The People Project:
Dr. William Wainwright
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | August 17, 2024
Meet Dr. William Wainwright!
Dr. William S. Wainwright is the 15th president of Southeastern Louisiana University, appointed by the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System on April 27, 2023. Prior to his time at Southeastern, Wainwright had accrued over 24 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education. Most recently, he served for 12 years as chancellor of Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC). During his tenure at NTCC, he helped lead exponential growth and success for the institution, expanding campuses and tripling enrollment, causing NTCC to become one of the fastest growing community colleges in the nation.
Scholarly contributions have also been abundant and include presentations pertaining to higher education institutions’ strategy and success, which were given across both the state and the globe.
His formal education encompasses a bachelor of science in criminal justice from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, a master of education in adult and continuing education from Northwestern State University, and a doctorate of philosophy in higher education administration from the University of New Orleans.
In addition to being the recipient of numerous awards and honors, Wainwright has also been deeply involved in professional and community organizations, including having served on the boards of GNO, Inc; Northshore Business Council; St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce; and Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System. He is additionally the president of St. Tammany Corporation; former president of COMBASE, Conference of Louisiana Colleges and Universities, and Board of Family Promise of St. Tammany; and has served as chair of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System Finance and Administration Committee, Louisiana Community and Technical College System Advancement, Public Affairs, and Legislative Affairs Committee, and Louisiana Community and Technical College System Finance Committee.
He is also a member of St. Albert Catholic Student Center and a Catholic men's organization called That Man is You.
He met his wife, Misty, in graduate school at Northwestern State University. They have been married for 25 years. Together they have two children, a daughter who is in college and a son who just graduated from college. They also have a dog, Peppers.
We want to thank Dr. Wainwright for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about his life and his love of the area.
Q: What led you to your current career?
A: I came from a family where everyone worked in the oil and gas industry. In the 1980s, there was the oil bust and there was struggle. My grandmother told me to look beyond the oil field. I had the opportunity to teach adults after I graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana. I loved it, I knew I wanted to go into higher education.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: I love the duck at Cena and my wife and I frequent TexMex restaurants in the area. We go to all of them.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: Growing up in the country. Also, going to Holly Beach. We fished, crabbed - what we caught we would cook and eat. We would sleep in tents and my extended family would be there.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: The Canary Islands, my mother's ancestors are from there.
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: I love all the 1980's classics, like Ghostbusters, Back to the Future and Indiana Jones. The first movie I remember seeing in the theater was Star Wars. It was at an outdoor drive in, and I went with my brother and some friends.
Q: Do you have a favorite book?
A: Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl.
Q: What advice would you give a group of people?
A: In today's time, look for the best in people and community. Invest all your time in making things better.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: Visit the seven wonders of the world.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: My mother introduced me to all genres of music, I appreciate and love them all. I'd like to see Rascal Flatts perform. Also, I would have liked to see Elvis.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: The Columbia Theatre. I love how the arts connects the community together.
Q: If you could choose one person to go to lunch with that you’ve never met, who is it and where would you go?
A: Mother Teresa. I would love to experience her passion. We would have a bag lunch, which was one of her favorites.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: The sense of community and family. I love how highly engaged our leaders are. Also, the community events and festivals.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Watching my children thrive and growing with them.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you (even friends or family)?
A: Early in my career, I was a Red Cross lifeguard and water safety instructor. I taught children and adults how to swim.
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: Food, as it relates to our Cajun culture.
Q: If you had to choose one type of cuisine to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Soup!
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: Listen to talk radio and music, and also process the day. Recharge my battery.
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: The last gift I gave and received was a book.
Q: What are you known for?
A: Being a father and husband.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
A: To solve homelessness or cure cancer.
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: Hunting, fishing and spending time with family.
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: Thumbs up.
Q: What are you the most proud of?
A: My family.
Q: What two items would you take with you if you shipwrecked on a deserted island where food and water were taken care of?
A: Fishing tackle and books.
Q: If you won the lottery, what would be the first 4 things you would purchase or spend money on?
A: Charity, take care of my family and support a problem that isn't solved yet.
Q: What do you want your legacy to be?
A: That I impacted many people in a positive way during my time on earth.
Dr. Wainwright was nominated by Michelle Gallo
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