F. King Alexander – 2014 People to Watch

Occupation: President, LSU System; Chancellor of Louisiana State University and A&M College
Hometown: Louisville, Ky.
Age: 50

You’re looking for King Alexander at 6 a.m.? You won’t find him sleeping or catching up on paperwork. He’s on one of the LSU campus’ basketball courts, playing a pickup game with whomever he can round up. From hoops to lunches with Student Government and his active Instagram account, there are reasons he’s known as one of the nation’s most hands-on, accessible administrators.

Hailing from California State University Long Beach, Alexander made his “whirlwind” move to Baton Rouge in June, focusing first on budget stabilization.

“We want less of a pendulum swing,” Alexander says. “We need to have good, solid revenue streams that enable us to do the things we need to do.” The president says he’s listening first to students for ideas on getting there.

“Excuses only satisfy those who make them.”

Follow Alexander on Instagram at @lsuprez.