Tate Makes History as First Black President for LSU and SEC

LSU appoints the first Black president in the school’s history and who is also the first Black president in the Southeastern Conference. University of South Carolina Provosthas been tapped by the LSU Board of Supervisors to lead the system.

“I’m really grateful for it as I reflect historically in my own personal journey it’s a huge moment for me individually just being a president period, but this part of history to me is very special,” said Tate.

Tate was unanimously approved by the board and board member Collis Temple Jr, who was LSU’s first Black basketball player, made the emotional official motion to select Tate.

When asked how he will lead the university that remains under the cloud of a Title IX scandal Tate said he believes it is an opportunity to develop a trauma-based approach to assist victims of sexual misconduct.

“I think that we need to have and be a model for the rest of the United States of America in how to handle Title IX. If you think that this is the only institution in this country that is dealing with this matter that is not, unfortunately, the case,” said Tate.

Tate was also questioned about what he considers his biggest challenge as he takes the helm at LSU, Tate responded getting to know everyone as quickly as possible.

“And I’ve got to do that pretty quickly, so I’ve got to be a quick study and come to understand the needs and desires of the folks here and then organize us in a way that we might be able to obtain the goals related to what the community wants to be in the future,” said Tate.

Board Chairman Robert Dampf said the details of Tate’s contract are still being negotiated.