By Prince Omoruyi

The Poke Press

The search for McNeese State University’s next president began Thursday at an initial committee meeting that established a five-week timeline and confirmed Interim President Kedrick Nicholas will not seek the permanent role. 

University of Louisiana System President and CEO Rick Gallot confirmed that Nicholas does not intend to make his current position permanent. 

“He has expressed that he is not seeking the permanent position,” Gallot said. “I think he certainly understands his role in not only student affairs but also as executive vice president. He is looking forward to continuing to serve in that role. We thank him for agreeing to step in.” 

The first presidential search committee meeting, held in the ballroom of McNeese’s new student union, brought together University of Louisiana System leaders, McNeese representatives and community members to begin the process of choosing the university’s next leader to succeed former president Wade Rousse. 

Mark Romero, chair of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, stressed the importance of the search for both McNeese and Southwest Louisiana. 

“This institution has played a vital role in serving southwest Louisiana, and today we begin an important process to help shape the future leadership of McNeese State,” Romero said. 

Nicholas said the choice of the next president will play a major role in McNeese’s future. 

“We do believe that the best days of our university are ahead,” Nicholas said. “And know that the leadership selection plays an instrumental role in that coming to fruition.” 

Gallot said the committee will gather public input, review applicants, interview candidates, and eventually recommend finalists to the full UL System Board.  

“The process is straightforward, and we are committed to maintaining transparency at every step of the process,” Gallot said. “In particular, we are interested to learn what qualifications are essential in the next president if he or she is to succeed in this role.” 

Student Government Association President Lianne Montelibano said students want to feel genuinely heard throughout the presidential search and are looking for a leader who is visible, intentional and engaged with student life. 

“Students are the ones who live with the decisions made at the top every single day,” Montelibano said. “Students want leadership that actually understands their reality, not just policies on paper.” 

Montelibano said students have raised concerns about affordability, mental health support and whether their voices will truly be considered in major decisions. She said students should be “meaningfully involved, not just included for appearance” as the search moves forward. 

The committee approved its charge, a draft advertisement for the position, and a tentative schedule, officially moving the search forward. The expected timeline is as follows: 

May 1: Preferred date for applications. 

May 4: Committee receives list of candidates. 

May 7: Committee meets in Baton Rouge to select semifinalists. 

May 12-13: On-campus semifinalist interviews occur, and finalists are selected. 

May 19: Finalists are presented to the full Board of Supervisors during a special meeting, and a president is selected.