Jean-François Hoarau is elected President of the University of La Réunion on Monday, February 17, 2025, succeeding Frédéric Miranville, who has been suspended from his duties for several months.

Hoarau won the election with 21 votes to 14 against Richard Lorion. Aged 49, he has been a professor of economics at universities and a full lecturer at the University of La Réunion since 2009.

In his post-election speech, he articulated his vision for the university, emphasizing its central role in the Republic. The new president said, « Universities are at the heart of our Republic, and students are at the beating heart. Assuming the presidency is an act of responsibility and commitment ». Thus, he presents his project as a collective ambition aimed at valuing academic and scientific excellence while accompanying each student towards success. Its objective is to make the University of La Réunion a center of innovation, research and education, thus contributing to a sustainable future for the territory.

Hoarau also stressed the need to restore the institution’s vitality after a period of turbulence. He wants to re-establish the commitment of all academic stakeholders and make the university a key part of the scientific and societal transitions. This includes areas such as the sea, environment, energy and digital technologies.

Following this election, Huguette Bello, President of the region, congratulates Jean-François Hoarau. She praised her commitment and career path, affirming her belief that the university, under her leadership, would regain stability and development. Huguette Bello also stressed that « the university must respond to the educational, scientific and societal challenges of the territory and is committed to supporting the institution in its projects of social and sustainable progress ».