Southern University announces new leader

Dr.Rodney Ellis is looking forward to acting within his new position at Southern University Shreveport.

“Being a chancellor is an opportunity to lead a great institution,” Ellis said.

“Southern University Shreveport is a very unique institution as it’s a comprehensive community college, but also a historically black college and university. It’s grounded in so much history that not only impacted the neighborhood in which it is located, but Shreveport and this great nation. I want to protect this legacy while establishing innovative programs and services that meet the needs of our community for the years to come.”

“When I heard the news, I was truly honored and humbled,” Ellis said. “I was so grateful that the search committee, the president-chancellor of the system, Dr. Ray Belton, and the Southern University board saw in me the commitment and ability to lead this great institution. I’m extremely excited about starting a new journey where so many people are excited for me and supportive of me.”

Alabama. He has more than 20 years of experience in postsecondary education and specializes in academic and student affairs policy development and compliance, institutional effectiveness and research, accreditation compliance, resource acquisition and management, publicprivate partnership development, board development and strategic planning.

Formerly the chancellor of Central Louisiana Technical Community College, Ellis worked hard there to inform the community about technical and community college education. During his time in that position, Ellis secured almost $5 million in federal grant funding, secured $650,000 in private funding commitments to start new programs, reduced budget deficiencies, expanded student programs, secured multiple state fundings and developed a five-year strategic plan for the school.

His favorite part of his job is by far the people. “Knowing that my leadership has the potential of impacting so many lives – those of our students primarily, but also those of our faculty and staff as well as this community. I believe that we will do great things together!” Ellis previously served as executive vice president at Atlanta Technical College in Atlanta, Ga. Ellis worked at Atlanta Technical College for nearly 13 years, where he also served as vice president of IT, planning and development, and director of i n s t i t u t i o n a l d e v e l o p m e n t . Prior to his service at Atlanta Technical College, Ellis served as i n s t i t u t i o n a l e f f e c t i v e n e s s specialist at the Technical College System of Georgia and senior research specialist at the Roosevelt Warm

Springs Institute for Rehabilitation.

He is also heavily involved in the community, university by strengthening and expanding those things we already do well,” Ellis said. “I want to aim for the moon and stars in creating innovative opportunities that will impact Northwest Louisiana and the state of Louisiana. This starts by talking to those who can best help me make it having served on the board of directors happen – faculty, staff, students, alumni, for the Central Louisiana Chamber of business leaders, community leaders, Ellis earned his doctorate in higher the public at large – is my favorite part Commerce, Re-Entry Solutions and the etcetera. I have begun to do that, and education administration with a of my job,” Ellis said. “As I walk around Rapides Parish Workforce Investment will continue to rely on the knowledge specialization in community and technical the campus and engage individuals, I Board. He has also been an active member and vision of our stakeholders, as well as college leadership from the University of feel a sense of hope and a desire for a of the Rotary Club of Alexandria, getting my own, to help shape the future of the Georgia; a Master of Science in judicial new beginning. As I engage those in recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. university. It starts by believing in this administration from Auburn University the community, I feel the eagerness and Ellis has both immediate and long-term potential for greatness, and believing that at Montgomery and a Bachelor of Arts in commitment to help the university succeed. goals for his time as chancellor. “I want collectively, we can exceed this potential.”

St. Amant