The LSU Board of Supervisors named LSU System President William Jenkins interim chancellor at its Friday meeting.
Jenkins will take over for Chancellor Mark Emmert, who is leaving LSU for a position as president of the University of Washington.
“I’m very honored to be asked to do this by the Board, and I feel privileged to serve in the role,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins will also remain in his role as LSU System president while serving as interim chancellor.
Jenkins said a significant aspect of his acceptance of the position is the strength of the current administration and support within the University.
In a statement, Board of Supervisors Chairman Roger Ogden said Jenkins is the appropriate choice for the position.
“With his leadership skills and knowledge of both our flagship campus and our state, Dr. Jenkins is the ideal person to lead LSU during this time of transition,” Ogden said. “Dr. Jenkins will assume these duties upon Dr. Emmert’s departure.”
In a March 22 Reveille article, Emmert said he would likely remain as LSU chancellor for the rest of the spring semester. UW officials have said they would like the new president to take over by July 1.
In an e-mail Saturday, Emmert said he also felt Jenkins was the right choice for the interim position.
“President Jenkins is the logical choice for interim chancellor,” Emmert said. “He held the post before me and has spent many years on the campus.”
Emmert also noted that Jenkins is well-known and well-respected by the University community, the Louisiana legislature and the governor.
“He is quite simply the best choice for the task,” Emmert said.
Jenkins served as chancellor from Nov. 1996 to April 1, 1999, when he was named LSU System president. He also has served as dean of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, and as provost and vice-chancellor for academic affairs.
While Jenkins will be taking over the chancellor position during the interim period, the University plans to launch a nationwide search for Emmert’s permanent replacement.
In a statement, Jenkins said he plans to meet with different members of campus to discuss the search process, establish a search committee and seek assistance from a national search firm.
“I’m very confident that we will be able to find and hire the kind of person who can take LSU to its next level of distinction,” Jenkins said. “We have a wealth of talented and dedicated people on this campus and in the LSU System who will keep LSU on course and moving upward as we proceed with the search.”