President Shields: With Respect and Gratitude
Dear Southern University System Community,
As you are aware, effective December 31, 2025, I will be leaving my role as president of the Southern University System.
Our students are and have always been my highest priority. They have been the focus of my time here, and they remain at the core of my personal and professional commitment.
Leadership Focus
For more than four decades in higher education, and throughout my tenure here, I have been presented with a profound opportunity to live out my “why”— the students. My highest calling is to support student success. I brought my experience and unique frame of reference to bear through three overarching pillars:
- Improving student outcomes and enhancing student experience
- Diversifying streams of revenue
- Stewards of place
Accomplishments and Impact
I remain proud of what we have accomplished together over the past three and a half years. Through collaboration, strategic focus, and the tireless dedication of our faculty, staff, alumni, and partners, the Southern University System has made meaningful strides. Among our shared accomplishments:
Strengthened Enrollment and Student Success:
We reversed downward enrollment trends and established consistent year-over-year increases across our campuses. We focused intentionally on retention and progression, creating a more stable academic trajectory for students.
Comprehensive Strategic Planning:
We developed and launched Systemwide strategic priorities that came to life through collaborations with faculty, staff, alumni, and external partners.
Enhanced Physical and Academic Infrastructure:
We secured state and federal support for critical capital improvements across all campuses and elevated academic programs to better align with workforce needs.
Financial Stewardship:
We improved the System’s financial stability, expanded fundraising capacity, and strengthened relationships with donors and industry partners — setting the foundation for long-term growth.
Launch of an Unprecedented Capital Campaign:
During my tenure, we initiated the most ambitious capital campaign in the history of the Southern University System — an effort designed to secure transformative investments in academic excellence, student support, research, and campus infrastructure. With the support of alumni, corporate partners, and philanthropic friends, we have already raised significant early commitments, placing the campaign well on its way toward its bold goal of $880 million.
This momentum positions the System for long-term competitiveness and expanded opportunities for generations of students.
Expanding Research and Agricultural Innovation:
Southern University and A&M College successfully maintained the highly coveted R2 research designation, with reaffirmation in 2025 — underscoring the institution’s growing research capacity and its commitment to advancing innovation and scholarship. Additionally, we broadened the reach and impact of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, reinforcing its role as a leader in community engagement, food security, and agricultural innovation.
Unified System Collaboration:
We worked to enhance coordination among the Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport campuses, Law Center, and SU Ag Center, reinforcing our identity as a comprehensive, interconnected family of institutions.
These achievements were not mine alone; they were the result of collective determination and shared purpose. However, there is still much to be done.
Confidence in the Future
I have sincere gratitude for the privilege of serving this great institution. My deepest thanks go to each of you — students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners — for your commitment to the mission of Southern University.
Together, we have moved the needle in a positive direction and strengthened the foundation of this System. The Southern University System has a long, distinguished history, and its legacy is strong. I leave with full confidence in the dedicated leaders in our System office and across our campuses and in the positive momentum we have built.
To ensure a seamless transition, I am committed to assisting the System in every way possible through the remainder of the year. I will fully support my successor and work to ensure that key initiatives and projects continue moving forward. I congratulate Dr. Orlando McMeans, chancellor of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, on his appointment as interim president and am confident that his proven leadership, institutional knowledge, and record of accomplishment will provide steady guidance during this transition.
I look toward the future of the Southern University System with great optimism and excitement. This System is poised for even greater success, and I firmly believe its best days lie ahead.
Thank you again for your partnership, your dedication, and for allowing me the great honor of serving as your president. May you and yours have a joyous holiday season.
With respect and gratitude,
Dennis J. Shields
President, Southern University System