Louisiana Tech president speaks on retirement decision: ‘I’ve got a lot more to do’ 

Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson said he plans to relocate to Florida after he retires in December to continue his career as an educator by homeschooling his grandkids. 

Henderson announced last week he intends to leave the leadership role at the Ruston campus at the end of the calendar year due to health concerns. 

“I’m not dying,” Henderson said in an interview this week. “I’ve been dealing with some blood pressure issues … I do need to look after some of the environmental things that might contribute to that.”

Henderson said his decision to leave at the end of this year was to give Louisiana Tech’s next president time to get caught up before the academic year begins next fall. 

Henderson became president of Louisiana Tech University in 2024 after leading the University of Louisiana System since 2017. Prior to that, he was the president at Northwestern State University and Bossier Parish Community College chancellor. 

Henderson is considered one of Louisiana’s most widely respected figures in higher education, but his departure fueled speculation he had been forced out for political reasons. Since Gov. Jeff Landry took office in January 2024, leadership has changed at LSU, Northwestern State, McNeese State, the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, LSU New Orleans (previously the University of New Orleans), LSU’s medical schools, the Southern University System and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. 

Henderson said his decision to leave Louisiana Tech was totally his choice. 

“There’s always going to be, in a political environment, agreements, disagreements. Nothing like that forced me out at all,” Henderson said. “The governor has supported our work, and so that did not play a part in this.” 

Henderson said he plans to be totally retired for six months to a year and then consider whether he will pursue another job in Florida. He said he’s previously been approached to apply for university presidency jobs in the state, though he now says he is more likely to work as an instructor than an administrator. 

Before he returns to higher education, Henderson said he plans to help his daughter, Reagan, homeschool her four kids, ages 3, 5 (twins) and 6. 

“We’re gonna read the classics together,” Henderson said about his grandchildren. “We’re going to understand why journalism is important for sure. We’re also going to make sure that, like my dad did me, that they understand math at the deepest level an artistic, journalistic kind of person could.”

Henderson studied journalism at Northwestern State University and worked in the profession before moving to academia. 

“I’ve got a lot more to do, but the main focus is being a grandparent to those four babies in Miami,” Henderson said. 

His wife, Tonia, will continue working in her media solutions company, which Henderson anticipates helping out with in his retirement. 

Henderson also said he plans to write, perhaps about character-based leadership or his many tales from years working in and around the State Capitol. 

A search committee for Henderson’s replacement will meet Oct. 8, though speculation is already swirling about who might replace him.

One name mentioned is state Education Superintendent Cade Brumley, a conservative ally of Landry. As in with other presidential openings, Landry is expected to influence the outcome. 

Brumley’s name has been mentioned as a contender for other university presidential jobs. 

“Dr. Henderson is a longtime friend of mine and a talented leader. Louisiana Tech is a dynamic institution with a strong faculty and invested community,” Brumley said in a statement. “Right now, however, my focus remains on our B-4 centers and PK-12 schools that have made historic progress.” 

Henderson said he doesn’t have any thoughts about who should replace him, as long as they have a compelling vision for the university. 

“This institution is remarkable … While it’s got such a sterling reputation and a great history, its future is even brighter, provided they have a leader that will embrace an audacious vision for the institution and work with the faculty, one, to articulate that vision and then to realize it,” Henderson said.