William “Bill” Tate as the first Black president in the Baton Rouge school’s history.
Additionally, the former University of South Carolina Provost also becomes the first African American president at a school in the Southeastern Conference. Quite frankly I didn t think this day would come that an African-American would become president in the SEC, Tate said, according to
USA Today of becoming the head of a school that Black students were not even allowed to attend until 1953. Y all made it possible.”
He continued: I m really excited to be part of this community. For me this is all about how we can help students regardless of their background . and give them opportunity to live their dream.
LSU President William Tate IV
LSU appoints the first Black president in the school’s history and who is also the first Black president in the Southeastern Conference. University of South Carolina Provost William Tate IV has been tapped by the LSU Board of Supervisors to lead the system.
“I’m really grateful for it as I reflect historically in my own personal journey it’s a huge moment for me individually just being a president period, but this part of history to me is very special,” said Tate.
Tate was unanimously approved by the board and board member Collis Temple Jr, who was LSU’s first Black basketball player, made the emotional official motion to select Tate.
LSU makes history by naming its first Black president: Meet Bill Tate
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LSU made history Thursday by naming University of South Carolina Provost William Bill Tate as the first Black president in the school s history and the first Black to lead a school in the Southeastern Conference.
Black students weren t even allowed to attend LSU until 1953. Quite frankly I didn t think this day would come that an African-American would become president in the SEC, Tate said. Y all made it possible. I m really excited to be part of this community. For me this is all about how we can help students regardless of their background . and give them opportunity to live their dream.