Regents start search for La. higher ed commissioner

The Louisiana Board of Regents has tapped an eight-member search committee to help find a new state higher education commissioner. The panel was created today to conduct the search, interview candidates and make finalist recommendations to the full board to consider as a replacement for Sally Clausen, whose retirement is effective July 1. All members of the search committee are Regents board members. Clausen resigned after receiving sharp criticism for quietly retiring from her job and then being rehired, within 24 hours and without ever telling her governing board; the move gave Clausen a large lump sum payment. Regents Chairman Artis Terrell says the search committee will advertise nationally for candidates. He says he wants to have a new commissioner chosen in six months.