UL provost Jaimie Hebert stepping down shortly after new president named
UL Lafayette Provost Jaimie Hebert is stepping down from his role in the university’s administration and returning to the math department faculty, according to a Monday announcement.
Hebert has been UL’s provost since 2018 and served as interim president last year after the resignation of longtime president Joseph Savoie. The change in Hebert’s roles comes about six weeks after the UL System board approved Ramesh Kolluru as president. Kolluru previously held the role of vice president for research, innovation and economic development.
“He strengthened the academic mission, championed excellence in teaching and learning, and helped position the University for continued growth and impact,” Kolluru wrote in the Monday announcement about Hebert stepping down.
Hebert did not immediately return messages Monday afternoon.
During Hebert’s brief stint as interim president, he announced that UL was in dire financial straits, with a budget deficit he inherited from his predecessor. Hebert began layoffs and budget cuts to make up for the shortfall.
Hebert initially asked the UL System board to consider him for the permanent position as president in November, but he did not formally apply for the position during the application period earlier this year. He has not publicly discussed his decision not to apply.
In Kolluru’s Monday announcement, which he shared by email to UL faculty and staff, Kolluru described Hebert’s term as interim president as requiring “clarity, discipline and decisive action.”
“He confronted significant financial challenges directly and helped stabilize the institution through a focus on transparency, accountability and shared responsibility,” Kolluru wrote.
Hebert will leave his post July 1.
University officials will search for a permanent successor, according to Kolluru’s email. Dianne Olivier, the associate vice president for academic affairs and vice provost, will serve as interim provost during the search.
Monday’s announcement is the latest in a series of leadership changes since the university’s longtime vice president for administration and finance, Jerry Luke LeBlanc, resigned last May. Savoie stepped down last July before his contract was up.
Although there was speculation last November that the UL System board would forgo a search for a new president and install Kolluru, the board decided to form a search committee after public pushback.
The search committee recommended Kolluru as the only finalist in February of the 12 applicants.