Two Distinguished Higher Education Leaders Join NASH Board

Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) today announced the election of two distinguished leaders to join its Board of Directors. NASH is pleased to welcome California State University Chancellor Mildred García and University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot. They were nominated from among their peer NASH members who collectively represent over 700 institutions enrolling over 8 million students. As members of the Board, their appointments reflect NASH’s continued commitment to fostering innovation, advancing excellence in higher education, and championing the transformative Power of Systems.

“The addition of Chancellor García and President Gallot to our Board is a testament to NASH’s commitment to leadership that prioritizes student outcomes and institutional excellence,” said Brian McCall, Chair of the NASH Board of Directors and Chancellor of the Texas State University System. “Their decades of experience and dedication to student success and innovation will undoubtedly enhance our mission to empower higher education systems to lead transformational change.”

Mildred García began her tenure as Chancellor of the California State University (CSU) on October 1, 2023, becoming the first Latina to lead the nation’s largest and most diverse four-year public university system. Her distinguished career includes serving as president of Cal State Fullerton and CSU Dominguez Hills, where she achieved record improvements in graduation and retention rates and eliminated significant financial deficits. Before joining CSU, Dr. García was president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), advocating for 350 member institutions and shaping federal policy on public higher education. 

“I’m honored to join the NASH Board of Directors,” said Mildred García, Chancellor of the California State University. “Now more than ever, higher education systems have the unique privilege and responsibility to create pathways of opportunity for all students. This is our mandate, and I look forward to working with my fellow board members as we advance our students’ lives and strengthen our nation’s communities through the power of higher education.”

Richard “Rick” Gallot, Jr. was appointed president of the University of Louisiana System on October 25, 2023, after serving as the 10th president of Grambling State University from 2016 to 2023. A former member of the Louisiana State Senate, Louisiana House of Representatives, and Grambling City Council, Gallot has dedicated much of his career to public service and higher education. Gallot has been recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the Grambling State University Alumni Hall of Fame and the Southern Law School Hall of Fame. A licensed attorney for 32 years, he also serves on the boards of Cleco Corporation and Origin Bank.

“It is a privilege to serve on the NASH Board of Directors and contribute to the vital work of strengthening higher education systems nationwide,” said Rick Gallot, President of the University of Louisiana System. “I am excited to work alongside esteemed colleagues to amplify the impact of systemness in driving student achievement, workforce readiness, and community transformation.”

These appointments come at a pivotal moment for higher education systems, as NASH continues to advance its mission of leveraging systemness to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the sector. At the same time, Mississippi Commissioner of Higher Education Alfred Rankins, Jr. and Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed will be concluding their service on the Board. NASH extends its heartfelt gratitude for their leadership, dedication, and invaluable contributions to NASH’s mission and the transformative power of systemness.

“As we thank Commissioners Rankins and Hunter Reed for their years of service, we are thrilled to welcome Chancellor García and President Gallot to the NASH Board of Directors,” said Jessica Todtman, Interim President of NASH. “Their visionary leadership and proven track records in advancing equity and innovation will strengthen our collective efforts to shape the future of higher education. Their insights and experience will be instrumental as NASH continues to champion systemness as a transformative force in tackling the sector’s most pressing challenges.”

Higher education systems interested in joining or learning more about the work of NASH and its members can visit the organization’s website for more information.

About the National Association of Higher Education Systems

Founded in 1979, the National Association of Higher Education Systems (NASH) works to advance the role of multi-campus systems and the concept of systemness to create a more vibrant and sustainable higher education sector. NASH systems are comprised of more than 700 campuses and serve more than 8.2 million students in nearly every state in the United States. To learn more about NASH and its national transformation agenda, the Power of Systems, visit www.nash.edu.