Interim chancellor named to permanent post of Southern University Law Center
Pierre, who is serving as interim SULC chancellor, was one of four finalists selected by a 14-member search 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, to replace Freddie Pitcher Jr. who stepped down last June.
"First I want to acknowledge the diligence of the Law Center Search Committee members for their considerable efforts in bringing forth four outstanding candidates," said SU System President-Chancellor Ray L. Belton.
"After interviewing the final candidates and reviewing their qualifications along with committee and constituent feedback, I am happy to recommend John Pierre who is ably prepared to lead the SU Law Center," added Belton.
Pierre became interim chancellor of the Southern University Law Center effective July 1, 2015, and has been on the faculty of the Southern Law Center since 1990. He was promoted to associate vice chancellor for special projects in 2003, and to vice chancellor of institutional accountability and evening division, on October 1, 2006. Additionally, he teaches commercial law, tax law, contracts, and property.
For seven years, Professor Pierre was involved in the Baton Rouge school desegregation case as co-counsel for the Baton Rouge Branch of the NAACP in Davis v. East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. He was also co-counsel in the landmark case of McWaters v. FEMA.
Pierre is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, and the Louisiana Certified Public Accountants.
He has previous teaching experience as a visiting and adjunct professor at California State University, Southern Methodist University School of Law, Loyola University Law School, Southern University College of Business, Saint Leo’s College, Webster University, and Northwestern State University.
He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Southern University and A&M College in 1980, a master's degree in tax accounting from Texas Tech University in 1982, and a juris doctor degree from the Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, in 1985.
Pierre has published numerous articles on tax law, sales and contracts, real estate and commercial law, ranging from magazine features and legal journal and law review articles.
"I am truly honored and humbled by the opportunity presented to me," said the chancellor-elect. "Thank you for your confidence in me."
Pierre acknowledged his wife, family members, and faculty and staff from the SU Law Center who he says share much of the credit for his success.
"I think of my mother and my father on a day like this and I am grateful they gave me the spirit I have to serve. I will work hard to propel the SU Law Center to be the institution you want it to be," said Pierre.