Meet the President

A Message from the President and CEO

Welcome to the University of Louisiana System,

I’m honored to serve as President and CEO of a system that not only educates more students than any other in our state but also reflects the strength, complexity, and promise of Louisiana itself. Our institutions span regions, disciplines, and histories, but they are united by one powerful mission: to transform lives through education. 

In every corner of the state, you’ll find our universities opening doors to knowledge, opportunity, and the next chapter of someone’s life. From first-generation students beginning their college journey to working adults returning to finish their degrees, we are here for every stage of learning. Our faculty challenge and mentor. Our programs respond to real needs in real communities. Our graduates power industries, lead classrooms, launch businesses, serve their neighbors, and help shape Louisiana’s future. Education in the UL System doesn’t stop at graduation; it grows with you, equipping learners to adapt, contribute, and thrive throughout their lives. 

The challenges we face today, including economic shifts, workforce demands, and the evolving role of higher education, are not small. However, neither is the potential of our system. We are meeting at this moment with urgency, creativity, and shared purpose. That means aligning our strengths, supporting our people, and creating pathways that not only respond to Louisiana’s needs but help define its future. 

To the students who place their trust in us: you are why we do this work. And to everyone who champions our mission, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, policymakers, and partners, thank you. The future of this state runs through our campuses, and I am proud to lead a system where that future is being built every day.
 
Sincerely,

Rick Gallot, Ph.D., J.D.