LAFAYETTE, La. – The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation today announced that Chief Executive Officer, John Blohm will retire effective July 1, 2026, following 11 years of leadership and service to the Foundation and the University.
To ensure continuity, the Foundation has appointed Chief Financial / Administrative Officer Karl Meche as Interim Chief Executive Officer, while it conducts a thoughtful search for the Foundation’s next CEO. Concurrently, the University has appointed Dr. Geoffrey Stewart as Interim Vice President for Advancement and Strategy, reinforcing the close partnership between the Foundation and University Advancement, as they continue advancing the University’s philanthropic mission.
Blohm served the University and Foundation in senior advancement leadership roles for more than a decade, helping guide one of the most successful periods of philanthropic growth in the University’s history. During his tenure, the Together Campaign surpassed its historic $500 million goal, creating lasting investments in scholarships, academic excellence, research, faculty support, and student success.
Reflecting on his retirement, Blohm said: “It has been a privilege to serve this University, our donors, alumni, volunteers, and community over the past eleven years. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I leave confident in the Foundation, the Advancement team, and the University’s future.”
“We are grateful for John’s leadership and the lasting impact he has had on both the Foundation and the University,” said Donna Landry, Chair of the UL Lafayette Foundation Board. “The Foundation Board is
equally focused on the future. We have every confidence in Karl Meche’s leadership as Interim CEO and look forward to continuing our close partnership with President Kolluru, Dr. Geoffrey Stewart, and the
Advancement team. Together, we remain committed to serving our donors, strengthening philanthropy, and creating opportunities that will benefit the University for generations to come.”
President, Dr. Ramesh Kolluru said the transition reflects the strength of the University’s leadership and its continued focus on the future.
“John has played an important role in advancing philanthropy at UL Lafayette, and we are grateful for his years of service,” Kolluru said. “As we thank him for his many contributions, the transition will be a smooth one. I appreciate Karl Meche for stepping into the role of Interim CEO of the Foundation and congratulate Dr. Geoffrey Stewart on his appointment as Interim Vice President for Advancement and Strategy.”
“Their leadership, together with the dedication of our Foundation Board, Advancement professionals, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community partners, positions us well to build on our momentum, deepen relationships, and expand opportunities for our students and the state of Louisiana. Through Vision 2035, we are building a stronger, more innovative, and more impactful University, and philanthropy will continue to play a vital role in achieving that vision.”
About the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the mission of the University through philanthropic support. The Foundation manages endowments, scholarships, and other charitable funds that strengthen academic excellence, student success, research, and community impact. Since 1957, the Foundation has partnered with alumni, donors, corporations, and friends to create lasting opportunities for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
About the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a national research university and the flagship institution of the University of Louisiana System. Recognized with Carnegie R1 designation, UL Lafayette serves more than 16,000 students and is committed to academic excellence, innovation, student success, and serving the people and economy of Louisiana. Through Vision 2035, the University is building on its strengths to expand opportunity, deepen research excellence, and create lasting impact for students, the region, and the state.