WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE - The LSU System's Board of Supervisors discussed the challenges they faced today as they begin their nationwide search for a new leader.

At today's meeting, board members said there were an unusually large number of openings for university presidents around the country, all in competition for candidates.

The board decided to merge the position of system president and chancellor for its flagship Baton Rouge campus, and said today doing so would make it a more attractive position.

A consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. previously recommended a wide reorganization for the system's campuses. That item is still up for discussion today, and it's expected the board will form a task force to look through the changes and make recommendations.

News 2's Mike Steele will have more information tonight at 6 p.m.