Frequently Asked Questions
LSU stakeholders have long bemoaned the fact that while all campuses have performed well, the full totality of our productivity is not reflected by the previous structure. Our Board made the courageous decision in 2025 to take action to address that challenge. Our path is clear. The goal is to enhance LSU’s research activity, academic programs, community impact, and national competitiveness while preserving the distinctive missions that make each campus essential to Louisiana and the nation.
The first phase focused on basic organizational restructuring. LSU is now entering the next phase, which centers on establishing committees and task forces to guide exploratory conversations about how we can further strengthen LSU’s research and academic enterprise. It is important to know that this will not be a fast one – we are more committed to making sure we do things correctly than quickly. It is too important to be rushed.
No. There are no predetermined outcomes. The committees are designed to explore opportunities, surface risks, and inform leadership, not to implement decisions that have already been made. We can tell you that we have started the process of SACSCOC consolidation, which is our higher education accreditor and the first necessary step to recognition as a single accredited institution. But beyond the accreditation effort, which does have a strict timeline, the more specific and long-lasting decisions will take time, conversation, consideration, and implementation.
No. Campus role and scope will remain unchanged. Each University campus will continue to fulfill its core purpose and serve its primary stakeholders. For example, the LSU AgCenter will remain an applied research and extension-focused unit that advances LSU’s land-grant mission by delivering research-based solutions to producers, communities, and citizens across the state. LSU Health Shreveport and LSU Health New Orleans will continue to educate Louisiana’s future health professions workforce while providing exceptional health care to their surrounding communities. Pennington Biomedical Research Center will continue its world-class efforts in research and education to promote nutrition and metabolic health and eliminate metabolic disease.
LSU in Baton Rouge will continue to offer a broad, comprehensive set of programs ranging for arts and humanities to the social and applied sciences. The new University structure should open more doors to new programs and student opportunities.
There are no plans to alter core funding structures. State appropriations, federal capacity funds, local cooperative extension commitments, extramural grants, philanthropic support, and other revenue sources will continue to sustain and grow campus missions. LSU will also maintain strong engagement with the Governor and Legislature, as well as other partners who have long supported these efforts.
The goal is synergy and impact. Through open and authentic conversations, the committees will identify opportunities to reduce barriers, increase collaboration, and empower faculty and staff so LSU’s collective research and academic enterprise is stronger than any single part alone. Additionally, the goal is also to increase efficiency in business operations, hiring practices, etc., through potential opportunities to share services and best practices.
This work is designed to build on momentum, not disrupt it. LSU’s colleges and research units have achieved significant national recognition, especially in research productivity. The Transformation Initiative seeks to amplify these successes by creating clearer pathways for collaboration and shared impact. Our shared goal is excellence across the breadth of the flagship and State of Louisiana.
Transparency is a priority. Updates on committee and task force progress will be shared at regular intervals through this site and other university communications. Opportunities for feedback and engagement will continue throughout the process.