Southwest Louisiana businessman Lee Mallett is the new chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors, replacing Scott Ballard. Mallett has been on the LSU Board for 14 years. Louisiana Illuminator reporter Piper Hutchinson says Mallett is not afraid to get involved in the day-to-day activities of the LSU System.
“I think, with him as chair, we will see even more of that, ranging from the hiring and firing of coaches and athletic directors, to perhaps even getting involved in faculty affairs,” Hutchinson said.
Mallett owns several businesses and lives in Calcasieu Parish. Mallett, who does not have a college degree, has made millions in the construction industry.
He’s also friends with former LSU basketball coach Will Wade and with the Tigers’ basketball program having another bad season, Hutchinson says Mallett’s appointment raises speculation Wade could return to LSU.
“There was quite a bit of chatter, last year, about maybe Will Wade coming to LSU. The fans might enjoy that, but I think it remains to be seen if it will materialize,” Hutchinson said.
A 2024 state law gives Governor Landry the authority to appoint the chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors and other boards and commissions. Mallet is a major donor to Landry and also contributed to the campaigns of the two previous governors who appointed him to the LSU Board.
LSU Board members usually keep a low-profile, but that might not be the case with Mallett.
“He is not known as somebody who keeps his thoughts to himself, especially when he’s displeased with something that the rest of the board is doing. I think this is going to be a very different type of chairmanship,” Hutchinson explained.
There are no term limits, so Mallett is expected to be the LSU Board Chair for the foreseeable future.
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