LSU announced Wednesday that it has named Joseph Messina as its next senior vice chancellor and provost. 

This decision comes after a months-long national search, and the new provost will begin his role on Aug. 3, pending approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors. 

As senior vice chancellor and provost, Messina will serve as chief academic officer and oversee all academic affairs, faculty development and research partnerships to help support LSU’s students and goal of becoming a top research institution.

“Messina emerged from an exceptionally strong national search as a leader uniquely equipped to help LSU build on its momentum and achieve its bold ambitions,” said LSU Chancellor James Dalton.

Messina is currently dean of the J. Frank Barefield College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama, a position he has held since 2019. 

Before becoming dean at Alabama, Messina held a variety of positions at Michigan State University over his 20 years at the college, including assistant vice president for research and innovation, senior associate dean for faculty affairs, associate dean for research and associate dean for graduate studies.

“LSU is one of the country’s great flagship institutions, and the opportunities ahead are extraordinary,” Messina said. “The university has demonstrated remarkable momentum in research growth, academic excellence, student success and statewide impact. I am honored by the opportunity to join the LSU community and work alongside its outstanding faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters as we continue building upon that momentum.”