by Kyle and Judith Roberts and Malcolm Butler
Some articles hurt to write.
This is one of them, as shocking news came down from the 16th floor of Wyly Tower Friday that the 15th Louisiana Tech University president, Dr. Jim Henderson, would be retiring at the end of the calendar year, citing health concerns.
We at the Lincoln Parish Journal wish Dr. Henderson and Tonia nothing but the best moving forward.
Dr. Henderson (or Jim, for those of us familiar enough to be on a first-name basis with him) has been a force of nature for Louisiana Tech University since his official start date on Jan. 1, 2024. For 36 months, Dr. Henderson was a treasure to the faculty and students on Tech’s campus. He engaged on a relatable level with students and was captivating when he cast a vision for the future of the university.
Even without a formal degree from the university, Dr. Henderson embodied every bit of “Ever Loyal Be.” He loved his Bulldogs and, undoubtedly, his Lady Techsters. You wouldn’t just see him at the “big” sporting events — he was at as many as he could attend.
Tech could use more alums with his passion for our institution.
And his passion was contagious. He could get you excited to hear anything from university accolades to the most mundane budgetary items. When we had the chance to interview him, we’d always leave feeling optimistic and hopeful.
Today, the optimism and hope feel like they are in flux. But the truth is that this great university has had its doors open since July 6, 1894. There’s some measure of comfort and solace in that: Louisiana Tech is bigger than any one person.
Still, it hurts. We mourn the upcoming exit of our president from this incredible university. And we will pray for his health as he steps away from a job we all know he loved dearly. Consider his accomplishments during the three years he has been here:
- Three consecutive years of revenue-generating enrollment growth, including record-breaking freshman classes and the highest retention rate in the UL System.
- Received 10-year reaccreditation by the Commission on Colleges and Universities (formerly SACSCOC).
- Celebrated Niche.com ranking Louisiana Tech the No. 1 public university in Louisiana (2026).
- Renewed regional rivalries by shepherding Louisiana Tech Athletics’ transition to the Sun Belt Conference, which will improve the health and quality of life of student-athletes while annually producing $1.5 million in revenue and reducing travel costs by $1.25 million.
- Secured state funding for three major capital projects: the Origin Bank Center for Student-Athlete Success ($11.5 million), RoyOMartin Forest Products Innovation Center ($15 million) and George T. Madison Hall ($45 million).
- Announced the Radiance Technologies Microchip facility to be built in Ruston by Bulldog Microchips, a subsidiary of the Louisiana Tech Foundation. The project will result in 150 new jobs in Ruston by 2032.
- Secured $38 million in federal appropriations with defense partners to advance research in areas including biomedical engineering, micromanufacturing, cyber engineering and forest products.
- Partnered with the city of Ruston and the state on a utilities infrastructure project to be completed in 2028 that will replace antiquated steam generation and modernize failing infrastructure throughout campus while realizing $1.6 million in annual savings.
- Launched a new institutional website at LaTech.edu.
- Established University Engagement to house the Louisiana Tech Alumni Association.
- Relaunched 1894: The Louisiana Tech Magazine.
Next, of course, comes the hard part for the state of Louisiana and the UL System: Who will they ultimately select to lead our beloved university from here?
That’s a question for a later time. For now, let us all send a thought of gratitude to Jim and Tonia for the incredible leadership and wishes for health and happiness to them both and their family.
