Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson is consolidating two of the university's key external functions, University Advancement and Innovation, under the new role of senior vice president and CEO of Innovation and Advancement at the Louisiana Tech Foundation. Dr. Davey Norris will take on this key role, leading the expansion and consolidation of innovation, public-private partnerships, philanthropy and economic development in support of the university.
“Working with the Louisiana Tech Foundation Board and Executive Committee over the past six months has enhanced the opportunity to leverage existing resources and talent. Combining these organizations will provide significant benefits to the entire university community, our business partners, the city of Ruston and the local economy,” said President Jim Henderson. “Davey is a committed leader who has proven his ability to attract partnerships that will continue to advance the mission of Louisiana Tech.”
For more than a decade, Norris has served as Louisiana Tech's Chief Innovation Officer, leading the university's innovation enterprise. During his tenure, the university opened Tech Pointe I and Tech Pointe II, buildings that house 18 tenant companies that regularly leverage student and faculty resources to drive better business outcomes.
“The University is well-positioned to build on the success of our innovation enterprise and the impact of our talented teams,” Norris said. “Combining these operations will not only broaden the scope of our philanthropic efforts, but will also enable us to strengthen partnerships, expand experiential learning opportunities, foster new research collaborations, and pursue diverse business activities that advance economic growth in our community and region.”
The Executive Vice President will lead these critical functions with the support of the University's Chief Development Officer and Chief Innovation Officer. Lisa Bradley, who served as Interim Vice President for Advancement, will return to her role as Assistant Vice President for Foundation and Chief Financial Officer.
“We are grateful for Lisa's steadfast leadership over the past year and a half,” President Henderson added. “She will continue to play a key role in the success of our development efforts.”
Norris' new role will be effective July 1.
