Dr. Claude Bouchard announced on Wednesday he is stepping down from his executive director position at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
Bouchard led the research center — part of the LSU System — for 10 years, and will continue to serve as executive director until a new successor is elected.”Dr. Bouchard led the Pennington Biomedical Research Center over a period of exceptional growth,” LSU System President John Lombardi said in a news releaseWednesday.”The quality of programs and research … have earned Pennington a recognized place among the international community of biomedical research centers.”Bouchard said he’s staying at the center as a regular faculty member who will continue with his research.”I want to focus on my research,” Bouchard told The Daily Reveille on Wednesday. “[I’m] really looking forward to it.”During his direction, the Pennington Biomedical Research Center tripled in size, and research was advanced for understanding the role nutrition, exercise and genetics play in preventing obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer, according the news release.Bouchard said he is pleased with what he has accomplished in the last decade, including receiving more recognition around the country for the biomedical center’s research.Bouchard said Lombardi offered him a five-year extension in his position, but he decided to step down after considering the economic situations and the state’s finances.”I’m anxious to get back into research full-time.” Bouchard said in the news release. “There is much to learn and contribute at a time when the genetic basis of chronic disease prevention is moving at the forefront of the biomedical research agenda.”Bouchard also headed the effort to construct two five-year strategic plans at the center, according to the news release. And the center is currently finalizing plans to begin constructing a research imaging center.Glen Duncan, PBRC director of communications, said Lombardi will form a search committee in the next few days to locate a new executive director.”I will stay as long as needed, until a new director is ready to take over,” Bouchard said.—-Contact Joy Lukachick at [email protected]