House Resolution No. by Representative McMakin commends Dr. William F. Tate, IV, for his historic appointment and exemplary service as the twenty-eighth president of Louisiana State University (LSU). Dr. Tate, who made history as the first African American to lead LSU and any university in the Southeastern Conference, has provided strategic leadership across the LSU system, which includes multiple campuses and research centers. Under his guidance, LSU has seen significant growth in student enrollment, improved graduation rates, and a notable increase in research funding, including securing the largest federal grant in the university's history.
The resolution highlights Dr. Tate's visionary leadership, which has strengthened LSU's position as a leading institution for academic and economic development in Louisiana. His tenure has been marked by historic achievements, including the largest private gift in LSU's history for health initiatives and major athletic successes that have enhanced the university's profile. As Dr. Tate prepares to transition to the presidency of Rutgers University in 2025, the resolution expresses gratitude for his dedication and impact on the LSU community, wishing him continued success in his future endeavors.