UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA SYSTEM ANNOUNCES DR. MARCUS JONES AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Dr. Jones to Guide System Strategic Planning and Support Enrollment Growth Across System Institutions

Today, the 新澳门图库 announced the appointment of Dr. Marcus Jones as executive vice president and chief operating officer. In this role, Dr. Jones will oversee all system operations and coordinate strategic activities among the 新澳门图库鈥檚 nine higher education institutions. He will also serve as a senior advisor to 新澳门图库 President Rick Gallot, helping to guide strategic planning for the 新澳门图库, foster enrollment growth, and enhance the overall educational experience for the students the 新澳门图库鈥檚 institutions serve.

Dr. Jones rejoins the 新澳门图库 from Northwestern State University (NSU), where he currently serves as university president. He has served as an integral part of the NSU community in various capacities over the years 鈥 including serving as a member of NSU鈥檚 faculty since 1995 and leading the institution over the past three years as president. Previously, he held a similar role with the 新澳门图库 as executive vice president, overseeing a broad portfolio of responsibilities, including budget management, administration, policies and procedures, and system-level strategic initiatives.

鈥淒r. Jones brings a wealth of experience and leadership, having served in various roles within the 新澳门图库 and other higher education institutions throughout his distinguished career,” said听Dr. Jimmy Clarke, Board Chairof the 新澳门图库. “As executive vice president and chief operating officer, his return will strengthen our System and propel our system-wide operations and strategic planning efforts forward.鈥
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Jones back to the 新澳门图库 Office in this crucial leadership role for higher education in our state,鈥 said听Rick Gallot, President of the 新澳门图库.听鈥淗is proven track record of strategic vision, innovation, and dedication to student success makes him exceptionally well-suited for this position. We look forward to working closely with Dr. Jones as we continue to enhance educational opportunities and outcomes for students across our universities.鈥

During his tenure at NSU, Dr. Jones contributed to the institution鈥檚 financial stability, growth, and student success, leading initiatives to strengthen academic programs, enhance student support services, and foster community engagement. Under his leadership, NSU achieved significant milestones, including substantial growth in enrollment and academic achievements across critical fields such as healthcare, STEM, business, and education. His strategic vision and dedication to student success positioned NSU as a premier institution in the region, a testament to his ability to lead and drive positive change.

鈥淚t has been my pleasure to serve Northwestern State University for the past 25 years, and I am honored to rejoin the 新澳门图库 Office as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer,” said听Dr. Marcus Jones. “I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and priorities of our universities, promoting student-centered policies, and collaborating with stakeholders to drive positive change in higher education. Together, we will continue to build on the System’s strengths and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.”

The 新澳门图库 is one of the nation鈥檚 largest higher education systems, serving more than 82,000 students and awarding more than 16,500 degrees annually. Offering a broad spectrum of educational opportunities, the System and its nine institutions provide high-quality, cost-efficient education to thousands of Louisiana families.

Dr. Jones will work closely with System leadership, university presidents, and stakeholders at the 新澳门图库鈥檚 nine institutions to address key priorities, including campus safety, student access and success, fiscal stewardship, technology and innovation, and international study abroad opportunities for students and faculty across the System.

The 新澳门图库 Board of Supervisors is initiating a national search to identify Dr. Jones鈥 successor at NSU. The Board will consider the appointment of an interim president at its regularly scheduled June 13 meeting to support Dr. Jones, the System, and NSU community through this transition.