SUNO decides to extend search for new chancellor

Although the Southern University System was supposed to vote Friday for a new chancellor to replace Dr. Victor Ukpolo who stepped down at the end of June, it was announced last week that the search for a new administrator to lead New Orleans’ sole Black public institution of higher learning would be extended. Lisa Sims-Devezin, a SUNO alum, professor and one of those being considered for the post, will remain interim chancellor as the board seeks to expand the list of candidates.

Although the Southern University System did not provide a reason for extending the search at an advisory board meeting on Oct. 13, SUS President Ray Belton reportedly expressed concern that the board had only two candidates to consider when he had planned to advance three.

Because of her connection to SUNO and New Orleans and two decades as a professor and department head, Sims-Devezin was widely considered the odds-on favorite. Another candidate, higher ed consultant Boyce Williams, may have been hampered by the fact that she has only a limited amount of on-campus experience.

Six candidates applied for the SUNO chancellor post. The advisory committee whittled the list down to four but then two of the four semifinalists withdrew their names.

SUS officials have not provided a new timeline for completing the search.

This article originally published in the October 31, 2016 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.