The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System has unanimously voted to name Dr. Jim Henderson as the next president of Louisiana Tech University. Henderson has served as president and CEO of the University of Louisiana System for nearly seven years.
“Louisiana Tech is an exceptional institution with global impact. My family’s relationship with Tech began more than 80 years ago, in 1941, when my Dad signed to play football for Joe Aillet and continues today as my youngest son just entered his sophomore year,” Henderson said. “It is an honor to succeed President Guice. I look forward to moving home to North Louisiana to work alongside the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community to lead Tech into its next era of excellence.”
During a meeting earlier this month, the Board voted to suspend its Board Rule guiding presidential searches and name Dr. Henderson as the sole finalist for Louisiana Tech’s presidency.
“When Dr. Henderson expressed his interest in this role, the Board explored all available options for this particular circumstance. After deliberations and recognizing the talent and characteristics we have witnessed supervising Dr. Henderson the past seven years, it is clear that he is uniquely qualified to serve this lauded institution as it continues toward an even brighter future,” Board Chair Liz Pierre said.
“As an alumnus and resident of the Ruston community, I couldn’t be more excited for Tech’s future,” Board member Steve Davison said. “The University has thrived under Les’ leadership, and Jim is poised to build on that foundation, which will lead to even more growth and innovation.”
Last month, Dr. Les Guice announced his intention to retire from Louisiana Tech at the end of the year.
“It has been my honor to serve the Tech community for more than 45 years, 10 of those as president, and seven of those under the leadership of Dr. Henderson,” Guice said. “I appreciate the Board’s thoughtfulness and am confident in Jim’s ability to lead this institution I hold so dear. I look forward to working with him throughout the transition and beyond.”
Henderson, a Shreveport native, previously served as president of Northwestern State University and Bossier Parish Community College. Both institutions experienced significant enrollment growth during his tenure.
“Our student body is excited to welcome Dr. Henderson to the Louisiana Tech community,” SGA President Connor Smith said. “In our interactions, I have experienced the same warmth and approachability we have enjoyed with our current president. I look forward to working with him to celebrate Tech’s achievement and navigate any challenges ahead.”
With a diverse community of students, Louisiana Tech is committed to quality in teaching, research, creative activity, public service, and economic development.
“I’ve worked closely with Dr. Henderson on various System initiatives during my tenure at Louisiana Tech,” Dr. Jamie Newman, professor of biology and Universities of Louisiana Management & Leadership Institute participant, said. “I believe he will bring with him new energy and will support our faculty in elevating the University’s most important work, its academic mission.”
With a population just over 22,000, Louisiana Tech is vital to the Ruston community.
“I have known Jim for many years and am excited to welcome him to Ruston to lead Louisiana Tech,” Ruston Mayor Ronnie Walker said. “Louisiana Tech is the economic driver for our city and we look forward to working with Dr. Henderson to continue the close relationship between Tech and the City of Ruston.”
“I have known Dr. Jim Henderson for many years beginning with his chancellorship at Bossier Parish Community College to his presidency at Northwestern and now as president of the University of Louisiana System,” Regent Bob Levy, Ruston community member, said. “I believe he has the talent and vision to lead Louisiana Tech into even greater successes in the near future and beyond. I am fully confident that Jim will provide another chapter to Tech’s line of great presidents.”
Henderson will begin his role as president on January 1.
