Political contributions play a significant role in influencing university leadership in Louisiana, as evidenced by the recent appointment of Wade Rousse as the 29th president of Louisiana State University (LSU). Investigative reporting by Tyler Bridges of The Advocate reveals that Rousse’s selection process was more about political ties than qualifications.
Rousse, who has served as president of McNeese State University since July 2024, is recognized for leading the institution through a period of “remarkable growth.” His tenures include roles as dean of the College of Business and various administrative positions at McNeese since his arrival in 2019. Kedrick A. Nicholas, senior vice president at McNeese, praised Rousse for his dedication, asserting, “He has given his all to our institution for the last six years and deserves an opportunity to flourish at a higher level.”
Governor Jeff Landry has emerged as a pivotal figure in higher education appointments, having leveraged political contributions to support Rousse’s ascension. Landry highlighted Rousse’s financial management during his tenure at McNeese, noting, “He’s the only president that over the last five years has been able to take a university and actually put it in the black.”
Landry’s influence extends to the appointments of other university presidents, including those at McNeese and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. This situation raises concerns about the integrity of university governance. Bridges’s article underscores that Landry’s control over the appointments to university governing boards has allowed him to handpick candidates, a move that some view as undermining the selection process.
According to Bridges, Landry’s strategy involved appointing individuals like Mark Romero, an insurance executive, and Scott Ballard, a businessman and political contributor, to lead the boards that decide on university presidents. This shift in governance was facilitated by a law passed in 2024, granting the governor more authority over board appointments.
While Landry claims he has not directly influenced the selection of university presidents, insiders have noted his active role in promoting Rousse, referring to him as “my guy.” This sentiment is echoed by Lee Mallett, a businessman and member of the LSU Board of Supervisors, who facilitated Rousse’s networking opportunities with board members. Mallett’s actions included organizing meetings with business leaders and chartering flights for Rousse to meet board members in various locations.
Concerns regarding the political nature of these appointments have been raised by former officials like Jay Dardenne, who emphasized that university governance should remain independent from political favoritism. Dardenne cautioned that the current approach could jeopardize the accreditation of these institutions.
The implications of these developments are significant, as they suggest a concerning trend where political contributions and connections may overshadow the qualifications and needs of educational institutions. As Louisiana navigates these changes in university leadership, the integrity of its higher education system remains a topic of critical discussion.
Jim Beam, a veteran journalist with over six decades of experience covering politics, highlights the importance of transparency in such appointments. His insights remind readers that the essence of governance should prioritize institutional integrity over political alliances.
