BATON ROUGE, La. — The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors has named Dr. Dickie Crawford acting president of Louisiana Tech University as President Jim Henderson begins a leave of absence for the remainder of his tenure.
The board approved Crawford’s appointment Thursday following an executive session to discuss personnel matters related to Louisiana Tech. In the same motion, the board formally accepted Henderson’s resignation effective Dec. 31.
Crawford, a longtime Louisiana Tech administrator, will lead the university during the transition as the UL System continues its search for Henderson’s permanent successor.
“I’m just humbled to be asked to do this and love Louisiana Tech University,” Crawford told the board following his appointment. “I just want to help them in any way I can.”
Crawford said he and the university’s leadership team will work during the next several months to keep Louisiana Tech “growing and thriving” in anticipation of a new president taking office.
The board’s action followed an approximately 45-minute executive session. No motions or votes were taken during the closed session, and board members did not publicly discuss the substance of the personnel discussion after returning to open session.
Henderson previously announced plans to resign as Louisiana Tech president effective Dec. 31. He subsequently requested leave for the remainder of his tenure.
The search for Louisiana Tech’s next president is already underway. UL System President Rick Gallot told board members Thursday that applications will be accepted through Nov. 6. The presidential search committee is scheduled to meet Nov. 13 to select semifinalists, with campus interviews planned the following week.
The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a special meeting in Baton Rouge on Nov. 19 to interview finalists and select Louisiana Tech’s next president.
Crawford said his focus during the transition will remain on the university.
“For these next couple of months, myself and the leadership team are going to work diligently to keep this university growing and thriving,” Crawford said.