Dr. Ramesh Kolluru Named Sole Finalist for UL President

University of Louisiana at Lafayette interim president selected after 12 candidates were considered

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Dr. Ramesh Kolluru, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's interim president and vice president for Research, Innovation and Economic Development, has been selected as the sole finalist to be the next UL President. Kolluru was one of three candidates chosen by the school's Presidential Search Committee after officials surveyed a list of 12 candidates.

Why it matters

The selection of a new university president is a significant decision that will impact the long-term direction and success of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. As the state's largest university, UL Lafayette plays a crucial role in Louisiana's higher education system and regional economy.

The details

Kolluru joined the UL Lafayette administration in 2013 as vice president for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development and was named interim president in November 2025. The Presidential Search Committee selected Kolluru as one of three finalists, and the UL System Board of Supervisors will now interview him and potentially appoint him as the next permanent president during a special meeting on February 27.

  • Kolluru was named interim president in November 2025.
  • The Presidential Search Committee selected Kolluru as one of three finalists on February 19, 2026.
  • The UL System Board of Supervisors will interview Kolluru and potentially appoint him as the next president on February 27, 2026.

The players

Dr. Ramesh Kolluru

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette's interim president and vice president for Research, Innovation and Economic Development, who has been selected as the sole finalist to be the next UL President.

UL System Board of Supervisors

The governing body that will interview Kolluru and potentially appoint him as the next permanent president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

UL Lafayette Presidential Search Committee

The committee that selected Kolluru as one of three finalists for the UL Lafayette presidency after surveying a list of 12 candidates.

Mark Romero

The chair of the UL System Board of Supervisors.

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What they’re saying

“The Board is committed to a thoughtful and transparent process. We are confident in the strength of the finalist and focused on the long-term success of the university and the System.”

— Mark Romero, Chair, UL System Board of Supervisors (cenlanow.com)

What’s next

The UL System Board of Supervisors will interview Dr. Ramesh Kolluru and potentially appoint him as the next permanent president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette during a special meeting on February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

The selection of Dr. Ramesh Kolluru as the sole finalist for the UL Lafayette presidency highlights the university's commitment to continuity and stability in its leadership, as Kolluru has served in key administrative roles at the institution since 2013. His appointment would provide an experienced and familiar hand to guide the state's largest university into the future.