John Crain, Southeastern Louisiana University's Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, will serve as the university's interim president. The Executive Committee of the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System approved Crain's appointment upon the recommendation of UL System President Randy Moffett.

"I have thought extensively about my recommendation for this appointment and for me, the logical choice is Dr. John Crain," said Moffett. "Having worked with him closely in my capacity as Southeastern's president, I have full confidence that Dr. Crain will bring continuity and stability to the campus while the board conducts a national search."

Crain has served as provost for the past seven years. His 21 years of extensive and multi-faceted experience on the Hammond, LA campus includes head of the Department of Accounting, chair of the Council of Department Heads, president of the Faculty Senate, director of the Small Business Development Center, and 13 years as a full-time faculty member.

"I appreciate the confidence of the board and the system president in asking me to serve Southeastern in this capacity during this important transition period," said Crain. "Southeastern has wonderful faculty and staff who are committed, as am I, to the continued success of our great institution. It has been a privilege to work with them during my years at Southeastern as a member of the faculty and administration, and it is an honor to be asked to continue working with them in this interim capacity."

A Southeastern alumnus and member of the faculty since 1986, Crain headed Southeastern's Accounting Department from 1999-2001. As department chair, he led efforts to reaffirm the department's accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Crain is a native of Franklinton, LA and a 1978 graduate of Franklinton High School. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Southeastern in 1981 and Master of Business Administration in 1984. He attained Certified Public Accountant status in 1983. He received his doctoral degree in accountancy from the University of Mississippi in 1988.