William L. Jenkins, president of the Louisiana State University System, recently announced plans to step down as president and devote more time to fundraising and hurricane relief efforts. His decision comes amid rumors that he did not agree with recent policy to quickly consolidate Louisiana colleges, many of which are still reeling from Hurricane Katrina.
“I’m stepping aside to become a special agent with special responsibilities and a special focus . . . I can open doors and reach out across the country to assist our respective campuses. I’m very much a purple-and-gold person,” Jenkins said in a written statement.
He asked the LSU Board of Supervisors to strip him of daily duties and allow him to remain president emeritus for several years.
