Southern University Board of Supervisors public meetings in 2025
11 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Southern University Board of Supervisors
The Southern University Board of Supervisors will vote on permanent faculty and staff appointments, including new head football and coaching staff, and approve sabbaticals. The board will also select an interim president for the system starting January 1, 2026, and discuss a contract extension for Chancellor Aubra J. Gantt. Special recognitions include partnerships with Women's Hospital and the Human Jukebox band.
- Approval of Marshall Faulk as Head Football Coach ($400,000 salary)
- Approval of permanent Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success (Dr. Karen Jackson, $108,000 salary)
- Approval of permanent Graduate School Dean (Dr. Albertha Lawson, $180,000 salary)
- Selection of interim president for Southern University System (effective Jan 1, 2026)
- Approval of separation agreement with Dennis J. Shields
The Board of Supervisors appointed Chancellor Orlando McMeans as interim President effective January 1, 2026. The Board also approved a four-year extension for Chancellor Gantt and a separation agreement for Dennis J. Shields.
- Appointed Chancellor Orlando McMeans as interim President
- Granted Chancellor Gantt a four-year extension
- Approved separation agreement between Dennis J. Shields and the Board
- Approved Marshall Faulk as Head Football Coach (SUBR)
- Approved Todd Lyght as Defensive Coordinator and Curtis 'CJ' Johnson as Offensive Coordinator (SUBR)
- Approved permanent appointments for Dr. Karen Jackson (Asst Vice Chancellor) and Dr. Albertha Lawson (Graduate School Dean)
- Approved Gray Decision Intelligence contract and Wireless Edge cell tower RFP
- Approved sabbatical applications for Dr. Radian Belu, Dr. Natassia Jones, and Dr. Guang-Lin Zhao
Southern University Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors will select an Interim President to begin service on January 1, 2026. The body will also vote on academic programs, personnel actions, and legal settlements.
- Selection of Interim President for Southern University System
- Approval of personnel actions for positions equal to or greater than $100,000 (SUBR)
- Approval of Barber Brothers Bid #10346 Contract (SUAREC)
- Approval of RN to BSN Online Program - Mental Health Concentration (SUNO)
- Approval of Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center's 2025-2032 Strategic Plan
The Board of Supervisors elected a new Vice Chairman for 2026 and approved several academic and administrative actions. The board approved new degree programs at SUNO and a strategic plan for SUAREC. Action Item XII(M) regarding the selection of an Interim President was removed from the agenda.
- Elected Reggie Abraham as vice chairman for 2026
- Approved Fall 2025 Commencement Resolutions for SUBR
- Approved tenure and promotion recommendations for SUBR
- Approved Graduate Certificate Program in Early College Teaching and Learning (SUNO)
- Approved RN to BSN Online Program - Mental Health Concentration (SUNO)
- Approved settlement of Coach Graves employment contract (SUBR)
- Approved SUAREC 2025-2032 Strategic Plan
- Approved Barber Brothers Bid #10346 Contract (SUAREC)
Southern University Board of Supervisors
The Southern University Board of Supervisors will consider approving FY 2026-2027 budget requests for all campuses, new academic programs including a Chemical Engineering degree, faculty handbook updates, tenure and promotion recommendations, and several contracts including a lease agreement for equipment and television studio. The board will also receive an interim financial report and facilities update.
- Request for approval of FY 2026-2027 Budget Requests for all six campuses (SUS, SUBR, SULC, SUNO, SUSLA, SUAREC)
- Approval of Chemical Engineering degree program proposal at SUBR and new Graduate Certificate in Government Procurement and Contract Management
- Approval of tenure and promotion for Kevin Brown to Professor in Social Work at SUNO
- Approval of NEC Financial Services Lease Agreement for equipment and television studio in Stewart Hall (SUBR)
- Approval of Konica Minolta contract and termination of Ricoh contract (SUS)
Southern University Board of Supervisors
The Southern University Board of Supervisors and its committees will meet on September 19, 2025, to consider several action items, including approval of the 2025-2026 SULS Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, a Bayou Classic CEA, a lab school virtual school contract, and a 2025 Homecoming Service Agreement. The full board will also receive committee reports, a presidential report on legislative priorities, and chancellor reports.
