Dr. James Henderson
President, University of Louisiana Systems
Dr. James Henderson became the University of Louisiana System president Jan. 1, 2017.
Since his appointment, he has led the Universities of Louisiana in 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. There are various systemic functions that ensure success, one of the newest is Compete LA, a program designed to assist the 653,000 Louisianians with some college credit but no degree.
Previously, Henderson served as president of his alma mater, Northwestern State University, 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 NSU, 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 a Northwest Louisiana Business Hall of Fame Laureate and in 2017 he was inducted into Northwestern State University’s hall of honor, the Long Purple Line. His proudest accomplishment to date though is the tiny blue check next to his Twitter handle. On any given day, you can find an insider’s take on higher education in Louisiana sprinkled with candor, wit, and his two golden retrievers.
Henderson holds a master of science in administration from University of West Florida and a doctor of management from University of Maryland—University College. In 2010, he completed the Institute of Educational Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The smartest decision Henderson has made is marrying his college sweetheart, Tonia, a proud Cajun from Gueydan. The Hendersons have three children, Reagan, Nicholas, and Alexander.
|
Dr. Nikole Roebuck
Chair of Dept. of Music and Director of Bands at Grambling State University
Dr. Nikole Roebuck leads as Chair of the Department of Music and Director of Bands at Grambling State University, “The Place Where Everybody is Somebody.”
A native of Minden, LA and the first woman Director of Bands, Dr. Roebuck is an18-year innovator in music and pedagogy, whose work includes performances for Beyoncé, Adidas, the NBA, and numerous national brands.
Dr. Roebuck is a 2001 graduate of Grambling State University’s Music Education Program. She received her Masters of Music from the University of Louisiana-Monroe in 2005 and her Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education from the University of Memphis in 2009. During her time at Grambling State, Roebuck served as member and student leader of the university marching band she leads today.
Dr. Roebuck’s long career in music includes training musicians at every level from elementary education to graduate-level musicians who have gone on to lead as educators, musical directors, and international recording artists.
Her work in the classroom includes serving Grambling State students for more than 12 years and teaching a range of coursework topics from music education to history and applied instrumentation.
Dr. Roebuck believes “music is like a puzzle” and enjoys sharing with her students the practice of deconstructing and rebuilding arrangements to create a masterpiece.
As Director of Bands, Roebuck is a second-generation leader of the University’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band; following in the footsteps of her fellow-alumnus and uncle Dr. Joseph “Doc” Miller who served as Assistant Director of Bands under Dr. Conrad Hutchinson, Jr. from 1980 to 1989.
“I always knew I wanted to be in the band,” said Dr. Roebuck. “From the age of four, I spent every summer at band camp. My career started the day I told my uncle Joe, ‘I don’t want to twirl a baton. I want to play a horn.”
That young-woman horn player has leveraged her passion for music to directly touch the lives of more than 50,000 Grambling State students and countless fans worldwide. Her work has included helping grow the bands membership by more than 25 percent and directing in 12 consecutive Bayou Classics while, today, leading a team of 17 professors and employees who serve in the Department of Music.
“Dr. Roebuck has proven to be one of our most committed and humble leaders,” said President Rick Gallot. “She is a gift to our students, our community, and all who support the worldwide sound of Grambling.”
Dr. Roebuck is married to acclaimed percussionist and fellow educator, Esonyo Roebuck. They have one son, Nathan Roebuck, who is following in the footsteps of his parents as an up and coming musician, whose talent has also been lauded and recognized. She is a proud member of the St. Rest Baptist Church in Minden, La.
|
Cesar Camacho
Owner, Infit Gym
Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia. Cesar migrated to the United States in 1999. He is now the founder and owner of INFIT Gym in Monroe, LA. He's married to Dr. Allison Franzen, and together they have two children.
He holds certifications in Personal Trainer, Group Fitness and Sports Nutrition, as well as Kickboxing, Zumba Fitness, and USA Weightlifting Level 1.
Cesar was selected as one of the 2016 NELA Young Professionals Top 20 under 40. He was awarded the 2017 Thomas H. Scott Award of Excellence, and was voted the 2018-2019 Best Personal Trainer by Bayou Buzz Awards, Bayoulife Magazine. Cesar was also awarded the Louisiana State Service Award for 2019.
|
