LSU New Orleans Finalists Pitch Chancellor Plans
Four candidates presented their visions for leading the university as LSU President Wade Rousse prepares to make the permanent selection.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Should public universities in your area prioritize growing enrollment over other goals?
Four finalists for permanent chancellor of LSU New Orleans presented their plans over campus visits on Tuesday and Wednesday. LSU President Wade Rousse will choose the chancellor from the four finalists.
Why it matters
The chancellor will lead a campus that has returned to the LSU system after more than a decade under University of Louisiana system governance and that has seen enrollment fall to about 5,500 from a pre-Katrina peak of 17,000. Boosting enrollment was described as essential to the school's future success.
LSU New Orleans enrollment is about 5,500 students, down from a peak of 17,000 before Hurricane Katrina. A 14-member search committee narrowed nearly 60 applicants to four finalists, and the final decision rests with LSU President Wade Rousse, with no announced timeline.
The players
Wade Rousse
LSU President Wade Rousse oversees the LSU system and will select the permanent chancellor of LSU New Orleans from the four finalists.
Michael J. Savoie
Michael J. Savoie is a finalist for chancellor who has spent the last decade at the University of North Texas.
Sebastian van Delden
Sebastian van Delden is a finalist for chancellor who serves as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Winthrop University.
Jeanette Weiland
Jeanette Weiland is a finalist for chancellor who has served as interim chancellor of LSU New Orleans since July 1.
Kent L. Willis
Kent L. Willis is one of four finalists seeking to become the permanent chancellor of LSU New Orleans.
The details
Michael J. Savoie, Sebastian van Delden, Jeanette Weiland, and Kent L. Willis each met separately with the school's community to pitch themselves, answer questions, and present plans. Van Delden, provost at Winthrop University, proposed growing LSU New Orleans by 300 students each year to reach 7,500 students by 2036.
Timeline
Tuesday and Wednesday: Finalists made campus visits and presented plans.
July 1: Jeanette Weiland began serving as interim chancellor.
July: LSU New Orleans returned to the LSU system after more than a decade under University of Louisiana system governance.
2036: Van Delden's proposed target of 7,500 students would be reached.
Season Trajectory
LSU New Orleans enrollment peaked at 17,000 before Hurricane Katrina and now sits near 5,500, a decline the next chancellor must reverse. The search comes as the campus rejoins the LSU system after more than a decade under University of Louisiana system governance.
Students and staff at LSU New Orleans will see the new chancellor shape enrollment strategy and campus direction. The selection determines who leads recruitment efforts aimed at growing the campus back toward its historic size.
The takeaway
Enrollment recovery is the central challenge for the next leader of LSU New Orleans, and the finalists' proposed growth targets show how the search is framed. Readers following the campus should watch for Rousse's final announcement.
What happens next
LSU President Wade Rousse will select the permanent chancellor from the four finalists, but no date for that decision was provided in the source.
Further reading
For more on leadership moves like this one, explore People coverage across the business section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NOLA.
Live Poll
Should public universities in your area prioritize growing enrollment over other goals?
