View a recording of today’s meeting here.

BOARD APPOINTS WALTON INTERIM PRESIDENT OF GRAMBLING

The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System’s Executive Committee appointed Dr. Connie Walton as interim president of Grambling State University at today’s meeting. Dr. Walton currently serves as the institution’s provost and vice president for academic affairs and has worked at Grambling for over 30 years. She earned her Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Southern Mississippi.  

“My life is a testimony to the impact that this university can have on a student’s life. I knew as an undergraduate student at Grambling State University that I wanted to come back and be a part of the faculty,” Dr. Walton said. “This appointment provides an additional way to serve this great institution and help shape the lives of students.  When the next president of Grambling State University is identified, I look forward to supporting that person’s strategic goals.” 

UL System President and CEO Rick Gallot served as president of Grambling for seven years before the Board named him System president at its October 2023 meeting. He chairs the search committee charged with finding the institution’s next leader. 

“I am supremely confident that Grambling will be well cared for under Dr. Walton’s interim leadership,” Gallot said. “She has proven her dedication to the institution and its success through her commitment to advancing cybersecurity and nursing programs, both of which are now soaring, and I know she will bring that same determination to the interim presidency.” 

Dr. Walton’s appointment is subject to ratification by the full Board of Supervisors at its February meeting.  

All information regarding the search can be found at ulsystem.edu/gramblingsearch. 

BOARD OFFICERS INSTALLED

Pictured from left, Parliamentarian Dana Peterson, Vice Chair Brad Stevens, and Chair Jimmy Clarke were sworn into their leadership roles for the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System at today’s meeting.  

UL System Attorney Brandon Decuir administered the oath of office. 

FOR OUR FUTURE CONFERENCE KEYNOTE – FUTURE OF WORK STRATEGIST HEATHER MCGOWAN

The University of Louisiana System is delighted to announce that Heather McGowan, a distinguished future-of-work expert and leading strategist, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s For Our Future Conference. With an impressive background in industrial design, business strategy, and academia, McGowan’s teachings have guided organizations through the challenges and opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

McGowan will discuss how technology can be harnessed to liberate human potential, focusing on empowerment and creating organizations that are adaptive and resilient in the face of global challenges. Her keynote promises to create “light-bulb” moments for attendees that challenge conventional thinking and inspire new perspectives on the future of work. 

The 2024 For Our Future Conference will take place February 25-27 in New Orleans bringing together leaders, educators, and innovators in higher education to explore the latest trends, share best practices, and envision the future of academia. 

For more information about the conference and to register, please visit ulsystem.edu/conference.