The Southern University System Board of Supervisors has appointed a Louisiana state senator in New Orleans as its new chancellor.
Joseph Bouie Jr. was appointed Friday. He currently serves as senator for District 3 in New Orleans.
According to a news release issued by Southern University, Bouie brings decades of experience as a higher education leader.
His first day will be Aug. 1.
Outgoing Chancellor James H. Ammons Jr. will be a tenured professor at the university after his term ends on July 31.
According to a statement issued by the university, Bouie’s return to SUNO marks a full-circle moment in a distinguished career that began at the university, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.
He later completed his Master of Social Work from Tulane University and a Ph.D. in administration and planning from Clark Atlanta University.
A retired professor of social work and former chancellor of SUNO, Bouie has dedicated over 40 years to higher education and community service, with expertise in administration, substance abuse research and community organization.
“I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your vote of confidence and this opportunity afforded me,” Bouie said to the board and President Shields. “I look forward to continuing to work with you, Chancellor Ammons, to advance SUNO.”
“SUNO raised me — actually, it saved my life,” Bouie said. “The legacy of this institution is critical to not only this region but to the nation. I am grateful to have this opportunity to work with the SUNO family.”
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