Resignation?

The buzz around Guzick’s potential ousting has been floating for a while, but the exact reasons behind Moran’s push for Guzick to leave have not been made public. Despite requests for comments, Moran has dodged inquiries from reporters, leaving many scratching their heads about her motivations. As has become routine at the State Capitol, speculation fills the air with each passing day.

Interestingly, Guzick isn’t the only one making exits on this busy resignation train. On the very same day he said goodbye, Roy Haggerty, the LSU Provost, also announced he’d be moving on. This duo now makes Guzick the third high-profile administrator to bid farewell to LSU this year, joining Kimberly Lewis, the executive vice president for finance who left in February, and Winston DeCuir, the top attorney who stepped down in January.

Support Amidst Turmoil

Throughout his tenure, Guzick seemed to have a solid backing from various corners of LSU leadership. Notably, he received a letter of support from William Tate, LSU System President, alongside endorsements from 17 department chairs. This widespread backing indicates that his leadership did have considerable supporters.

Many accomplishments during his time include the remarkable feat of getting LSU Health Shreveport removed from probation by its accrediting body, which took place in March 2025. This was no small potatoes and was celebrated by his staff as a significant milestone.

Achievements That Made a Difference

Under Guzick’s guidance, there was a noticeable uptick in research funding at LSU Health, boasting a 14% average growth in extramural research dollars. Also, since July 2024, 14 funded researchers have joined the team, enhancing the institution’s reputation and capabilities.

Perhaps one of the most exciting prospects for the future is the acquisition of the former Sears building, which will be transformed into a state-of-the-art research facility focusing on cardiovascular and cancer research. This new venture is due to open in mid-to-late 2027 and is remarkable in that it will not require any state funding!

Guzick also played a pivotal role in revamping the School of Medicine’s curriculum and tackling various challenges, ultimately leading to the improvement of its probationary status.

What’s Next for Guzick?

While details about Guzick’s future plans remain somewhat of a mystery, it has been confirmed that he has accepted a new role as the chief research officer for LSU. In this capacity, he will focus on bolstering biomedical research infrastructure in Shreveport, a move that many are eager to see unfold.

Stepping Into New Shoes

With Guzick’s departure now a done deal, Dr. Lester Wayne Johnson has been named interim chancellor of LSU Health Shreveport. As the university transitions during this period, all eyes will be on him as well as the developments that arise.

The Shreveport community will undoubtedly feel the impact of these changes, and many are left wondering what lies ahead for LSU Health Sciences Center. As always, the future remains exciting, filled with both challenges and possibilities!