SU Law Center Chancellor Search Committee announces finalists

Pictured: SULC chancellor finalists (left-right) John Michael Guidry, Russell Jones, John K. Pierre, and Roederick C. White Sr.

The final candidates are:

John Michael Guidry, State Appellate Court judge, Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal, has a bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and juris doctorate from the Southern University Law Center.

Russell Jones, vice chancellor for academic affairs, Southern University Law Center, earned a bachelor’s degree from Northeast Louisiana University, a juris doctorate from the Southern University Law Center, and a master of law from Georgetown University Law Center.

John K. Pierre, interim chancellor, Southern University Law Center, received a bachelor’s degree from Southern University Baton Rouge, a master’s degree from Texas Tech, and juris doctorate from Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law.

Roederick C. White Sr., vice chancellor for student affairs, Southern University Law Center, earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern University, and a MBA and a juris doctorate from Wayne State University.

The 14-member committee, chaired by SULC alumnus Dwayne Murray, partner, Murray and Murray Law Firm, and vice- chaired by SULC alumna Erin Monroe Wesley, Special Counsel, Office of Governor John Bel Edwards, included SULC representatives Alfreda Diamond, interim vice chancellor for institutional accountability and evening division; Angela Scott-Gaines, computer support specialist; Patrick Harrington, president, Student Bar Association and student member, Louisiana Board of Regents; attorney Virginia Listach, director, Law Clinic; Andrea Love, director of recruitment; and attorney Winston Riddick, a retired SULC professor. SULC alumni representatives are:

Timothy Hardy, partner, Roedel, Parsons, Koch, Blache, Balhoff and McCollister Law Firm and member of the Louisiana Technical and Community College System Board of Supervisors; Louisiana State Representative Edward "Ted" James, president SU Law Center Alumni Association; attorney Patsy A. Randall, assistant district attorney, 15th Judicial District; Domoine Rutledge, general counsel, East Baton Rouge Parish School System, and president, SU System Foundation Board of Directors; attorney Willie James Singleton; and attorney Joseph K. "Joe” West, president and CEO, Minority Corporate Counsel Association.

"After taking into consideration the vision, leadership philosophy, academic preparation, and other qualities of the pool of candidates, the search committee believes that each of the finalists are well equipped to lead the Southern University Law Center," said Murray.

SU System President-Chancellor Ray L. Belton will submit the remaining candidates to the SU Board of Supervisors for final interviews and consideration.

The new chancellor will replace Freddie Pitcher Jr. who stepped down as SULC chancellor in June 2015.