Ramesh Kolluru Named 7th President of UL Lafayette

The UL System Board of Supervisors voted to appoint Kolluru as the next president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Feb. 27, 2026 at 7:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ramesh Kolluru, who has served as interim president since November 2025, was named the 7th president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Kolluru's path to the presidency is a remarkable one - he came to Lafayette as a graduate student in 1992, earned his master's and doctoral degrees from UL Lafayette, and has spent his entire adult life in the Acadiana community. Before becoming interim president, Kolluru served as the university's vice president for research, innovation and economic development, helping to push UL Lafayette to Carnegie R1 status and secure significant federal funding.

Why it matters

Kolluru's appointment comes at a critical time for UL Lafayette, as the university has been working to address a roughly $50 million budget gap. His deep understanding of the institution and focus on growth and performance are seen as key assets that will help position the university for success in the years ahead.

The details

The UL System Board of Supervisors voted on Friday to name Kolluru the 7th president of UL Lafayette, following a final interview held in Baton Rouge. Kolluru was the sole finalist recommended by the presidential search committee, which unanimously selected him after a process that drew 12 initial candidates. Prior to taking over as interim president in November 2025, Kolluru spent over a decade as UL's vice president for research, innovation and economic development, helping to elevate the university's research profile and secure significant federal funding.

  • Kolluru was named interim president in November 2025.
  • The UL System Board of Supervisors voted to appoint Kolluru as the permanent president on February 27, 2026.
  • Kolluru's permanent contract will take effect in mid-March 2026 following a state-mandated 21-day waiting period.

The players

Ramesh Kolluru

The 7th president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Kolluru first came to Lafayette as a graduate student in 1992 and has spent his entire adult life in the Acadiana community, earning his master's and doctoral degrees from UL Lafayette before serving as the university's vice president for research, innovation and economic development.

Mark Romero

The chair of the UL System Board of Supervisors, which voted to appoint Kolluru as the next president of UL Lafayette.

Rick Gallot

The president of the UL System, who expressed confidence in Kolluru's leadership and ability to guide the university into its next chapter.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Dr. Kolluru's story reflects the very best of what higher education in America can make possible. He came to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as a graduate student, earned both his master's and doctoral degrees here, and over more than three decades has grown alongside this institution. He understands this university not only as a leader, but as someone whose life and family are deeply rooted in this campus and the Acadiana community.”

— Mark Romero, Board Chair

“Dr. Kolluru's leadership comes at an important moment for UL Lafayette and for our state. His deep understanding of the institution, paired with a disciplined focus on growth and performance, positions the university to move confidently into its next chapter.”

— Rick Gallot, UL System President

What’s next

Kolluru's permanent contract will take effect in mid-March 2026 following a state-mandated 21-day waiting period. Board Chair Romero and UL System President Gallot are authorized to negotiate Kolluru's contract and start date in the meantime.

The takeaway

Ramesh Kolluru's appointment as the 7th president of UL Lafayette represents a remarkable personal journey, as he has risen from a graduate student to the leader of the institution where he has spent his entire adult life. His deep understanding of the university and focus on growth and performance are seen as key assets that will help guide UL Lafayette through a challenging budgetary period and position it for future success.