- Request for Approval of 2025-2026 SULS Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook
- Bayou Classic CEA (SUS) – action item in Legal Affairs Committee
- Southern University Lab School-Virtual School Contract (SULS)
- 2025 Homecoming Service Agreement (SUBR)
- Interim Financial Report (Finance Committee informational item)
Southern University Board of Supervisors
The Southern University Board of Supervisors will consider approving the FY 2025-2026 operating budgets for all campuses and units, a new faculty handbook, tenure and promotion for three faculty members, and several new policies including a comprehensive artificial intelligence policy. The board will also vote on personnel actions for positions with salaries of $100,000 or more across multiple campuses.
- Approval of FY 2025-2026 operating budgets for all campuses, athletics, and system administration
- New Comprehensive Artificial Intelligence policy (SUS-1-004) establishing framework for AI use
- Tenure and promotion recommendations for Christine Jeansonne, Tesfalidet Tukue, and Rachel E. Vincent-Finley
- Personnel actions for 14 positions with salaries of $100,000 or more across SUBR, SULC, SUAREC, and SUNO
- New policies on employee overpayments, FLSA/overtime, leave, and code of conduct
The Board of Supervisors approved the FY 2025-2026 operating budgets and a new comprehensive Artificial Intelligence policy. The board also approved the SUBR Faculty Handbook and several high-salary personnel appointments across the system. Requests for tenure and promotion appeals were deferred for further review.
- Approved FY 2025-2026 Operating Budgets for system administration and campuses
- Approved new Comprehensive Artificial Intelligence policy (SUS-1-004)
- Approved SUBR Faculty Handbook
- Approved personnel appointments and salary adjustments for positions $\ge$ $100,000
- Approved new HR policies for employee overpayments, FLSA/Overtime, and Code of Conduct
- Approved revised policies for Power-Based Violence and Title IX Grievance Procedures
- Approved preservation easement for Southern University Archives Building
- Deferred tenure and promotion appeal requests (Action Item 5B)
Southern University Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors and its committees will meet to decide on faculty tenure and promotions, curriculum changes, and high-salary personnel appointments. The body will also consider budget adjustments for the system and contracts for basketball coaches.
- Personnel appointments for Rachel Roché ($171,000), Dr. Anthony Jackson ($144,000), and Dr. Devaiah Kambiranda ($125,000)
- Ratification of Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Adjustment (BA-7) for the Southern University System
- Tenure and promotion requests for faculty at SUNO, SULC, and SUBR
- Employment contract for Head Men’s Basketball Coach Kevin Johnson and contract amendment for Head Women’s Basketball Coach Carlos Funchess
- Approval of curriculum changes for BBA in Entrepreneurship, Healthcare Management, and Management Information Systems & Emerging Technologies
The Board of Supervisors approved the appointment of Dr. Joseph Bouie, Jr. as SUNO Chancellor and various faculty tenure and promotion requests. The board also ratified the FY 2024-2025 budget adjustment and approved a $6 million fund reallocation for the system. Several personnel contracts and academic curriculum changes were approved across multiple campuses.
- Approved appointment of Dr. Joseph Bouie, Jr. as SUNO Chancellor
- Approved tenure and promotion for 16 faculty members across SUNO, SULC, and SUBR
- Approved $6M budget reallocation from SUBR to the System for campus distribution
- Ratified FY 2024-2025 Budget Adjustment (BA-7) for the Southern University System
- Approved appointment of Rachel Roché as Chief of Staff ($171,000)
- Approved appointment of Dr. Anthony Jackson as Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management ($144,000)
- Approved appointment of Dr. Devaiah Kambiranda as Associate Vice Chancellor of Research ($125,000)
- Approved curriculum changes and academic plans for SUBR, SUNO, and SUSLA
Southern University Board of Supervisors
The Southern University Board of Supervisors and its committees meet May 8, 2025, to consider several action items, including approval of a posthumous degree for Dynastie Nicole Williams, an honorary degree for Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and authorization to sue Hampden Engineering, LLC. Committees will also hear updates on facilities, finances, and academic programs.
