Feature Story
LSU Researcher Discovers Great Things

The LSU Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on Sept. 4 to name Dr. Aaron Sheehan-Dean, Dr. James Garand, and Dr. Peter Katzmarzyk as Boyd Professors. The Boyd Professorship, established by the LSU Board of Supervisors in 1953, is the most distinguished and highest professorial rank awarded by LSU. The honor recognizes faculty members who bring honor and prestige to the university through national and, as appropriate, international recognition for outstanding achievements.

Today, LSU launched AI Literacy Essentials, a free online course that provides a general introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) and how to use it effectively, professionally, and ethically.

LSU and FMOL Health celebrated today the opening of the FMOL Health Learning & Laboratory Wing, a philanthropically funded, state-of-the-art academic, research and workforce development hub that will expand educational opportunities for students, accelerate interdisciplinary innovation and strengthen the healthcare workforce serving Louisiana communities for generations to come.

At its June 2026 meeting, the Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) approved the merger of LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO) and LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport (LSUHSC-S) as branch campuses of Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. The merger became effective on August 1, 2026, formally recognizing the newly organized institution as Louisiana's flagship university and a unified research enterprise.

LSU has named Joseph P. Messina as its next senior vice chancellor and provost, following an extensive national search. Messina will begin his role Aug. 3, 2026, pending approval by the LSU Board of Supervisors.

From storm surge forecasting and near-instant flood prediction to coastal restoration and advanced weather monitoring, LSU research helps Louisiana prepare for, withstand, and recover from hurricanes and flooding—protecting lives, infrastructure, and the future of our coast.