Southern University at New Orleans Arts and Sciences Dean Lisa Mims-Devezin has been appointed as the interim chancellor of the college, Southern University System officials announced last week.
A former professor and associate dean, Dr. Mims-Devezin has served at the college since 1993 after serving as a professor of biology at Dillard University. Dr. Mims-Devezin, who earned her bachelor’s from SUNO and a masters and doctorate from Southern’s flagship campus in Baton Rouge, was praised by System President Ray Belton for her long service to the SUNO campus, and her capacity to lead during a nationwide search for the permanent appointee.
“Dr. Mims-Devezin has served Southern University at New Orleans in various jobs for more than 20 years,” President-Chancellor Belton said. “I am convinced that she can carry out the responsibilities of this interim appointment in an exemplary fashion.”
“I am humbled and honored to serve as Interim Chancellor at Southern University at New Orleans. I want to thank President-Chancellor Belton and the SUS Board of Supervisors for giving me this opportunity,” Dr. Mims-Devezin said. “I am a proud daughter of Southern University at New Orleans. I am committed to upholding this University as an exceptional institution of higher learning, not only locally and nationally, but also on a global scale.”
Dr. Mims-Devezin is the fourth person to assume permanent or interim leadership of a Southern System campus in less than a year.
