MESSAGE FROM INTERIM PRESIDENT MCMEANS: End of Semester Update

May 7, 2026

Dear Members of the Southern University System Community, 

As the spring semester draws to a close across our campuses, I want to express my sincere gratitude for your continued commitment to the values that make Southern University such a distinguished institution.

In the months since I assumed office, I have had the pleasure of engaging with many of you and participating in events that celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students, faculty, and staff. Your dedication and service are both inspiring and a powerful reflection of the strength, resilience, and enduring promise of our institution.

We remain actively and strategically engaged in the Louisiana Legislative Session. We are advocating on behalf of our campuses and the broader Southern University System community to ensure that our priorities, including student success, faculty and staff support, infrastructure, and program growth, are clearly communicated and strongly represented. Our focus remains on securing the resources and partnerships necessary to sustain and advance our mission.

I also acknowledge the vital role each of you plays in advancing our mission. I recognize the dedication required to recruit, admit, retain, and graduate our students. Your contributions are seen, valued, and appreciated. Without your commitment and collective effort, fulfilling our mission would not be possible.

Across the System, our campuses continue to advance with purpose and progress, serving more than 14,000 students. We are advancing workforce-ready initiatives; aligning our academic programs to meet the evolving demands of industry; advancing science and technology; contributing to national space endeavors; expanding our impact in preparing ethical, practice-ready attorneys who lead in the pursuit of justice and public service; strengthening healthcare education and policy research that improves lives and communities; advancing sustainability through food and fiber research; undertaking significant capital improvements and major facility developments across multiple campuses; and reinforcing our mission of preparing globally competitive graduates.

As summer approaches, I encourage each of you to take time for reflection and renewal. May this season provide an opportunity to rest, recharge, and return with a renewed sense of purpose and community.

On a personal note, I understand the strength of this System because I see it in action every day. Our potential is high, and our impact is even greater. We are actively transforming lives and, in doing so, helping to transform the world.

There is truly no place like this institution, because we understand the importance of nurturing talent from seed to fruit. This is who we are and what we do: we change lives, build communities, unite purpose, and transform futures.

As we continue to advance across the System, we celebrate the Class of 2026 and commend them for their hard work, perseverance, and achievement. I wish each graduate continued success as they go forward putting their degrees to work and making meaningful contributions to their professions, communities, and the world.

It remains an absolute honor to serve as your Interim President, and I remain confident in the promise and progress of the days ahead.

With sincere appreciation,

Orlando F. McMeans, Ph.D.
Interim President
Southern University System