After serving as dean in the College of Applied and Natural Sciences for the past 11 years, Dr. Gary Kennedy takes on a new role as director of the RoyOMartin Forest Products Innovation Center (FPIC), where he will lead the launch of one of Louisiana Tech University’s premier research initiatives.
“Dr. Kennedy’s leadership and vision were essential to the creation of this extraordinary research center, and there is no one more equipped to be the founding director,” Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson said. “Dr. Kennedy’s knowledge and ability to foster collaboration among researchers and industry leaders will serve the Center’s purpose to innovate and advance profitability of timber while generating revenue opportunities for the University.”
Kennedy’s relationship with Louisiana Tech spans more than 45 years. He earned his Bachelor of Science in animal science in 1983 and a Master of Business Administration in finance in 1990. In 1995, he completed his Ph.D. in agricultural economics from Louisiana State University before returning to Louisiana Tech as a faculty member, serving in numerous leadership roles over the years.
“The Forest Products Innovation Center ultimately grew far beyond my original vision,” Kennedy said. “As construction began, I recognized the importance of establishing the center’s administrative and operational foundation.”
For Kennedy, the Forest Products Innovation Center has been a dream project throughout his time as dean. What began as an idea to strengthen Louisiana’s forestry industry through research has grown into a comprehensive research center featuring chemistry and analytical laboratories, a wood products engineering laboratory, and a testing facility designed to foster collaboration among researchers, students, and industry partners.
The building was made possible through a $10 million state investment matched by $5 million in private funding from industry partners, led by RoyOMartin, along with Hunt Forest Products, Weyerhaeuser, Bakelite, Arclin, and Hexion, as well as numerous private donors. Penny Humphries, development officer for the College of Applied and Natural Sciences, played a critical role in securing the funding needed to move the project forward.
During construction of the facility, Kennedy knew that developing the infrastructure needed to support the FPIC required dedicated leadership focused solely on the Center’s launch.
“After discussions with President Henderson and Provost Donna Thomas, I decided to dedicate my efforts fully to launching and leading the FPIC,” Kennedy said. “Having served as dean of the College of Applied and Natural Sciences for 11 years, I was confident the college was well positioned for continued success under its talented faculty, leadership, and students, making it the right time for this transition.”
“Dr. Kennedy has been a tireless champion of the Forest Products Innovation Center from the early days when it was just a dream,” Ramu Ramachandran, interim vice president for research, said. “During the conceptual development of the Center, Dr. Kennedy sought out and received input from a broad range of stakeholders that included industry and academic experts. That has given our industry partners confidence that the FPIC, under his leadership, will serve their current needs and become a force for innovation in Louisiana’s forest products industry.”
Kennedy noted the Center’s early success reflects the strong support received from industry partners, donors, University leadership, faculty, and staff, positioning the FPIC for long-term growth.
“My goal is to establish a strong, sustainable foundation for the Center and ultimately recruit a director with strong expertise in forest products,” Kennedy added. “While that transition may be a few years away, the Center is already well positioned for long-term success.”
For more information, visit the Forest Products Innovation Center homepage.