Leadership Changes at LSU: A New Era Begins

Categories: College University Athletics

A university campus meeting reflecting changes in leadership

News Summary

A significant leadership shuffle has occurred at Louisiana State University with the resignation of Kimberly J. Lewis, the executive vice president and chief administrative officer. This change comes amid ongoing challenges and legal disputes for the university. Lewis’s departure follows the planned resignation of LSU’s top attorney, raising questions about the institution’s governance. The university community reflects on her contributions during her tenure as they navigate this tumultuous period.

Breaking News in Baton Rouge: Leadership Shuffle at LSU!

Today in Baton Rouge, a significant shift in leadership has taken place at Louisiana State University. Kimberly J. Lewis, who has been serving as the executive vice president and chief administrative officer since February 2022, has officially resigned from her position. This surprising news comes amid a period of transformation and challenges for the university, including new legal disputes and changes in top administration.

A Busy Day for LSU Officials

Interestingly, February 1, 2023, was already marked by an important event—the Louisiana Meauxmentum Summit. Held at LSU’s South Stadium Club, the summit aimed at fostering improvements in higher education across the state. It featured discussions among influential figures such as Governor John Bel Edwards, Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed, and Kim Lewis herself. Just hours after this event, the announcement of Lewis’s resignation was made, highlighting the whirlwind nature of the day at the university.

Context Surrounding the Departure

Lewis’s resignation comes on the heels of another notable departure: LSU’s top attorney, Winston DeCuir Jr., who plans to step down on March 1, 2023. This sequence of events has many wondering about the underlying issues affecting leadership at LSU. Adding fuel to the fire is a lawsuit filed against the university by law professor Ken Levy, who was suspended from teaching last month, raising questions about governance and legal matters facing LSU.

Acknowledging Lewis’s Contributions

An LSU spokesperson expressed gratitude for Lewis’s time at the university, acknowledging her contributions and wishing her success in her future endeavors. In her relatively short tenure, Lewis reported directly to LSU President William Tate IV, and her experience stretches back to her years as head of the Louisiana Department of Revenue. During her six-year stint there, she earned a reputation for implementing significant operational improvements, such as state software designed for collecting taxes on internet sales.

Lewis’s Impressive Background

A proud alumna of LSU, Lewis holds multiple degrees, including one in political science, public administration, and a law degree from the university’s law school, which she completed in 1998. Her previous positions include serving as special counsel for the Office of the Governor under Kathleen Blanco’s administration, where she gained valuable insights and leadership skills that she would later bring to her role at LSU.

During her time at the Louisiana Department of Revenue, Lewis was notably successful, with the department collecting over $10 billion in various taxes during the 2021 fiscal year. Such accomplishments earned her glowing praise from various quarters, including the sitting governor, who has characterized her leadership in prior roles as “outstanding.”

No Comments from Lewis

Since the announcement of her resignation, Lewis has not made any public comments or reached out for inquiries regarding her sudden departure. Attempts to contact her through email and phone calls via her assistant have been unsuccessful, leaving many to speculate on the reasons behind her exit.

Looking Ahead

As LSU navigates these changes, the future of its leadership remains uncertain. The recent transitions and legal challenges put the university in a precarious position, and many are watching closely to see how it affects the institution moving forward. The leadership shake-up at LSU is undoubtedly a topic of chatter and discussion throughout Baton Rouge and beyond, as stakeholders are keen to witness how the university addresses these pressing issues.