NSU President Named Head of University of Louisiana System

The Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System have chosen their next president, and it's no surprise who board members picked.

The group has selected Northwestern State University President, and Shreveport native, Jim Henderson in a unanimous vote. He'll head the system that's made up of NSU and eight other institutions across the state.

Dr. Henderson's name was the only one submitted for consideration by a search committee comprised of members of the board. He'll officially assume the presidency on January 1, 2017. He succeeds former Louisiana Tech President Dr. Dan Reneau, who has service as interim president since Dr. Sandra Woodley resigned in late 2015.

"Jim's career has uniquely prepared him for this role," Reneau said. "Higher education in Louisiana is facing some of its most challenging times and I think the board made an excellent selection to best postition the system to combat the challenges ahead."

Henderson has been NSU's president since January 2015. He's told KEEL news he was interested in the UL System position because it would give him a chance to serve not just the 10,000 students at NSU, but 90,000 students across the state.

"It is with a deep sense of humility and appreciation that I accept this prestigious position, even though I obviously have some mixed emotions about leaving a university that has been such an important part of my life," Dr. Henderson said in a news release. "Part of my heart will always be with Northwestern and its people. But the system presidency will allow me to maintain a close association with my alma mater and the Natchitoches community, and at the same time provide opportunities to create a positive impact on higher education statewide."