LSUA Announces Two New Academic Deans to Lead Colleges of Business and Social Sciences
Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) has appointed two new academic leaders to guide its growing colleges, reflecting the university’s unprecedented enrollment growth over the past five years. Following a national search, Rafael Romero was named Dean of the College of Business, while Beth Whittington was named Dean of the College of Social Sciences by the school’s leadership. These appointments ensure experienced leadership over LSUA’s expanding academic programs as the university continues its trajectory as the fastest-growing four-year institution in Louisiana.
Romero brings more than a decade of teaching and leadership at LSUA to his new role. An accomplished Fulbright Scholar, Romero has an interdisciplinary background in law, international relations, and business strategy. His professional career includes work as a commercial law attorney, professor of law, and consultant for international trade and development initiatives, in addition to founding a local communications and branding firm. Since joining LSUA 11 years ago, he has been a force in shaping the College of Business into a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, launching initiatives such as Bark Tank, LSUA’s entrepreneurial pitch competition. Recognized for his student-centered approach, Romero most recently received the 2025 CTE Teaching Innovation Award for his work on student-led projects.
Whittington, who has served as Interim Dean of the College of Social Sciences, now officially steps into the role after three decades of distinguished service to LSUA. As the university’s first full-time criminal justice professor 30 years ago, she was instrumental in transforming a two-year program into one of the university’s most robust academic departments and was named Department Chair in 2018. Her extensive professional background includes 15 years with the Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, work in child protection services, and service as a forensic interviewer at the Rapides Children’s Advocacy Center. At LSUA, Whittington has expanded academic partnerships with law enforcement and justice agencies, coordinated specialized training for hundreds of officers, and cultivated a strong professional network that enhances student opportunities. She is a recipient of LSUA’s Bolton Award for Teaching Excellence and the Alexandria Bar Association’s Debbie Smith Liberty Bell Award, reflecting her wide-reaching impact in both academia and the community.
“These appointments reflect LSUA’s commitment to strong, experienced leadership at a time of tremendous growth,” said LSUA Chancellor Paul Coreil. “Deans Romero and Whittington are dedicated educators and visionary leaders who will help guide their colleges and students to even greater success in the years ahead.”
LSUA Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Elizabeth Beard added, “I am delighted to celebrate the appointments of Dean Rafael Romero and Dean Beth Whittington, whose leadership and deep community engagement strengthen LSUA’s partnerships with business, industry, and public service. Their commitment to service and student success reflects the values fueling LSUA’s remarkable growth and continued impact across central Louisiana.”
LSUA extends sincere gratitude to Jeff Langston, Dean of the College of Health and Human Services, for serving as Interim Dean of the College of Business during the past year. His leadership ensured continuity and growth as the university conducted its national search. The appointment of Romero and Whittington rounds out the full complement of academic deans, including Nate Sammons, Ph.D. (Dean of the College of Science, Technology, & Mathematics) and Brenda Ellington, Ph.D. (Dean of the College of Liberal Arts).
Written by Adam Lord
Photo credit - Nathan Parish | LSUA Strategic Communications
Image [L-R] - Beth Whittington (Dean of Social Sciences), Dr. Brenda Ellington (Dean of Liberal Arts), Dr. Nathan Sammons (Dean of Science, Technology, & Mathematics), Jeff Langston (Dean of Health & Human Services), Rafael Romero (Dean of Business)
