Jim Henderson expected to be named Louisiana Tech University's next president Monday
University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson is expected to be named Louisiana Tech University's next president on Monday, replacing Les Guice, who announced his pending retirement last month.
The system's governing board has called a special meeting at 11 a.m. Monday for the "discussion and deliberation regarding Louisiana Tech University president, transition and related action" and "discussion and deliberation regarding University of Louisiana System transition."
Both discussions will likely happen in executive session outside the public eye, but the board is expected to emerge from executive session with a nomination to install Henderson at Tech without a search that would include other candidates. Board members must make a public vote to finalize the move.
When asked directly about the job by USA Today Network, Henderson confirmed his desire for the post with the following statement:
“Louisiana Tech is an exceptional institution with global impact," he said. "My family’s relationship with the university began more than 80 years ago and continues today. Succeeding President Guice and working with faculty, staff, students and alumni to lead Tech into its next era of excellence is an enticing prospect personally and professionally. I have informed the UL System Board leadership of my interest.”
University of Louisiana System Board Member Steve Davison of Ruston, an influential Tech alumnus, provided the following statement to USA Today Network when asked about Monday's board meeting:
"I look forward to discussing this unique circumstance with our board," he said without expanding.
Though the system's rules call for the board to conduct a search, board members have the authority to make exceptions.
As president of the system, Henderson already has authority over Tech and the other eight universities and presidents as their boss. He will give up his role as system leader if he's named the Tech president.
Henderson has a long career in Louisiana higher education leadership.
Since 2017 he has been president of the state's largest university system with nine member schools and more than 90,000 students. His first leadership role came as president of Bossier Parish Community College before taking over as president of his alma mater Northwestern State University after that.
Henderson was one of three finalists for the presidency of LSU in 2021 before the LSU Board of Supervisors chose William Tate.
Henderson's late parents, Clem and Martha, were both Tech graduates, with Clem Henderson playing for legendary football Coach Joe Aillet twice in the 1940s, separated by a stint serving in World War II.
Henderson's son Alex Henderson is a sophomore chemical engineering student at Tech.
The University of Louisiana System's nine schools, in addition to Tech, include: Grambling State University; McNeese State University; Nicholls State University; Northwestern State University; Southeastern Louisiana University; University of Louisiana at Lafayette; University of Louisiana at Monroe; and University of New Orleans.
More: Explaining the amendments to the Louisiana Constitution on the October 14 ballot
Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Jim Henderson likely to be named Louisiana Tech's next president Monday
