Wade Rousse
Coverage of Wade Rousse in the Nexus archive.
- LSU axes finance leader, former DEI staff
LSU laid off 25 employees, including its chief financial officer and former diversity, equity, and inclusion staff, as part of cost-reduction efforts. The layoffs, which saved approximately $3.7 million, aim to redirect funds toward hiring faculty and research initiatives. The restructuring includes renaming offices and consolidating duties following leadership changes.
- Mike Reese starts as McNeese president, will remain state senator for now
Mike Reese is the new president of McNeese State University with a $300,000 annual salary and will continue serving as a Louisiana state senator. His contract includes a car allowance and housing stipend until the presidential residence is repaired. University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot stated that Reese's dual role is legal under state law.
- UNO’s future as a research institution in doubt as it rejoins LSU System
The University of New Orleans (UNO) may lose its R2 research status after rejoining the LSU System, as financial stability is prioritized over maintaining research activity. LSU System President Wade Rousse emphasized revenue growth and expense management, while UNO's transition back to LSU follows years of declining enrollment post-Hurricane Katrina. The Louisiana Legislature allocated $20 million to aid UNO's transition, but long-term research status remains uncertain.