Louisiana Tech University President Jim Henderson retiring

Louisiana Tech University President Jim Henderson retiring

Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson will retire at the end of 2026 after three years at the school.

Henderson sent an email to faculty and staff Sept. 25 informing them of his intention.

“Over the past several months, I have made passing reference to many of you about a decline in my health,” he wrote in the email. “That deterioration has continued, and while there is not an immediate threat to my mortality, there is a noticeable progression."

“It is with utmost sadness that I share my intention to retire at the end of the calendar year. Serving as Louisiana Tech’s president the past three years has been the joy of my career," Henderson said. "Returning to a college campus and engaging with faculty, staff, and students was exactly as I predicted–energizing and indescribably rewarding. What I could never have predicted was the warmth Tonia and I received not only from each of you but from the Ruston community at large and the broader Tech Family.”

Before coming to Tech, Henderson was president of the University of Louisiana System to which the school belongs. Before that he was president at his alma mater Northwestern State University.

University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot confirmed Henderson's retirement with USA Today Network.

"Jim Henderson has been my friend for over 25 years, and I’ve had the privilege of working alongside him for the past 10," Gallot said. "I know how much Louisiana Tech and its people mean to him. I respect his decision to put his health and family first, and I wish Jim and Tonia all the best in the years ahead."

Louisiana Public Schools Superintendent Cade Brumley's name has already surfaced as a top candidate for the job, though Gallot declined to comment about Henderson's successor, saying it is too early to speculate.

Brumley responded to a request for comment with the following text:

"I just saw the news about Jim’s retirement," Brumley said. "He’s a longtime friend of mine and a talented leader. Louisiana Tech is dynamic institution with a strong faculty and invested community. Right now, however, my focus remains on our B-4 centers and Pk-12 schools that have made historic progress."