SU board rejects chancellor's pick for AD | Business

Southern University fans will have to wait a little longer before they find out who will be the next athletic director.

The board voted on Monday, Feb. 13 to reject Chancellor Jim Llorens' recommendation to hire Paula Jackson as its next AD. Jackson, a Southern University alumnus previously worked at Alabama State University.

Jackson received five yes votes, but needed seven in order for the measure to pass.

"We want to support the chancellor except in this situation with the athletic department," Board Member Patric Bell says.  "It's in such a state that we need somebody who is very, very strong to come in and steer the ship right and some of us didn't feel as though Ms. Jackson had the experience."

The board voted to extend the contract for Interim director Sandy Pugh until a permanent replacement is hired.