Chancellor John K. Pierre

John K. Pierre
Southern University and A&M College Chancellor

John K. Pierre, who was named chancellor of Southern University and A&M College in July 2024, has devoted his career to education and being a champion of innovation. He is married to Antoinette Pierre, and they are the proud parents of two adult sons. 

Pierre received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Southern in 1980, a master’s degree in tax accounting from Texas Tech University in 1982, and a juris doctor degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1985.

After graduating from law school, from 1986 to 1990, Pierre served his country as a Judge Advocates General Corps Officer, or JAG, for the United States Army. In 1990, his next assignment led him to the classroom as he began serving as a faculty member at the Southern University Law Center, where he taught courses such as tax law, security devices, local government law and more. In addition, he has previous teaching experience as a visiting and adjunct professor at California State University, Southern Methodist University School of Law, Loyola University Law School, Southern University’s College of Business, Saint Leo’s College, Webster University, Louisiana State University, and Baton Rouge Community College. Beyond the classroom, Pierre has published numerous articles on tax law, sales and contracts, real estate and commercial law, ranging from magazine features to legal journal and law review articles.

In 2006, he transitioned to a leadership role at the Law Center, becoming the vice chancellor of institutional accountability and the evening division. He served as the Law Center’s chancellor from 2016 to spring 2024. Under his tutelage, the Southern University Law Center thrived as a global legal institution and was recognized for its diversity, world-class faculty, and racial justice efforts.

As a progressive leader and visionary, Pierre advocates for technology advancements, community outreach initiatives, and strategic partnerships that ensure access and opportunity are provided to all. In 2023, the Southern University System Board of Supervisors appointed Pierre as the interim executive vice president of Southern University and A&M College.

Beyond the education field, Pierre was involved in the Baton Rouge school desegregation case as co-counsel for the Baton Rouge Branch of the NAACP in Davis v. East Baton Rouge Parish School Board. He was also co-counsel in the landmark case of McWaters v. FEMA.

Pierre fervently serves as a transformational change agent and inspiration to legal professionals and thoughts leaders around the globe. He has earned numerous awards for his leadership, innovative strategy, and tireless efforts within the legal and professional realm, including Educator of the Year from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Ten Most Dominant HBCU Leaders from The HBCU Campaign Fund. Hampton University, the Baton Rouge Bar Association, and the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus are just a few of the organizations that have bestowed honors upon Pierre throughout his career. Also, his alma mater, Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, has named him a Distinguished Alumni. Pierre has served as a contributing panelist during national discussions with the Peggy Browning Fund, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the National Pre-Law Summit, and more.

Pierre remains a member of numerous state and national organizations, including the Louisiana State Bar Association and the Texas Bar Association.