LSU-A chancellor to go, named Drury president

LSU at Alexandria Chancellor David Manuel is leaving Louisiana next year to become president of Drury University, a private liberal arts college of about 2,000 full-time students in Springfield, Mo.

Manuel could not be reached for comment Wednesday, but his hiring was announced on the Missouri school’s website.

LSU System President and Baton Rouge Chancellor William Jenkins congratulated Manuel in a prepared statement.

“As an avid proponent of liberal arts education, Dr. Manuel is the perfect fit as the new leader of an institution known for its high-achieving students, varied academic programs and family atmosphere,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins also praised Manuel for his tenure at LSU starting in 2008, which coincided with the current period of year-after-year budget cuts as the state Legislature and Gov. Bobby Jindal grapple to balance state budgets.

“Dr. Manuel proved to be a durable leader who avoided faculty and staff layoffs while expanding LSU-A’s fundraising activities,” Jenkins said.

Manuel has indicated that he will stay on the job until May 31, giving the LSU system office ample time to conduct a search for his replacement, Jenkins said.