Champion Chancellor: John Pierre selected to lead main campus

The legacy of Chancellor John K. Pierre, Esq is one of tenacity and triumph. From humble beginnings in the small farming town of Loreauville, he is the thirteenth child born to parents deprived of the privilege to read or write. Pierre earned his first degree in accounting from Southern, proceeding to complete his graduate program at Texas Tech University. After studying law at Southern Methodist University, Pierre served as JAG Officer for the U.S. Army from 1986-1990. Following his time serving the army, his next call of duty rang from the halls of Southern where he became a faculty member and began teaching law courses. Highlighting just a few of many accomplishments and contributions, his reverential story illustrates that the beckon to leadership can be answered regardless of background. Having previously held the position of Chancellor of Southern University Law Center since 2016, John Pierre’s legacy continues as of the board meeting on Friday March 22nd when he took on the role of the new Chancellor of Southern University. Relieved of his chancellor duties, President Dennis Shields regards Pierre as the best imaginable choice for the job.
“John is a person whose motives I never have to question with regard to Southern. He is always putting Southern University first. You could disagree with what he wants to do, but not misinterpret his motives.” -President Dennis J. Shields
In his acceptance speech, Pierre recognizes the 50th anniversary of the Board of Supervisors and pays homage to two individuals who were irreplaceable influences on his path to chancellorship; Jesse N. Stone, SULC alumnus and first African American to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court, and his late sister, Dr. Dorothy Pierre Thompson, previously head of Southern’s biology department. Today, Pierre stands before the board, beside friends and family, as he states, “I want everybody to know that I’m still growing, moving, and learning. I will always devote myself to this institution because this institution put into me more than I ever could repay it for. Thank you.” -Chancellor John Pierre Having contributed to the enrichment of Southern University for over 30 years, the board recognizes the invaluable impacts which Pierre has had upon them, individual members and the community of Southern as a whole in supporting this promotion of his position.
As discussed during the search committee’s chancellor finalist session in February, Pierre deducts residential living availability, retention, and respect as three major areas of concern in the Southern experience. His notion of a “communiversity” —an atmosphere that promotes students to excel and give back to their communities— is one of the many promising visions Pierre has for the university under his chancellorship.
“What I do every day I do not do alone. I do it with friends, family… We were taught to do important work without any expectation of a pat on the back because that is our mission and purpose.” -Chancellor John Pierre
In great anticipation of all he will continue to offer and accomplish at our beloved institution, congratulations to Chancellor John Pierre.