Paul Coreil, vice chancellor and director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service for the LSU AgCenter, will serve LSU Alexandria as interim chancellor, LSU Interim System President and Chancellor and William Jenkins announced Tuesday in a news release.

Coreil, who has served in his current position since 2001 and worked within the AgCenter for 34 years, will serve as LSUA’s interim chancellor until this September.

“Paul Coreil has served the LSU AgCenter and the LSU System admirably for many years, and he is the ideal individual to lead LSU Alexandria during a critical time,” said Jenkins. “He is a proven leader who made the AgCenter’s extension and outreach effort a great success, and it is that kind of leadership that is important for LSU Alexandria in this transition period.”

Coreil will replace LSUA Chancellor David Manuel, who has been named president at Drury University, will serve the university until May 1.

“I look forward to working closely with President Jenkins, the LSU Board of Supervisors and with LSUA faculty, staff and student body during these challenging times to take positive steps that position LSUA as a critically important and valuable institution within the LSU System,” said Coreil. “As a native of this great state, I am passionate about higher education in Louisiana and very much appreciate the tremendous contributions that have been made by LSUA in not only the Alexandria area but across the state and nationally. As I assume this important interim leadership role, I pledge to support and enhance a culture of excellence and community/business engagement that will prepare LSUA and its students for long-term success and achievement.”

“He has one of the most rigorous work ethics of anyone I’ve ever worked with.”