When Northshore Technical Community College Chancellor William S. Wainwright oversees the school’s graduation ceremony on May 15, he’ll be participating in a commencement of his own.
Wainwright, who’s helmed Northshore Tech for the past seven years, was named the next president of Southeastern Louisiana University late last month by the board of supervisors of the University of Louisiana System. He’ll be the 15th president of the Hammond-based university, which has an enrollment of roughly 14,300 students.
Wainwright, 49, was one of five people interviewed for the SLU presidency. He and Sebastian van Delden, of the College of Charleston, were semifinalists for the job.
Wainwright continues as Northshore Tech’s chancellor, though he said the Louisiana Community and Technical College System board could name an interim chancellor at its meeting scheduled for May 10. Wainwright will begin transitioning into the new job at SLU soon thereafter and hopes to be settled on the Hammond campus by mid-June.
“It's been a long journey in the higher-ed system,” Wainwright said of his 24 years in higher education, much of it in two-year, community college settings across the state.
“I’m ready to give Southeastern everything I have. The work we’ve done here (at Northshore Tech) and knowing the communities on the north shore like I do, I think it will only make Southeastern stronger.”
Wainwright built strong relationships with business and education leaders during his time at Northshore Tech that led to rapid growth at the Lacombe-based school. In addition to his work with numerous education groups, he’s served as a board member for St. Tammany Corporation, the Northshore Business Council, GNO, Inc. and several local nonprofits. He said he’ll continue much of that work while at SLU.
St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill said Wainwright’s move to SLU is well-deserved.
“They’re gaining a leader that understands the communities he serves,” Masingill said. “This is a win for the whole region.”
St. Tammany Parish Schools Superintendent Frank Jabbia agreed.
“I’m excited to see him move into this new role and know his leadership will benefit Southeastern Louisiana University," Jabbia said. "And I believe with Will at the helm, our partnership with SLU will only continue to grow.”
Wainwright was born in Lafayette and received a bachelor's in Criminal Justice at the University of Southwestern Louisiana. He also earned a master's in Adult and Continuing Education from Northwestern State University and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of New Orleans.