Louisiana's budget problems are making Grambling State University's presidential search more difficult.
University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley released a letter from the search firm hired to recruit candidates that says the threat of deep budget cuts has stymied efforts to find a new Grambling leader.
The Hollins Group says potential candidates won't consider applying until the financial future of the university is clearer. The search firm says candidates want to make sure Grambling has a "positive future" before they'd accept a job offer.
The state faces a $1.6 billion shortfall in the budget year that begins July 1, and Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration is expected to propose higher education cuts ranging from $300 million to $400 million. That would be a state financing cut of about 40 percent.
Last month, Interim President Cynthia Warrick announced her intent not to seek Grambling's presidency on a permanent basis. Grambling's previous president, Dr. Frank Pogue, retired in June of 2014.
