So, you’re wondering what Bobby Jindal does for a living now? It’s a fair question. The man was the governor of Louisiana, a two-term Republican rising star, and even tried to run for president. But after all that political drama, where did he land? Buckle up, because his story is more "university dean" than "lobbyist in a fancy suit."

From Governor’s Mansion to the Ivory Tower

First things first: Bobby Jindal is currently the President of the University of Louisiana System. That’s a big deal. He oversees nine universities and over 90,000 students. Basically, he traded in his governor’s podium for a graduation cap and a very large parking lot.

He stepped into this role in 2021, and let’s be honest, it’s a pretty clever move. You go from politics to education, which is a classic “second act” for ex-governors. It’s like retiring from the circus to run a baking school—still lots of nuts, but fewer elephants.

His job is to wrangle budgets, hire chancellors, and keep the whole academic machine running. It’s less about signing laws and more about signing diplomas. Though I bet he still hates fixing potholes, even symbolic ones.

Wait, Did He Just Disappear?

You might have thought he vanished into a political black hole after 2015. Not quite! After his failed presidential bid (remember when he awkwardly said “I’m not a fan of the French” in French?), he did a lot of consulting and board work. He served on the boards of companies you’ve heard of, like the for-profit college system he once criticized. Irony is a delicious snack, isn’t it?

He also became a senior advisor at a consulting firm, helping businesses navigate government red tape. It’s the kind of job where you bill by the hour and use words like “synergy.” But honestly, it’s a great gig—no voters to please, just profit margins.

A look at just how much Gov. Bobby Jindal has cut Louisiana's budgetA look at just how much Gov. Bobby Jindal has cut Louisiana's budget

Then, in 2019, he became a senior research professor at Loyola University New Orleans. That’s right: he went from debating Trump on a debate stage to grading papers. He taught public policy, which is basically saying, “Here’s how I used to break things, here’s how you fix them.”

The Big Switcheroo: Politics to Policy Wonk

Now, as president of the UL System, he’s the top dog of a massive public university network. His salary? A cool $500,000 a year. Not bad for a guy who once ran a state that was underwater. He’s still in the spotlight, but it’s a softer, quieter spotlight—like a reading lamp instead of a stadium floodlight.

He focuses on workforce development and making college cheaper. It’s a noble goal, though critics joke he’s still trying to privatize everything. But hey, he’s got a master plan, and it doesn’t involve kissing babies or shaking hands at county fairs.

Bobby Jindal on Louisiana Schools - The New York TimesBobby Jindal on Louisiana Schools - The New York Times

He also writes op-eds and gives speeches. You can find him on Fox News sometimes, looking slightly less intense than his governor days. He still has that same sharp voice, but now he talks about tuition freezes instead of tax cuts. Progress!

But Does He Have a Hobby?

You might think he lives and breathes spreadsheets. Not quite. He and his wife, Supriya, are big on family time. They have three kids, and he’s reportedly a decent cook. I imagine him making gumbo while discussing enrollment numbers. That’s a wild dinner table.

Jindal's unique spin on his unpopularityJindal's unique spin on his unpopularity

He also reads a ton. History, politics, and biographies of other people who peaked early. He’s a nerd at heart. In fact, he reportedly reads the Oxford English Dictionary for fun. Which sounds boring, but maybe that’s how he got so good at debates—he knows the word “antidisestablishment” by heart.

And yes, he still runs. Like, physically runs. I picture him jogging through campus, scaring freshmen with his intensity. “That’s the ex-governor!” they whisper, while he mutters about federal grant funding under his breath.

The Real Answer: He’s a Lifelong Public Servant (Sort of)

So what does Bobby Jindal do for a living? He leads a university system, advises companies, and pens the occasional think piece. He’s not in the political trenches anymore, but he’s still in the game. It’s like he traded in his boxing gloves for a referee whistle.

30 Influential Rhodes Scholars Who Transformed the World - Discover30 Influential Rhodes Scholars Who Transformed the World - Discover

Is he happy? Who knows! But he’s making six figures, gets summers off, and doesn’t have to debate Chris Christie about Medicaid. That’s a win in my book. He’s proof that you can fall from the political mountaintop and land in a cozy chair with a nice view.

And hey, if it all falls apart? He can always teach a class called “How to Disappear and Reappear as a University Boss.” Students would queue up for miles.

Here’s the uplifting part: Bobby Jindal’s career shows us that failure is just a stepping stone to something else. He ran for president, lost badly, and then found a way to shape young minds instead of making headlines. He’s still influencing the world, just one curriculum review at a time. So next time you feel like you’ve missed your shot, remember: you could always go govern a university system. Or at least apply for a job there. The resume writes itself.