Louisiana Tech University President Jim Henderson, a former head of the University of Louisiana System, sat down with host Piper Hutchinson to share the university’s current priorities and challenges. Henderson emphasized that the school’s primary goal is not merely a label, but the production of meaningful, real‑world research that benefits the state and its citizens.
Research ambitions and R1 progress
To earn Carnegie R1 status, a university must award at least 70 research‑based doctorates each year and report a minimum of $50 million in research expenditures on the NSF HERD survey. Henderson noted that while Louisiana Tech has not yet reached those thresholds, the institution has seen “remarkable growth” in both research spending and doctoral enrollment. He highlighted recent successes in securing federal grants for public‑private partnerships that bring doctoral students into hands‑on research projects.
Funding formula frustrations
Henderson has been vocal about Louisiana’s higher‑education funding formula for more than two decades, describing it as a model that “doesn’t work for Louisiana, nor has it ever.” He explained that the formula has undergone six iterations, shifting from a focus on equity to incorporating cost and outcomes components. While he does not blame any individual, he argues that a single, one‑size‑fits‑all model cannot fairly address the diverse missions of the state’s institutions. Henderson called for a formula that is predictable, transparent, distributes funds equitably and aligns with a strategic intent for the state’s higher‑education system.
Conference realignment and student‑athlete welfare
Louisiana Tech’s recent move to a new athletic conference sparked legal challenges, but the university has now settled those disputes. Henderson described the realignment as “vitally important” for the health and well‑being of student‑athletes. By reducing travel time—an estimated 66 hours saved per season—the university expects more study‑hall hours, class time and rest for its athletes. The new conference also promises opponents with fan bases within driving distance, which should boost ticket revenue while cutting travel expenses by at least $1 million.
Reviving student journalism
Before entering academia, Henderson worked as a journalist, and one of his early goals was to restart Louisiana Tech’s student newspaper. Progress has been modest; a communications professor now oversees a digital publication produced by students, though it lacks the design polish of a traditional print paper. Henderson remains hopeful that a robust weekly digital newspaper—or perhaps a print edition—will eventually provide a vital platform for student voices, campus debate and community engagement.
Looking ahead
Henderson concluded that while the university has made strides in research, funding advocacy and athletics, there is still work to be done. He expressed confidence that with continued federal grant success, a more equitable funding formula and a focus on student‑athlete welfare, Louisiana Tech can become a stronger engine of innovation and opportunity for the state.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
