Louisiana Tech University has announced the appointment of Dr. Henrietta Williams Pichon as dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS). Pichon is a graduate of Louisiana Tech and has over 25 years of experience in higher education.
“It gives me great pleasure to extend a warm ‘welcome back’ to Dr. Pichon,” Dr. Donna Thomas, provost, said. “Her expertise, vision, and collaborative nature make her a valuable addition to our academic leadership team. After an exhaustive search process, I couldn’t be happier that we found an innovative leader who shares our vision for student success and has roots within the college she will serve.”
Pichon earned her bachelor’s degree in English and master’s degree in secondary English education from Louisiana Tech. She earned her doctoral degree from the University of New Orleans (UNO) in education administration with a focus on higher education.
Pichon joins Tech from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), where she served as dean and professor in the College of Education. Pichon brings the knowledge of administrative experience and collaboration among departments, colleges, and the community. Before serving at UCCS, Pichon also served as interim dean of the College of Health, Education, and Social Transformation (HEST) at New Mexico State University (NMSU).
“I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to return to the College and University that embraced and nurtured me in such a meaningful way, serving as the foundation for my career in higher education,” Pichon said. “It will be great to be a part of a thriving College with diverse academic programs in education and human sciences working collaboratively to transform minds, destinies, and communities.”
Along with varying roles at other notable universities such as the University of New Orleans (UNO), Rowan University (RU), and Northwestern State University (NSU), Pichon’s experience has demonstrated a dedication to enhancing educational programs, promoting research initiatives, and cultivating a supportive learning environment for students, staff, and faculty alike.
Her research and teaching concentrate on access, development, and persistence of underserved populations in higher education. Specifically, Pichon’s work focuses on creating collaborative learning environments that practice cultivating welcoming academic communities. She is an award-winning professor and has taught courses in leadership, college student development, and research.
She has presented at multiple professional association meetings (AABHE, ASHE, AERA, NASPA) and has work published in several peer-reviewed journals (i.e., Journal of Freshmen Year Experience and Students in Transition, Community College Journal of Research and Practice, The Journal of College and Character), books, and compendiums. She has provided service to the profession by serving on professional association committees and boards, serving as co-editor for a journal, as well as serving as a reviewer, chair, and discussant at annual meetings.