Southern University Named Six Presidential Semifinalists

The Louisiana university system narrowed its search to six candidates after reviewing over 60 initial applicants.

Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People

Southern University Named Six Presidential Semifinalists

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Should university systems prioritize business-focused leaders over traditional academic candidates?

Southern University has identified six individuals as semifinalists for the position of system president. The selection follows a recruitment process that drew interest from more than 60 candidates.

Why it matters

The Board of Supervisors aims to hire a business-focused leader to prioritize the expansion of industry partnerships and increase federal funding for the university system. This appointment is critical for the future financial growth and strategic development of the Louisiana institution.

The search committee narrowed down the candidates from a group of over 60 initial applicants. Each of the six finalists holds an advanced degree, including a PhD, doctorate in education, or a law degree.

The players

Southern University

This is a public historically black university system based in Louisiana that is currently seeking a permanent president.

TM2 Executive Search

This professional search firm was hired to lead the recruitment process and vet potential candidates for the university system.

Orlando McMeans

He is currently serving as the interim leader of the Southern University system following the departure of the former president.

The details

The search committee finalized the list after more than three hours of executive session deliberations aided by the recruiting firm TM2 Executive Search. The university is currently operating under interim leadership following the departure of former President Dennis Shields.

Former President Dennis Shields announced his departure in November 2025.
Orlando McMeans began his tenure as interim system leader in January 2026.
Southern University officially announced the six semifinalists on September 24, 2026.
The candidates are scheduled to interview with the search committee on October 7, 2026.

Market Landscape

The search for a new president reflects a broader trend of universities seeking leaders with strong private-sector experience to navigate competitive funding environments. This move aligns with the institution's strategic goal to strengthen its position through increased industry engagement.

The selection of a new president will directly influence the university's future academic focus and its ability to secure federal funding for students. Residents and stakeholders should monitor the upcoming interviews, as the next leader will set the long-term priorities for the state-wide system.

The takeaway

The university's focus on identifying a business-oriented president highlights the increasing need for academic institutions to operate with corporate-level strategic oversight. Prospective leaders are evaluated on their ability to secure external partnerships that contribute to the long-term financial health of the system.