From first graduating class to commencement speaker: Dr. Renu Chalasani returns to inspire LSMSA’s 41st Class

When Dr. Renu Chalasani steps up to the podium as the keynote speaker for the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts’ 41st Commencement Ceremony, it will be more than just a return to campus—it will be a full-circle moment. The ceremony will be held in Prather Coliseum on the campus of Northwestern State University on May 17 at 2 pm. 

 

A member of LSMSA’s very first graduating class in 1985, Dr. Chalasani reflects on her journey with deep emotion and gratitude.

 

“I am filled with pride for what the first class accomplished,” she said. “We took the road less traveled, created a home away from home, and fell in love with one another. From that moment to this, the class of 1985 and the experiences we shared have been the foundation of the adult I have become.”

 

That foundation propelled Dr. Chalasani into a life of advocacy, leadership, and service. Her time at LSMSA instilled a restlessness with the status quo—something she has since channeled into her work in politics, philanthropy, and medicine.

 

“I couldn’t tolerate the ‘norm,’” she said. “I became more active in promoting equality and inclusion. My career as an OB/GYN is perfectly suited to me—I’m surrounded by people who share the same goal: improving the quality of women’s health.”

 

Now based in Austin, Texas, Dr. Chalasani has served her community for nearly three decades. She is the Chief of OB/GYN at Seton Northwest Hospital, the Maternity Medical Director, a proctor for robotic surgical systems, and the owner of PaustiveMD. Her community involvement extends beyond medicine, with active roles in organizations like the National Charity League and the Young Men’s Service League. She also serves on the Planned Parenthood Community Board.

 

“We are honored to welcome Dr. Chalasani back to campus as our commencement speaker,” said LSMSA Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton. “Her career and dedication to service will no doubt inspire our graduates as they prepare to make their own impact on the world.”

 

Born in India and raised across England, Ireland, and eventually Louisiana, Dr. Chalasani’s journey is one of global perspective and deep local impact. She attended Jackson High School in East Feliciana Parish before enrolling at LSMSA. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Baylor University and a medical degree from LSU Health Shreveport, completing her residency at Tulane in New Orleans.

 

As someone who helped shape LSMSA’s earliest traditions, Dr. Chalasani is proud to see how the school has grown while remaining true to its core values.

“Above all, the school has always cared for students’ mental health,” she said. “There are so many social activities—it’s hard not to feel like part of the community. They continue to hire the best faculty and fight for funding to improve housing, healthcare, and academics. That commitment has never wavered.”

 

As she prepares to address the graduating class of 2024, Dr. Chalasani hopes to impart the same sense of purpose, resilience, and curiosity that LSMSA sparked in her all those years ago.

 

Also in attendance will be former State Senator Donald G. Kelly, one of the four founders of LSMSA and the school’s only living founder, who will join the stage to celebrate the graduation of his youngest granddaughter, Anderson Kelly.

 

ABOUT LSMSA

LSMSA is a tuition-free, public high school for high-achieving sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a nominal room and board fee to cover housing, meals, and campus activities. The LSMSA Foundation offers assistance for families so that no eligible student is denied the school’s 42-year legacy of a college-level living/learning experience. For more information about LSMSA, or to apply for the Fall ‘25 academic school year, visit www.LSMSA.edu. 

 

For more information, or to apply for admission to LSMSA, visit www.LSMSA.edu/apply.