RUSTON, La. (KNOE) – Louisiana Tech University’s enrollment numbers have increased and several areas on campus are set to be renovated as a result.

University President Jim Henderson says he is excited for what’s to come.

With the Athletics Academic Success Center, Henderson says there is a need for student-athletes to have their own space in order for them to be successful.

“Student athletes have so many pressures in their studies. We request so much from them, so this is a center that’s designed specifically to support their academic pursuits. We want our student-athletes to be successful on the field. Most importantly, we want them to be successful in the classroom. Then they get that Louisiana Tech degree that just gives them self-control over their future.”

President Henderson says that these renovations were made possible by a law that allowed schools to get money from maintenance work without going through the annual legislative process. Since the law was put into place, there were too many projects for the amount of money available so maintenance on George T. Madison was halted. Henderson says maintenance should be up and running soon.

“Reimagine the space in a building that virtually every student that attends Louisiana Tech will take a class in,” said Henderson.

With enrollment numbers rising, President Henderson says that more parking is expected to be available to combat this and he says he’s excited for all improvements so Louisiana Tech’s students can thrive.

WATCH: KNOE Latest Video

Copyright 2025 KNOE. All rights reserved.

Pableaux Johnson died Sunday at the age of 59 on Jan. 26, 2025 after collapsing while he was photographing the Ladies and Men of Unity second-line parade in New Orleans.

Johnson, who was born on Jan. 8, 1966 in New Iberia, was an American writer, photographer, filmmaker, cook and designer based in New Orleans.

Who was Pableaux Johnson?

Johnson has published four books, predominately about New Orleans culture. Johnson has also written for numerous publications, such as The New York Times, Southern Living, The Kitchn, Saveur, Imbibe and many more.

Johnson’s photography has been exhibited in a number of museums and galleries around the U.S., as well as published in magazines and on websites, and these photographs feature New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians and second-line parades.

Additionally, Johnson ran the Red Beans Road Show for several years, which was a traveling production that brought New Orleans cuisine to various “pop-up” events in restaurants around the country.

Johnson was also credited as a co-producer and still photographer for two companion documentary films about New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians, “The Spirit Leads My Needle: The Big Chiefs of Carnival” and “It’s Your Glory: The Big Queens of Carnival.”

Louisiana reacts to Pableaux Johnson’s passing

Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com