Southern University System Presidential Search Committee announces semifinalists

Southern University System Presidential Search Committee announces semifinalists

The Southern University System Presidential Search Committee today selected semifinalists to advance in the national search for the next president of the Southern University System.

The Search Committee selected the following individuals to advance to the semifinalist stage:

Brian K. Bridges, Ph.D.
Senior Advisor, Whiteboard Advisors
Former Secretary of Higher Education, State of New Jersey (2020-2025)

John K. Belton, J.D.
District Attorney, Third Judicial District Court - Louisiana

Jaffus Hardrick, Ed.D.
Former President, Florida Memorial University

Roscoe Jones, J.D.
Former Dean, Drake University Law School

Larissa Littleton-Steib, Ph.D.
Chancellor, Delgado Community College

Willie E. Smith, Ph.D.
Chancellor, Baton Rouge Community College

"Today represents an important milestone in our search for the next president of the Southern University System," said Jason Hughes, chair, 2026 Southern University System Presidential Search Committee. "Our committee has approached this responsibility thoughtfully and deliberately, recognizing the significance of selecting the individual who will help lead the nation's only historically Black university system into its next chapter. We are pleased with the progress of the search and look forward to learning more about each of these candidates as we move into the interview phase."

The selection of semifinalists follows an extensive national search process that has included stakeholder engagement throughout the Southern University System and outreach to prospective candidates. More than 350 students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and community stakeholders participated in engagement sessions earlier this year, providing input on the experience, qualities and leadership characteristics desired in the System's next president.

The Search Committee extends its appreciation to TM² Executive Search, which has assisted the Southern University System throughout the national search process. The firm has worked with the committee to facilitate stakeholder engagement, develop the presidential prospectus, conduct candidate outreach and research, and guide the committee through the evaluation and selection process.

"The committee is grateful to TM² Executive Search for its guidance and expertise throughout this process," Hughes said. "Their work, along with the valuable input we received from stakeholders across the Southern University System, has helped us conduct a comprehensive search focused on identifying highly qualified leaders who understand both the opportunities and responsibilities associated with leading this historic System."

Next Steps

The semifinalists will be invited to participate in in-person interviews with the Presidential Search Committee in the coming weeks. Following those interviews, the committee will determine which candidates will advance to the finalist stage of the search process.

Additional information regarding the interview process and subsequent steps in the presidential search will be announced as details are finalized.

The Southern University System launched the national search following the departure of its previous president. The Presidential Search Committee includes representatives from across the Southern University System and the broader community and is charged with recommending finalists for consideration by the Southern University Board of Supervisors.

About the Southern University System

The Southern University System is the nation's only historically Black university system and includes Southern University and A&M College, Southern University at New Orleans, Southern University at Shreveport, Southern University Law Center and the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. Through teaching, research and service, the System is committed to providing educational access and opportunity while developing leaders and strengthening communities throughout Louisiana and beyond.