UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA SYSTEM ANNOUNCES DR. MARCUS JONES AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Dr. Jones to Guide System Strategic Planning and Support Enrollment Growth Across System Institutions
Today, the University of Louisiana System announced the appointment of Dr. Marcus Jones as executive vice president and chief operating officer. In this role, Dr. Jones will oversee all system operations and coordinate strategic activities among the UL System’s nine higher education institutions. He will also serve as a senior advisor to UL System President Rick Gallot, helping to guide strategic planning for the UL System, foster enrollment growth, and enhance the overall educational experience for the students the UL System’s institutions serve.
Dr. Jones rejoins the UL System from Northwestern State University (NSU), where he currently serves as university president. He has served as an integral part of the NSU community in various capacities over the years – including serving as a member of NSU’s faculty since 1995 and leading the institution over the past three years as president. Previously, he held a similar role with the UL System as executive vice president, overseeing a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including budget management, administration, policies and procedures, and system-level strategic initiatives.
“Dr. Jones brings a wealth of experience and leadership, having served in various roles within the University of Louisiana System and other higher education institutions throughout his distinguished career,” said Dr. Jimmy Clarke, Board Chair of the University of Louisiana System. “As executive vice president and chief operating officer, his return will strengthen our System and propel our system-wide operations and strategic planning efforts forward.”
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Jones back to the University of Louisiana System Office in this crucial leadership role for higher education in our state,” said Rick Gallot, President of the University of Louisiana System. “His proven track record of strategic vision, innovation, and dedication to student success makes him exceptionally well-suited for this position. We look forward to working closely with Dr. Jones as we continue to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for students across our universities.”
During his tenure at NSU, Dr. Jones contributed to the institution’s financial stability, growth, and student success, leading initiatives to strengthen academic programs, enhance student support services, and foster community engagement. Under his leadership, NSU achieved significant milestones, including substantial growth in enrollment and academic achievements across critical fields such as healthcare, STEM, business, and education. His strategic vision and dedication to student success positioned NSU as a premier institution in the region, a testament to his ability to lead and drive positive change.
“It has been my pleasure to serve Northwestern State University for the past 25 years, and I am honored to rejoin the University of Louisiana System Office as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer,” said Dr. Marcus Jones. “I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and priorities of our universities, promoting student-centered policies, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive positive change in higher education. Together, we will continue to build on the System’s strengths and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”
The UL System is one of the nation’s largest higher education systems, serving more than 82,000 students and awarding more than 16,500 degrees annually. Offering a broad spectrum of educational opportunities, the System and its nine institutions provide high-quality, cost-efficient education to thousands of Louisiana families.
Dr. Jones will work closely with System leadership, university presidents, and stakeholders at the UL System’s nine institutions to address key priorities, including campus safety, student access and success, fiscal stewardship, technology and innovation, and international study abroad opportunities for students and faculty across the System.
The UL System Board of Supervisors is initiating a national search to identify Dr. Jones’ successor at NSU. The Board will consider the appointment of an interim president at its regularly scheduled June 13 meeting to support Dr. Jones, the System, and NSU community through this transition.