Brought To You By LSUA; Written by Adam Lord
When Dr. Paul Coreil arrived at Louisiana State University of Alexandria in 2019 to serve as Chancellor, he came with a clear message…Be bold.
At the time, LSUA was a respectable regional university with steady enrollment and strong academic programs. Yet Coreil believed that operating cautiously in higher education’s rapidly changing environment would not allow the university to fully serve the people of Louisiana.
He has often reminded faculty and staff that LSUA is not simply an institution. It is a public good that belongs to the taxpayers of Louisiana and is entrusted with educating future generations while strengthening communities across the state. That philosophy has guided one of the most transformative periods in the university’s history.
Coreil has announced his plan to retire on July 1, 2026, concluding more than four decades of service to the LSU System and eight years leading LSUA. Coreil previously served as Interim Chancellor in 2013 before returning in 2019 as the university’s permanent leader.
“LSUA has always belonged to the people of Louisiana,” Coreil said. “Serving as Chancellor has been one of the greatest honors of my career, and I am confident that the university’s best years are ahead.”
During Coreil’s tenure, LSUA has experienced remarkable growth and institutional momentum. Shortly after assuming leadership in 2019, Coreil set an ambitious goal: LSUA would increase enrollment by 50% within five years. The university achieved that milestone in just three.
Today, LSUA has more than 8,000 students, a 145% increase during Coreil’s tenure. Over the last decade, the university has become the fourth-fastest-growing regional institution in the nation and the second-fastest among undergraduate universities. Additionally, LSUA has been the fastest-growing university in Louisiana for the past four years, now the 5th-largest university in the state. While the numbers are striking, Coreil has consistently emphasized that the university’s growth reflects a deep commitment to the public mission of higher education.
Throughout his leadership, Coreil has insisted that LSUA remain closely connected to the region and the state it serves. He has frequently described the university as the best value in higher education in Louisiana and an essential engine of opportunity for students seeking an affordable pathway to professional success.
Coreil’s philosophy has guided a series of initiatives designed to address some of Louisiana’s most pressing workforce needs. LSUA has expanded its Professional Aviation program to help address national pilot shortages and strengthen partnerships with aviation leaders at England Airpark. The university launched Accountants for the Future and Educators Rising to strengthen pipelines into critical professions.
Pre-Professional opportunities have also expanded through the IPP Pre-Med program and the LEAD V Pre-Veterinary program with LSU. In partnership with LSU Health Shreveport, LSUA has created a 3+3 pathway in Occupational Therapy, accelerating students into high-demand healthcare careers.
At the same time, the university has begun planning the development of a Health Education Campus designed to significantly expand nursing and allied health training in central Louisiana and address persistent regional healthcare shortages.
Coreil describes these efforts as examples of how a university should function within its community: a university should not simply award degrees; it should help solve problems.
He has often said that if there is a better way to reach students or help them succeed, the university should be willing to try it. That mindset has fueled the expansion of flexible academic programs, the growth of nationally recognized online offerings, and investments in facilities designed to support students throughout their academic journey.
As LSUA has grown, the university has increasingly drawn national attention. The institution has been featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education and in national research examining enrollment growth and institutional resilience. Observers have increasingly pointed to LSUA as an example of how regional universities can thrive by combining affordability, strong workforce partnerships, and a clear commitment to student outcomes.
“Chancellor Coreil’s impact on LSU Alexandria is immeasurable, and his contributions to the region will be felt for generations,” said LSU System President Wade Rousse. “His leadership has been exemplary and is reflected in campus successes, including increased student access, record enrollment growth, demonstrated excellence in academic programming, and completion of much-needed deferred maintenance as well as capital outlay projects. Paul’s vision of excellence for LSUA is undeniable during his tenure, and he leaves behind a legacy that will only continue to propel that campus forward.”
Even as Coreil prepares to conclude his time at LSUA, the university continues to build momentum. Enrollment is still growing. Academic programs continue to expand in high-demand fields. Partnerships with employers and healthcare providers only deepen. And, faculty and staff are committed to a culture that places student success and public service at the center of the university’s mission.
Coreil has often described his role as a steward of the institution’s mission. In that spirit, he has viewed LSUA as a public trust that must continually evolve to meet the needs of the people it serves.
The message that launched this chapter of LSUA’s history remains the same. It is a philosophy that has reshaped the university over the past eight years and one that positions LSUA to continue setting the pace for higher education in the years ahead.
Be bold!
Photo credit – Mira Alvarado
