The Southern University System board of supervisors chose Flandus McClinton Jr. in a unanimous vote to serve as acting chancellor of the Baton Rouge campus. Before the vote, the board had deadlocked on a proposal to have Southern University system president Ron Mason serve in both positions until a new chancellor was found for the Baton Rouge campus. McClinton will take over for Chancellor James Llorens, whose contract expired on June 30. On two different occasions, the board voted not to extend Chancellor Llorens’ contract.
Before making its decision on the appointment of McClinton as acting chancellor, the board heard from both student and faculty leaders who opposed the appointment. Their objections were grounded in the fact that McClinton has a background in accounting. His critics questioned whether McClinton has the academic experience to preside over all facets of the university.
McClinton has been serving as vice chancellor for finance and administration and has been on the staff of the university since 1989.
