LSU Shreveport names new chancellor

Makenzie Boucher, Shreveport Times
·2 min read

Louisiana State University announced May 31 that Robert T. Smith has been named the new Chancellor of LSU Shreveport.

“We are very excited to welcome Robert Smith to the LSU family,” said William F. Tate IV, LSU president. “His breadth of experience leading faculty, improving retention and graduation rates, and mentoring students will be a tremendous asset to LSU Shreveport. LSUS is a vital part of our mission to provide quality higher education, service and outreach across the state of Louisiana, and I am confident that Bob is the right person to lead those efforts in Shreveport.”

Smith will begin his role July 10, pending approval by the LSU Board of Supervisors. Current Chancellor, Larry Clark will be retiring June 30. Until Smith begins his tenure, LSU Shreveport Provost Helen Taylor will serve as the interim Chancellor.

Robert T. Smith has been named the new chancellor for LSU Shreveport, May 31, 2023.
Robert T. Smith has been named the new chancellor for LSU Shreveport, May 31, 2023.

Smith, a current provost and vice president for Academic Affairs and Professor of Mathematics at Valdosta State University, brings with him years of experience in garnering funds and serving students. From 2004 to 2016, Smith garnered more than $2 million in external grants, including a five-year National Science Foundation Robert Noyce Scholarship grant to fund a program to prepare secondary mathematics teachers for high-need school districts.

During his time at Valdosta State University, Smith has led student success initiatives that resulted in an increase in first-year retention by 9% in the first two years. He has overhauled the university’s scheduling and registration process to better serve the students’ needs, and developed and implemented a new Academic Affairs Strategic Plan.

"I am humbled and truly honored to be named Chancellor of LSU Shreveport," Smith said. "During my visit to LSUS, the positive energy and spirit of the faculty, staff and students were palpable in every meeting I had. It is clear that LSUS is heading toward a very bright future, and I look forward to joining the LSU team and contributing to the ongoing success of the campus and the Shreveport community."

Saying farewell to LSU Shreveport Chancellor Larry Clark

Makenzie Boucher is a reporter with the Shreveport Times. Contact her at mboucher@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: LSU Shreveport names new chancellor