LSUA Names Dr. Elizabeth Beard Next Chancellor

ALEXANDRIA, La. — LSU System President Wade Rousse has announced the appointment of Elizabeth Beard, Ph.D., as the next Chancellor of Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA), following a national search. Beard will succeed Paul Coreil, who has served as Chancellor since 2019 and will retire effective July 1, 2026.

Beard currently serves as Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at LSUA, bringing more than 20 years of leadership experience in faculty roles, academic administration, student success, accreditation, and institutional strategy.

During her tenure, Beard has played a key role in advancing the university’s academic programs and long-term vision. She has led initiatives focused on expanding workforce-aligned degrees, strengthening curriculum-to-career pathways, and implementing LSUA’s Command Your Career Quality Enhancement Plan.

“We’re hiring for excellence at LSU Alexandria, so it was exciting to see such a tremendous list of applicants for the Chancellor’s position,” Rousse said. “LSUA’s best days are ahead, and Dr. Beard has demonstrated a clear vision for student success and workforce alignment. I am confident she will lead LSUA into its next chapter.”

A Time of Growth and Momentum

Beard assumes leadership at a time of significant growth for LSUA. The university now enrolls more than 8,000 students, representing a 145% increase during Coreil’s tenure.

Over the past decade, LSUA has become:

• The fourth-fastest-growing regional institution in the nation
• The second-fastest-growing undergraduate university
• The fastest-growing institution in Louisiana for the past four years

Today, LSUA also holds the fifth-largest public undergraduate enrollment in the state.

Higher education leaders have pointed to LSUA as a model for how regional universities can succeed by combining affordability, workforce partnerships, and a strong focus on student outcomes.

Looking Ahead

With Beard stepping into the role, LSUA is expected to continue building on that momentum. Enrollment remains strong, academic offerings are expanding in high-demand fields, and partnerships with industry and healthcare providers continue to grow.

Faculty and staff remain committed to a culture centered on student success and community impact.

“LSUA is not just where I work—it’s at the heart of who I am,” Beard said. “I believe deeply in our students and in the transformative power of higher education delivered with purpose and excellence.”

She emphasized the university’s continued focus on preparing students for meaningful careers.

“Our goal is simple and powerful: to offer degrees that matter—programs aligned with workforce needs, economic development, and opportunity for our graduates,” Beard said.

Beard, who has deep roots in central Louisiana, also highlighted the university’s role in strengthening the region.

“When higher education is done right, it becomes the engine that builds the community and state we want to live in,” she said.

Continuing the Mission

As she prepares to take on the role of Chancellor, Beard will lead a university positioned for continued growth and innovation, with a focus on expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and driving economic opportunity across central Louisiana.

The LSU System congratulated Beard on her appointment and expressed confidence in her leadership as LSUA enters its next chapter.