- Request for Approval of the Conferral of Posthumous Degree for Dynastie Nicole Williams (SUBR)
- Request for Approval of the Honorary Degree for Congresswoman Jasmine Crocket (SUNO)
- Request for Approval to Proceed with Legal Action Against Hampden Engineering, LLC (SUSLA)
- Restructure and Adjustment of the Tuition and Fee Rate Policy and Procedures for the Southern University Child Development Lab (SUAREC)
- Interim Financial Report
The Board of Supervisors and its committees approved a posthumous degree for Dynastie Nicole Williams and legal action against Hampden Engineering, LLC. The Board also approved a contract extension for DeCuir, Clark & Adams, L.L.P and the appointment of two federal positions at SUAREC.
- Approved posthumous degree for Dynastie Nicole Williams (SUBR)
- Approved 'Certificate of Academic Achievement in Memoriam' for Isaiah Morgan (SULC)
- Approved legal action against Hampden Engineering, LLC (SUSLA)
- Approved honorary degree for Congresswoman Jasmine Crocket (SUNO)
- Approved contract extension for DeCuir, Clark & Adams, L.L.P (SUS)
- Approved appointment of Dr. Tiffany Franklin as Vice Chancellor of Extension and Outreach (SUAREC)
- Approved appointment of Dr. Raquel Ayles as Associate Vice Chancellor of Extension and Outreach (SUAREC)
- Postponed Scholars in Transition Education Program (STEP) item for further vetting
Southern University Board of Supervisors
The Southern University Board of Supervisors and its committees will meet April 11, 2025, in Shreveport. Action items include approving spring commencement resolutions for all four campuses, endowed professorship nominees, a contract for livestock arena renovations, and a new nursing dean appointment. The Finance Committee will receive an interim financial report.
- Approval of Spring Commencement Resolutions for SUBR, SUNO, SUSLA, and SULC
- Approval of Southern University Endowed Professorship Nominees 2024-2025 (SUBR)
- Approval of contract between Pivotal, LLC and SUAREC for Livestock Arena Renovations Phase III
- Board ratification of new Dean of Nursing appointment at SUNO with $130,000 salary
- Approval of Retirement Incentive Plans (SULC)
The Board of Supervisors and its committees approved several administrative actions, including a contract for livestock arena renovations and the appointment of a new Dean of the School of Nursing. The Board also approved spring commencement resolutions and retirement incentive plans.
- Approved contract between Pivotal, LLC and SUAREC for M. A. Edmond Livestock Arena Renovations Phase III
- Ratified appointment of Dr. Adrian Rolle as Dean of the School of Nursing at $130,000
- Approved Retirement Incentive Plans for SULC
- Approved Spring Commencement Resolutions for SUBR, SUNO, SUSLA, and SULC
- Approved request to adjust operating hours at SUSLA
- Approved Endowed Professorship Nominees 2024-2025 for SUBR
- Approved resolutions for Stephen Roy Favorite, Roena Wilford, Dr. Willie Clifford “Doc” Armstrong, and Bertha Broaden Wilcox
- Approved March 21, 2025 meeting minutes and committee recommendations
Southern University Board of Supervisors
The Southern University Board of Supervisors and its committees meet March 21, 2025, to act on faculty tenure and promotion recommendations for SUNO, approve the process for Act 751 capital projects, and approve an interim position for Carl Grant as Acting Associate Vice President/Director of Information Technology at a salary of $144,000. Committees will also hear an interim financial report, a facilities update, and a presentation from the Nelson Mandela College of Government and Social Sciences.
- Approval of tenure and promotion for John Barrilleaux (Assistant to Associate Professor, Health Information Systems) and Deborah Darby (Assistant to Associate Professor, Teacher Education) at SUNO
- Approval of the process for Act 751 Projects (SUS)
- Approval of Carl Grant as Acting Associate VP/Director of Information Technology, salary $144,000, state-funded, no search waived
- Interim Financial Report presented to Finance Committee
- Board to discuss investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct, possibly in executive session
The Board of Supervisors and its committees approved tenure and promotions for two faculty members at Southern University at New Orleans. The board also approved the process for Act 751 Projects and a $144,000 salary for an interim Associate Vice President. Additionally, the full board approved several resolutions and the February 21, 2025, meeting minutes.
