Presidential Search,
UL Lafayette
Board of Supervisors name Dr. Ramesh Kolluru President of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
02/26/2026
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS NAME DR. RAMESH KOLLURU PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTE
February 27, 2026 – The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System has named Dr. Ramesh Kolluru as the 7th President of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette following a final interview held today in Baton Rouge at the Claiborne Building.
“Dr. Kolluru’s story reflects the very best of what higher education in America can make possible. He came to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as a graduate student, earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees here, and over more than three decades has grown alongside this institution. He understands this university not only as a leader, but as someone whose life and family are deeply rooted in this campus and the Acadiana community.
Under his leadership, UL Lafayette has strengthened its research enterprise, achieved and reaffirmed Carnegie R1 status, and expanded its economic impact across our state. The Board has full confidence in his leadership and looks forward to seeing UL Lafayette continue to rise in strength, reputation, and measurable impact for the people of Louisiana.”
Mark Romero, UL System Board Chair
Dr. Ramesh Kolluru has served the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for more than three decades as a faculty member, research leader, and administrator. Since November 2025, he has led the university as Interim President, guiding a focused financial stabilization effort that reduced a 50-million-dollar deficit while strengthening transparency and long-term fiscal discipline. As Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development, he helped elevate UL Lafayette to Carnegie R1 status, quadrupled research expenditures, and advanced partnerships that have generated billions in statewide economic impact. A graduate of UL Lafayette and proud member of the Acadiana community for 33 years, Dr. Kolluru’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to the university and to the future of Louisiana.
“Dr. Kolluru’s leadership comes at an important moment for UL Lafayette and for our state. His deep understanding of the institution, paired with a disciplined focus on growth and performance, positions the university to move confidently into its next chapter. We look forward to partnering with him to expand opportunity, elevate outcomes, and strengthen the university’s contribution to Louisiana’s future.”
Rick Gallot, UL System President
President Gallot and Board Chair Romero are authorized to negotiate Dr. Kolluru’s contract and start date.
For more details on the UL Lafayette search process, visit the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Presidential Search Webpage on the UL System website.
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