Jim Henderson

James Henderson became president of the University of Louisiana System on Jan. 1, 2017. Since his appointment, he has led the system through the creation of a strategic framework that charges its universities to produce the most educated generation in Louisiana’s history; drive growth through public-private partnerships and research; and recruit, retain, and develop world-class faculty who educate students, empower employers, and enrich communities. Previously, Henderson served as president of his alma mater, Northwestern State University (LA), where he reinvigorated student life and campus culture— leading to the highest enrollment in the school’s 135-year history. Before taking the helm of Northwestern State University, Henderson served as chancellor of Bossier Parish Community College. During his tenure, the institution ranked among the five fastest growing colleges in the nation for five consecutive years. In 2012, Henderson was named to the Northwest Louisiana Business Hall of Fame and, in 2017, was inducted into Northwestern State University’s hall of honor, the Long Purple Line. Henderson holds a Master of Science in administration from the University of West Florida and a doctorate of management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. In 2010, he completed the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Institute for Educational Management.