Tulane University’s Office of Government and Community Relations is undergoing a major restructuring and expansion, resulting in the termination of four out of five of the office’s employees earlier this month. 

The office serves as the main liaison between Tulane, government officials and the New Orleans community. 

University spokesperson Michael Strecker said Tulane plans to bring on new staff to strengthen its federal advocacy efforts and establish a full-time presence at the State Capitol in Baton Rouge.

“The landscape of higher education has evolved rapidly. To meet the moment, Tulane is expanding the Office of Government and Community Relations to deepen its engagement and increase its impact, including several new roles and added staff capacity,” Strecker said. 

The office played a role in several major projects over the past several years.

According to a LinkedIn post by Ellen Palmintier, former director of state and federal relations, the office secured $10 million in funding for the School of Science and Engineering, helped implement on-campus testing and vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported the Charity Hospital redevelopment and advocated for the passage of Louisiana’s Defending Affordable Prescription Drug Costs Act.

“We were kind of blindsided,” Randall Legeai, former institutional program development director, said. “I was hoping to be able to work and be productive for at least a couple more years at Tulane.” 

Legeai was responsible for data analysis within the office. Before working for the Office of Government and Community Relations, he was employed at Tulane/Xavier Center for Bioenvironmental Research. 

“I’m rather sad to be leaving under such conditions. I’m 72 years old and have been at Tulane for 36 years,” Legeai said. 

The office also oversees the Louisiana Legislative Scholars Program, a one-year full-tuition scholarship for Louisiana residents and high school graduates. 

Legislative scholar and senior Taylor Guillotte said she hasn’t received communications from the university about the termination of the program’s director. “I wasn’t aware of it,” Guillotte said. “If they’re getting rid of everyone in the office, what does the scholarship look like in the future?”

According to Strecker, the scholarship program will continue despite the restructuring. Operational administration of the program is transitioning to the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

Tulane is required by state law to participate in the Louisiana Legislative Scholars Program. Based on an 1884 legislative act, Tulane receives tax exemptions in exchange for providing free tuition to students nominated by state legislators and the mayor of New Orleans.

The director of government and community relations was also terminated in the overhaul, who was responsible for interacting with New Orleans officials and neighborhood organizations. 

Kerry Stockwell was named vice president of government and community relations in September 2025. She is currently the office’s only employee. Five new staff positions for the office were posted on Tulane’s job portal last Thursday. 

The overhaul follows a national trend of increased university lobbying budgets as the Trump administration mounts pressure on higher education. Tulane’s lobbying budget reached $340,000 last year, the highest it’s been since 2011. 

“Overall, these changes reflect Tulane’s commitment to being an engaged university — one that builds strong relationships, supports students and faculty, and connects innovative work on campus to community members and policymakers locally, nationally, and globally,” Strecker said.