Gallot named University of Louisiana System president

Grambling State University President Richard “Rick” Gallot, Jr. has been named the next president of the University of Louisiana System.

In a second higher education move centered on Lincoln Parish Wednesday night, the UL System Board of Supervisors unanimously elevated Gallot to the system president role after naming previous chief Jim Henderson the 15th president of Louisiana Tech University.

The board’s vote foregoes any search process and makes Gallot the 12th system president full-time, not an interim.

“I am grateful for this opportunity and certainly look forward to serving this board and the 80,000-plus students across nine institutions in the University of Louisiana System,” Gallot said following the vote for his appointment.

The UL System comprises nine public universities in Louisiana, including both Tech and GSU, located some 10 miles apart in Lincoln Parish.

A former Democratic senator and representative in the Louisiana Legislature, Gallot has served as Grambling State’s 10th president for more than seven years.

“You’ve demonstrated a deep commitment to student success, to financial stewardship and to academic excellence,” board Chair Elizabeth Pierre said. “You prioritized strategic growth, fostered innovation, and actively engaged stakeholders, resulting in enrollment growth and retention of students there at Grambling… I believe you are an excellent choice to lead the University of Louisiana System.”

Gallot holds a bachelor’s degree in history from GSU and a juris doctorate from Southern University School of Law.

His appointment will soon trigger a search process for GSU’s next president.