Law Center News
Interim chancellor named to permanent post at Southern University Law Center
John K. Pierre has been named the Chancellor of the Southern University Law Center, becoming the seventh individual to head the institution. SU System President-Chancellor Ray L. Belton made the recommendation, and the members of the Southern University Board of Supervisors approved the appointment unanimously at today’s board meeting.
Pierre was one of four finalists selected by a 14-member search committee chaired by SULC alumnus Dwayne Murray, partner, Murray and Murray Law Firm. SULC alumna Erin Monroe Wesley, special counsel, Office of Governor John Bel Edwards, was the committee vice-chair.
“First I want to acknowledge the diligence of the Law Center Search Committee members for their considerable efforts in bringing forth four outstanding candidates,” said President-Chancellor Belton.
“After interviewing the final candidates and reviewing their qualifications along with committee and constituent feedback, I am happy to recommend John Pierre who is ably prepared to lead the SU Law Center,” he added.
“I am truly honored and humbled by the opportunity presented to me,” Chancellor-Elect Pierre said. “I am very, very thankful for the confidence you have shown in me.”
He pledged to work hard “to propel the Southern University Law Center to be the institution that you all want it to be.”
Pierre has been serving as interim chancellor of the Law Center since July 1, 2015. The Loreauville, Louisiana, native acknowledged his appreciation to his wife, Antoinette; his mentor, SULC Chancellor Emeritus B. K. Agnihotri; and the SULC team of faculty and administrative staff.
“I think of my parents on a day like this and I am grateful they gave me the spirit I have to serve,” he said.
Pierre, the Vanue B. Lacour Endowed Professor of Law, has been on the law faculty of the Southern University Law Center since 1990. He was promoted to associate vice chancellor for special projects in 2003 and to vice chancellor of institutional accountability and evening division, on October 1, 2006. Additionally, he teaches commercial law, tax law, contracts, and property.
For seven years, Professor Pierre was involved in the Baton Rouge school desegregation case as co-counsel for the Baton Rouge Branch of the NAACP in Davis v. East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. He was also co-counsel in the landmark case of McWaters v. Fema.
Pierre is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, and the Louisiana Certified Public Accountants.
He has previous teaching experience as a visiting and adjunct professor at California State University, Southern Methodist University School of Law, Loyola University Law School, Southern University College of Business, Saint Leo’s College, Webster University, and Northwestern State University.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southern University A&M College in 1980, the master’s degree in tax accounting from Texas Tech University in 1982, and the juris doctor degree from the Southern Methodist University, Dedman School of Law, in 1985.
Pierre has published numerous articles on tax law, sales and contracts, real estate and commercial law, ranging from magazine features and legal journal and law review articles.
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