By Kyle Roberts
RUSTON, La. — The University of Louisiana System has named the Presidential Search Committee that will help the Board of Supervisors find the next president of Louisiana Tech University following the announcement by Dr. Jim Henderson of his intention to retire at the end of the calendar year.
Board of Supervisors Chair Mark Romero appointed the committee, which is made up of UL System board members, Louisiana Tech faculty and students, alumni and Ruston community members. The group will help guide the search process, review candidates and advance recommendations to the board for consideration.
State Rep. Chris Turner is among the 18 members who will serve under committee chair and UL System President Rick Gallot.
“I’m just thrilled to serve on the committee for the next step, and for great things to happen at Louisiana Tech,” Turner said.
Gallot will lead the committee as a non-voting chair. The eight voting members are board members Barry Busada, Steve Davison, Emily Lamkin, Keith Myers, Elizabeth Pierre, Romero and Kristine Russell, along with Louisiana Tech Faculty Senate President Michael Swanbom.
Non-voting members are John Allen, Bill Bailey, Katie Hall, Bill Hogan, Louisiana Tech Student Government Association President Maygen Jackson, Bruce Rushing, Louisiana Tech Vice President Emerita Corre Stegall, Turner and Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker. The committee will hold its first meeting at 1 p.m. Oct. 8 on the Louisiana Tech campus. Members will review the presidential search process and consider the proposed search advertisement and timeline. The meeting location will be announced once it is finalized, and the approved search timeline will be posted after the meeting.
“I am honored to be selected to serve on this committee as we look to advance Louisiana Tech and Ruston into the future,” Walker said. “Dr. Henderson and his wife Tonia are incredible people, and we are going to miss them. Now, we will look forward as we work together to select the next president of this great university.”
The committee is accepting nominations and applications for the position. Applicants should submit a letter of interest, a curriculum vitae or résumé and a list of professional references. Applications received by Nov. 6 will receive full consideration in the initial review of candidates.
The board expects to select Louisiana Tech’s next president Nov. 19, with the new president taking office Jan. 1, 2027. Meeting information, search materials and updates throughout the process will be available on the Louisiana Tech Presidential Search webpage.
This story is developing.
