ALEXANDRIA, La. (5/5/2026) – 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 to identify the university’s new leader. 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 two decades of progressive leadership experience in faculty roles, academic administration, student success, accreditation, and institutional strategy. During her tenure, she has led transformative institutional initiatives, including the expansion of workforce-aligned academic programs, the development of curriculum-to-career pathways, and the implementation of the university’s Command Your Career Quality Enhancement Plan.
Deeply rooted in central Louisiana, Beard has advanced LSUA’s academic portfolio to meet evolving workforce demands while maintaining a strong focus on student outcomes, access, and degree value. Her leadership has contributed to sustained enrollment growth, increased degree attainment, and strengthened partnerships across the LSU System, industry, and the broader community.
“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,” said LSU System President Wade Rousse. “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. We are three letters, two colors, one state, and the LSU family stands ready to support her as we continue to build on this remarkable momentum.”
Beard assumes leadership of LSUA at a time of historic growth and national recognition. Today, the university enrolls more than 8,000 students, representing a 145% increase during Coreil’s tenure. Over the last decade, LSUA has become the fourth-fastest-growing regional institution in the nation and the second-fastest among undergraduate universities. The university has also been the fastest-growing institution in Louisiana for the past four years and now has the fifth-largest public undergraduate enrollment in the state.
Observers across higher education have pointed to LSUA as a model for how regional universities can thrive by combining affordability, strong workforce partnerships, and a clear commitment to student outcomes. With Beard at the helm, LSUA is well-positioned to continue that progress. Enrollment remains strong, academic programs are expanding in high-demand fields, and partnerships with employers and healthcare providers continue to deepen. Faculty and staff remain committed to a culture that places student success and public service at the center of the university’s mission.
As she prepares to assume the role, Beard will lead a university with notable accomplishments and a durable foundation for continued growth. The LSU family proudly congratulates Liz Beard and looks forward to supporting her leadership as faculty, staff, and students embrace the next exciting chapter of the university’s continued rise.
Written by Adam Lord
Photo credit – Nathan Parish
Image – Elizabeth Beard, Ph.D., Chancellor-Elect of LSUA
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