Menu LSU's new President William Tate IV speaks at a press conference last week. He's expected to begin his term in July. Photo courtesy LSU Media Center Local leaders share thoughts on LSU’s choice of William Tate for president By Stephanie Riegel The selection of William Tate as LSU’s next president is earning high marks from a variety of stakeholders, who say the board’s pick of an administrator with strong academic credentials who will also make history as LSU’s first Black president sends a message to the rest of the country that the beleaguered flagship is committed to turning over a new leaf.