Although some students do not know about recent speculation concerning Chancellor Sean O’Keefe’s job, they have mixed opinions regarding his possible dismissal from his post as chancellor. Student reactions ranged from indifference to advocation of being informed of University administration. Victoria Hess, art senior, said she had not heard anything about O’Keefe’s job being in jeopardy. “That wouldn’t really affect me too much, honestly,” she said. But others feel they should be concerned and informed about a change in administration. “Every student should care; it’s your school,” said Leah Rollinson, animal, dairy and poultry freshman. “It’s going to affect them eventually.” One student expressed distaste for whomever would hold the position, even if O’Keefe was replaced. “I don’t think it will make a difference at all,” said Brett Jones, English senior. “They’re just going to bring in another fat cat business man.” Students may not be current with any threats to O’Keefe’s job because no Board members or administrators are on record talking about dismissing him. The only current indication that there are plans to replace him is an e-mail circulating among Louisiana business leaders. The e-mail, sent by Jonathan Martin, chairman of Roy O. Martin Lumber and a large donor to the University, alleges that LSU System President John Lombardi told O’Keefe to begin “looking for another job.” The LSU Board of Supervisors’ earliest opportunity to officially discuss dismissing O’Keefe is this Thursday’s meeting. Although there is currently no mention of O’Keefe or his position in the agenda, amendments to the agenda could be made to include such a change in personnel. In the event that the Board and the president decide to dismiss O’Keefe, Lombardi would send out a national search committee to replace him. “If a replacement is necessary the President would put together a search committee to find the best suitable replacement, nationwide, to fill any vacancy,” wrote Board Chairman Jerry Shea in an e-mail to The Daily Reveille on Thursday. “The Flagship Agenda would continue to be pursued.” Shea also said that appointing an interim chancellor while the search committee finds a replacement for O’Keefe is also in the hands of Lombardi. “An interim chancellor would be appointed by the President should there be a lapse before a new chancellor is found,” he said.
—-Contact Ben Bourgeois at [email protected]