- Approved tenure and promotion to Associate Professor for John Barrilleaux and Deborah Darby (SUNO)
- Approved the process of Act 751 Projects (SUS)
- Approved interim position for Carl Grant as Acting Associate Vice President/Director of the Division of Information Technology at $144,000
- Approved resolutions for Aurelis Martinez, Larry Ferdinand Sr., Caleb Jayden Wilson, Dr. Gaynell C. Young, Cynthia Jane Reaux Dartest, and Margaret Ann Styles Ambrose
- Approved February 21, 2025, SUS Board of Supervisors meeting minutes
- Approved Committee Reports and Recommendations
Southern University Board of Supervisors
The Southern University Board of Supervisors and its committees will meet on February 21, 2025, to consider several action items. The Legal Affairs Committee will vote on a $1,008,559 contract for a customized 3D printer. The Personnel Affairs Committee will consider promotions for two administrators, including a Vice Chancellor of Research. The full Board will vote on the REIMAGINE SUSLA 5-Year Strategic Plan and authorize a consultant to review system-wide operations.
- Legal Affairs Committee: Request to approve $1,008,559 contract for a customized Aconity-MIDI Laser Powder Bed Fusion 3D printer for SUBR.
- Personnel Affairs Committee: Request to approve promotion of Dr. Clyde Bagley to Vice Chancellor of Research with tenure, salary $184,760 (federal funds).
- Personnel Affairs Committee: Request to approve promotion of Dawn Harris to Chief Human Resources Officer, salary $135,000 (state funds).
- Full Board: Request for approval of REIMAGINE SUSLA 5-Year Strategic Plan.
- Full Board: Request to authorize President Shields to name a consultant for a comprehensive review of system operations across all five campuses.
The Board of Supervisors approved the appointment of a new Law Center Chancellor and authorized a $1.01M 3D printer purchase. The board also approved the REIMAGINE SUSLA 5-Year Strategic Plan and two high-level personnel promotions.
- Appointed Atty Alvin Washington as SULC Chancellor (Majority yes; Atty Shorty and Mr. Matthews voted no)
- Approved $1,008,559.00 contract for Aconity-MIDI Laser Powder Bed Fusion system (3D Printer) for SUBR
- Approved REIMAGINE SUSLA 5-Year Strategic Plan
- Approved promotion of Dr. Clyde Bagley to Full Professor with Tenure ($184,760 salary)
- Approved promotion of Dawn Harris to Chief Human Resources Officer ($135,000 salary)
- Approved resolutions for 10 individuals and a commendation for Atty Robbins Graham
- Approved minutes from January 17, 2025 meeting
- Authorized President Shields to name a consultant for a system-wide operational review by March
Southern University Board of Supervisors
The Board of Supervisors and its committees are meeting to decide on tuition and fee increases for several programs, including SUNO and SUBR. The body is also reviewing a budget increase for the Law Clinic Annex project and a contract for campus Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Request to increase Law Clinic Annex project budget by $800k to a total of $2.4M
- Proposed 5% increase for differential tuition and mandatory fees for high-cost programs at SUBR
- Proposed tuition, housing, and athletic fee increases for SUNO effective Fall 2025
- Contract for $822,877.72 with Lockstep Technology Group, LLC for Landmass Wi-Fi connectivity
- Salary increase for Executive Director Tracey Taylor-Jarrell from $85,000 to $116,000
The Board of Supervisors installed 2025 officers and elected Reginald Abraham as Vice Chairman. Multiple committees approved tuition and fee increases for nursing, social work, and other programs, as well as a budget increase for the Law Clinic Annex project. The Board also approved a $822,877.72 contract for Landmass Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Elected Reginald Abraham as 2025 Vice Chairman
- Approved $800k budget increase for Law Clinic Annex project (total $2.4M)
- Approved IPAD fee for incoming first-year nursing students (SUSON)
- Approved 5% increase for differential tuition and mandatory fees for high-cost programs (SUBR)
- Approved tuition, housing, and athletic fee increases for SUNO
- Approved $822,877.72 contract with Lockstep Technology Group, LLC for Landmass Wi-Fi
- Approved salary increase for Executive Director Tracey Taylor-Jarrell to $116,000
- Approved extension of the Bayou Classic CEA for four years