The Louisiana Board of Regents will continue its operations without an interim commissioner, the Board announced Tuesday afternoon.
The Board had originally hired Tom Layzell to fill in as interim commissioner, but his salary was rejected by the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget.
“Our immediate focus is on the critical work that must be done and the search for the permanent commissioner,” Regents Chairman Artis Terrell said in a news release. “The work of the interim commissioner will be handled by the board and staff and collectively we will ensure that we address the necessary work of the budget, GRAD Act, the statewide transfer degree and the numerous legislative requests as well.”
The Board held an emergency meeting Tuesday to discuss whether or not to search for an interim commissioner or move on without one.
The Board did decide Tuesday to keep Layzell on in an advisory role.
“I have enjoyed my brief opportunity to assist you and look forward to future discussions. If there is any way that I can help, I am happy to do so,” Layzell stated.
Board secretary Mary Ellen Roy said in a news release that the Board is “going full steam ahead” to find a permanent commissioner.
 
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