Grambling's Rick Gallot in 'purgatory' as he awaits meeting with Gov.-elect Jeff Landry

Greg Hilburn, Shreveport Times
·3 min read

Gov.-elect Jeff Landry expressed concern that the University of Louisiana board named Grambling State President Rick Gallot to lead the nine-school system without consulting him, but said he hasn't yet pressured members to rescind the appointment.

The University of Louisiana System board voted to hire Gallot on Oct. 25 beginning Jan. 1, but has not yet presented him with a contract. Board Chair Liz Pierre told USA Today Network Wednesday she intends to present a contract to Gallot this week after conferring with other directors on the board.

Some board members were contacted by Landry's team and encouraged to delay the appointment until Landry can meet with Gallot and the board. Pierre said she hasn't been contacted directly by Landry or his team.

In an interview with USA Today Network Wednesday, Landry said he plans to meet with Gallot soon.

"I'm not opposed to anything; I want to be able to meet with the board, and with Rick, to make sure the direction they want to steer the system is the direction that people of this state believe the system should be directed," Landry said.

Landry said the board should have had the courtesy to consult with him before making the appointment. Neither the board nor the system president technically report to the governor, though the board members are gubernatorial appointees.

"When you have a change of governorship ... he's taking a new direction, and he or she should be afforded the respect to visit with those folks to make sure that they all align," Landry said.

Louisiana Gov.-elect Jeff Landry speaks during press conference at the University of Louisiana at Monroe on Dec. 20, 2023.
Louisiana Gov.-elect Jeff Landry speaks during press conference at the University of Louisiana at Monroe on Dec. 20, 2023.

Gallot is set to replace current University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson, who was appointed president of Louisiana Tech University during the same meeting Gallot was appointed. Henderson was presented a contract this week and begins his new job Jan. 1, the same day Gallot was set to take over at the system.

Gallot, a former Democratic legislator, has supported Landry previously, endorsing Landry nine years ago during his successful attorney general's campaign. Gallot appeared in a TV commercial endorsing Landry.

"Rick and I have a great relationship and I look forward to our meeting and seeing how we align," Landry said.

Gallot also said he wants to meet with the governor elect. He described his current position as "purgatory."

"I think he and I have a good relationship dating back 15 years and I, too, look forward to sitting down with him and discussing the future of higher education in Louisiana," Gallot said Wednesday night.

Gallot has served as his alma mater's president since 2016 and has shepherded consistent enrollment increases and a 200% increase in the university's fiscal health score, according to GSU.

Before that Gallot practiced law and served in both the Louisiana Senate and House.

The University of Louisiana System's nine schools, in addition to Tech and Grambling, include: McNeese State University; Nicholls State University; Northwestern State University; Southeastern Louisiana University; University of Louisiana at Lafayette; University of Louisiana at Monroe; and University of New Orleans.

More: Grambling President Rick Gallot in limbo after two months with no contract to lead UL System

Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. 

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Rick Gallot in 'purgatory' awaiting meeting with Gov.-elect Jeff Landry