LPJ Staff Report
RUSTON, La. — Current Louisiana Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson sent an email out to university faculty and staff Tuesday morning announcing that he will be going on leave for the remainder of the year effective Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026.
Henderson announced last month that he was planning to retire from Louisiana Tech University citing health concerns. In his email Tuesday, Henderson reiterated his health concerns as his reason for going on early leave.
“Tonia and I appreciate the warmth we have received from the Tech family the past several weeks,” Henderson wrote. “I’ve decided that I need to address some things with my physical health in the near term. Effective October 22, 2026, I will go on leave for the remainder of the year. Louisiana Tech is well-positioned to continue our recent momentum. Each of you has an important role to play in that.”
According to Hilburn’s reporting, when ULS President Dr. Rick Gallot was asked if a motion was going to be put on the floor to shorten Henderson’s time at Louisiana Tech before the end of the calendar year, Gallot was quoted as saying, “We support President Henderson’s decision to prioritize his health.”
The board is expected to announce an acting president for the interim period this week. Louisiana Tech’s new president is expected to be announced on November 6, 2026, with a start date of January 1, 2027.
