After a year and a half on the job, University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot will get a salary increase and new benchmarks under a new contract extension through June 2028.
The amended contract comes after an evaluation Thursday by the system’s board of supervisors, who met for more than an hour in executive session to discuss the president’s performance. Board members did not share specifics after returning to the public meeting, but voted unanimously to amend Gallot’s contract with a salary increase, new performance goals and a one-year extension.
The Advocate requested a copy of the new contract, but staff for the UL system said Friday it’s still being revised.
"The board is pleased to report a favorable review of President Gallot's performance," said Board Chair Mark Romero in a statement on Friday. "This extension reflects our confidence in his continued leadership and allows us to build on the progress we've made together in serving the people of Louisiana."
Gallot, a former state lawmaker and past president of Grambling State, became president of the UL system at the start of 2024. His original four-year contract included an annual salary of $475,000, annual housing allowance of $54,000 and either an annual auto allowance of $24,000 or the use of a state vehicle. The original contract also said it could be extended to five years if he received a favorable review from the board during his second year.
An attorney from Ruston, Gallot led Grambling from 2016 to 2023. He also served as a Democratic state legislator, in the House from 2000 to 2012 and the Senate from 2012 to 2016.
In addition to Grambling, the UL System includes Louisiana Tech University, McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
The University of New Orleans has also been part of the UL system since 2011, but state lawmakers voted this spring to transfer the school back to the Louisiana State University System. The law, which Gov. Jeff Landry signed, says UNO’s president should send a letter by Aug. 1 with notice of intent for the transfer to the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools.
During Thursday’s UL system meeting, the board also approved a five-year strategic plan. The plan outlines four priorities:
- Leverage operational efficiencies, standardize administrative processes and strategically invest in shared services that reduce costs, increase institutional capacity and uphold fiscal responsibility across all institutions.
- Leverage the system’s collective voice to champion the value of higher education, expand student access, improve outcomes and support talent retention across Louisiana.
- Position the system as the state’s leading source of applied, industry-aligned research and innovation while equipping students with the skills, experiences and opportunities needed to thrive in rapidly evolving industries.
- Leverage the system’s statewide presence to advance strategic priorities through advocacy, policy engagement, public affairs and stakeholder alignment — building trust, influence and support among government leaders, industry partners, media and communities.