Time to celebrate!
Dr. William Tate has been appointed as the next president of Louisiana State University (LSU). He will be the first Black person to hold the position at LSU and in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The board voted May 6, 15-0, in favor of Tate, the university announced.
“This is a very pivotal time at our university, from economic, environmental, social challenges, but we are doing great things at this place. From our academic achievements, our enrollment, our diversity, I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished,” LSU Board Chair Robert Dampf said. “We set about to find a great leader, and we found one.”Tate is currently the provost and executive vice president of academic affairs at the University of South Carolina. He holds the USC Education Foundation Distinguished Professorship with appointments in Sociology and Family and Preventive Medicine.
He had previously served as dean and vice provost for graduate education at Washington University in St. Louis and worked on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He completed his second post-doctoral training program in the Department of Psychiatry—Epidemiology and Prevention Group at the Washington University School of Medicine, where he earned a master’s degree in psychiatric epidemiology.
We are excited to welcome William Tate, IV as the new president of LSU!
— LSU (@LSU) May 6, 2021
Learn more: https://t.co/6eI8C56m5K pic.twitter.com/g85QBVb8V7
In a statement, Tate said he is excited about being part of the LSU system but what drives him is students.
“What I’m really most excited about is I met students here who really are amazing, and for me, this position is all about what we can do to help students and give people access and opportunity in higher education,” Tate said. “That’s really in my DNA; how do we help people regardless of their background – we find the money, get you here and give you the opportunity to live your dream. I think there is no better place in the United States to come find your dream and to make it happen than right here at LSU.”
My mantra for our city is peace, prosperity and progress. Today I’m celebrating PROGRESS with the historic appointment of Dr. William Tate IV as the first Black president of the @LSU system. #GeauxTigers #ForeverLSU pic.twitter.com/t7hvnjBaP1
— Sharon Weston Broome (@MayorBroome) May 7, 2021
If you have a chance, read his CV. I don't think they know what they've done. What is this strange feeling in my chest? Could it be hope? Wow, so this is what being hopeful feels like!? HE'S A SOCIOLOGIST! https://t.co/yJUb0LwaZD
— The Soulciologist (@DrMcinthemaking) May 7, 2021
So excited!! It’s definitely time for this. First in the SEC as well! Pray for our brother. https://t.co/FKyozROdcM
— aj (@alaysia_jenal) May 7, 2021
There Goes an #AlphaPhiAlpha Man 🤙🏾 https://t.co/WFJ0takiKk
— TB (@SenrabG) May 7, 2021
So many thoughts. So many emotions. Congrats & welcome, Dr. @WFTate4, the first Black President in LSU & SEC history! It was a unanimous vote too. Keeping you covered in prayer 💜💛. https://t.co/iIUAe3oWLX
— Taylor (Taylor’s Version) (@TayGang15) May 7, 2021
today I am a proud alumna https://t.co/RqnRLwFmFj
— Stephanie Jahy (@stephaniejahy) May 7, 2021
Congrats!!! https://t.co/UP74RSX7dY
— Marc Lamont Hill (@marclamonthill) May 7, 2021
A very smart, historic and significant hire for LSU, the SEC and all of our alumni. Welcome to Tiger Land Dr Tate! Very proud of my Alma Mater! #ForeverLSU #LSU #SEC_NEWS @WFTate4 @finebaum https://t.co/N28p1FPEF4
— Ashley D. Bell (@AshleyBellR) May 7, 2021
Congratulations @WFTate4!!! LSU is fortunate to get an incredible leader. https://t.co/gatr94vlvZ
— Dr. Nef (@NefWalker) May 7, 2021
Oh this is HUGE news! Congrats William Tate, IV! https://t.co/K4hjn7qRNj
— Saucy Samtanna 🔥🍾😈📸 (@Sammy_Socialite) May 7, 2021
I welcome and congratulate the first Black president of @LSU, Dr. William Tate! @WFTate4
— Pres. Reynold Verret (@XULApres) May 6, 2021
I look forward to working with Dr. Tate to better Higher Education in Louisiana. https://t.co/sEeTgrCxxl
New @LSU system President Dr. William Tate already rocking the #LSU tie @NBC6News pic.twitter.com/1OKmfV3nVi
— John Walton (@John_Walton_) May 6, 2021
Dr. William Tate was just named President of Louisiana State University.
Dr. Tate is the first Black university president in the history of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).This is a very trying time to become president of LSU, the university faces many challenges. pic.twitter.com/yFZ2MVixKG
— Gary Chambers (@GaryChambersJr) May 6, 2021
His first day in office is July 2.
We wish you the best of luck!
Photo Credit: LSU