Our Board of Directors
Roxson Welch - Board Chairperson
Roxson Welch is a dedicated career educator with a distinguished record of community service. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the East Baton Rouge Parish Family and Youth Service Center, where she focuses on supporting families and youth in the community. Ms. Welch is also a former East Baton Rouge Councilwoman, demonstrating her commitment to public service. As the Board Chairperson for Career Compass of Louisiana, she plays a pivotal role in guiding the organization's mission to support students in achieving their educational and career goals.
Dr. Tyre’ Jenkins
Dr. Tyre' Jenkins is a distinguished educational leader with a profound commitment to advancing academic opportunities and support systems for students. A native of Baker, Louisiana, Dr. Jenkins graduated from Glen Oaks High School in 2010, where he collaborated with College & Career Coach Lucretia Perego to chart his educational path He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Louisiana State University, further solidifying his expertise in the field. In 2021, Dr. Jenkins achieved his Doctorate in Educational Leadership in Urban Education from Xavier University.
Dr. Jenkins has dedicated his career to enhancing educational outcomes, particularly in literacy and learning. His work has taken him throughout southern Louisiana, providing essential support to literacy coaches, school leaders, and district administrators. In his current role as Deputy Director of the Office of Special Education at the New Mexico Public Education Department, Dr. Jenkins continues to influence educational policy and practice on a broader scale.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Jenkins is the founder of the Dr. Tyre’ Jenkins Legacy Foundation, which envisions a future where empowered leaders, nurtured through education, mentorship, and service, create lasting change in their communities. As a valued member of the Board of Directors for Career Compass of Louisiana, Dr. Jenkins brings his extensive experience and passion for education to support the organization's mission of guiding students toward successful futures.
Dr. James Henderson
Dr. Jim Henderson is a prominent figure in Louisiana's higher education landscape, bringing a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to student success. He currently serves as the 15th president of Louisiana Tech University.
Prior to his presidency at Louisiana Tech, Dr. Henderson served as the president and CEO of the University of Louisiana System, one of the nation's largest higher education systems, from January 1, 2017, until his appointment at Louisiana Tech. His tenure was marked by the development of a strategic framework aimed at producing the most educated generation in Louisiana's history, fostering public-private partnerships, and recruiting world-class faculty.
Dr. Henderson's earlier roles include serving as president of Northwestern State University from 2015 to 2016, where he achieved significant increases in enrollment and retention rates. He also held the position of chancellor at Bossier Parish Community College from 2009 to 2014.
His academic credentials encompass a Master of Science in Administration from the University of West Florida and a Doctor of Management from the University of Maryland—University College. In 2010, he completed the Institute of Educational Management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
As a dedicated member of the Board of Directors for Career Compass of Louisiana, Dr. Henderson leverages his extensive experience to support the organization's mission of guiding students toward post-secondary education and career opportunities.
Jennifer Parks
Jennifer Parks is the former owner of The Learning Tree at Oak Grove and a dedicated advocate for educational advancement. As a longstanding supporter of Career Compass of Louisiana, Ms. Parks has played a pivotal role in furthering the organization's mission to guide students toward post-secondary education and career opportunities.