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'''Louisiana State University Agricultural and Mechanical College''', generally known as '''Louisiana State University''' or '''LSU''', is a [[coeducation]]al [[state university|public]] Level l Research <ref>http://www.lib.lsu.edu/collserv/colldev/policies/governmentdocuments.html</ref> [[University]] located in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]], [[Louisiana]]. The university was founded in 1853 under the name Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy and was originally located near [[Pineville, Louisiana]]. LSU is the [[flagship#University campuses|flagship]] institution of the [[Louisiana State University System]] and the largest institution of higher education in Louisiana in terms of student enrollment <ref>http://www.edonline.com/collegecompass/la.htm</ref>. The LSU main campus occupies a 650-acre (2.6 km²) plateau on the banks of the Mississippi River and boasts more than 250 built in the style of [[Renaissance|Italian Renaissance]] architect [[Andrea Palladio]].
'''Louisiana State University Agricultural and Mechanical College''', generally known as '''Louisiana State University''' or '''LSU''', is a [[coeducation]]al [[state university|public]] Level l Research <ref>http://www.lib.lsu.edu/collserv/colldev/policies/governmentdocuments.html</ref> [[University]] located in [[Baton Rouge, Louisiana|Baton Rouge]], [[Louisiana]]. The university was founded in 1853 under the name Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy and was originally located near [[Pineville, Louisiana]]. LSU is the [[flagship#University campuses|flagship]] institution of the [[Louisiana State University System]] and the largest institution of higher education in Louisiana in terms of student enrollment <ref>http://www.edonline.com/collegecompass/la.htm</ref>. The LSU main campus occupies a 650-acre (2.6 km²) plateau on the banks of the Mississippi River and boasts more than 250 built in the style of [[Renaissance|Italian Renaissance]] architect [[Andrea Palladio]].


LSU consists of LSU includes nine senior colleges and three schools, and is one of only twenty-one American universities designated as a [[Land-grant university|land-grant]], [[Sea Grant Colleges|sea-grant]] and [[Space grant colleges|space-grant]] research center. <ref>LSU quickfacts page http://www.lsu.edu/visitors/quickfacts.shtml</ref> US News and World Report's ranking of national universities lists LSU as a Tier 1 institution. In 2009, LSU enrolled 21,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate and professional students. The LSU athletic department is represented by its mascot, a Bengal tiger named Mike the Tiger, and is a member of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and the Southeastern Conference. It fields teams in 20 varsity sports (9 men's, 11 women's). LSU Tigers football began in 1893, with national championship wins in the 1958, 2003 and 2007 seasons.
LSU consists of LSU includes ten senior colleges and schools, and is one of only twenty-one American universities designated as a [[Land-grant university|land-grant]], [[Sea Grant Colleges|sea-grant]] and [[Space grant colleges|space-grant]] research center. <ref>LSU quickfacts page http://www.lsu.edu/visitors/quickfacts.shtml</ref> US News and World Report's ranking of national universities lists LSU as a Tier 1 institution. In 2009, LSU enrolled 21,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate and professional students. The LSU athletic department is represented by its mascot, a Bengal tiger named Mike the Tiger, and is a member of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and the Southeastern Conference. It fields teams in 20 varsity sports (9 men's, 11 women's). LSU Tigers football began in 1893, with national championship wins in the 1958, 2003 and 2007 seasons.


==History==
==History==


===19th Century===

[[Image:Lsutower.jpg‎|left|thumb|325px|[[Memorial Tower]] is a [[campanile]] in the heart of LSU's campus.]]
[[Image:Lsutower.jpg‎|left|thumb|325px|[[Memorial Tower]] is a [[campanile]] in the heart of LSU's campus.]]
Grants made by the United States government in 1806, 1811, and 1827 gave rise to Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College. It was founded as a military academy and is still today steeped in military tradition, as seen in the school's nickname "The Ole War Skule." In 1853, the Louisiana General Assembly established the [[Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy|Seminary of Learning of the State of Louisiana]] near [[Pineville, Louisiana]]. The institution opened January 2, 1860, with [[Colonel]] [[William Tecumseh Sherman]] as superintendent. A year later, Sherman resigned his position after Louisiana became the sixth state to secede from the Union, on January 26, 1861. The school then closed June 30, 1861, because of the [[American Civil War]]. It reopened on April 1 but was again closed on April 23, 1863, because of the invasion of the [[Red River of the South|Red River Valley]] by the Union Army. The losses sustained by the institution during the war were heavy. Following the war, General Sherman donated two cannons to the institution. These cannons had been captured from Confederate forces who had used them to start the war when fired at [[Fort Sumter]], SC. They are still displayed in front of LSU's Military Science building.<ref>[http://appl003.lsu.edu/artsci/milscience.nsf/$Content/Unit+History?OpenDocument Department of Military Science: Unit History<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Louisiana State University Agricultural & Mechanical College had its origin in several land grants made by the United States government in 1806, 1811, and 1827 for use as a seminary of learning. It was founded as a military academy and is still today steeped in military tradition, giving rise to the school's nickname "The Ole War Skule." In 1853, the Louisiana General Assembly established the [[Louisiana State Seminary of Learning & Military Academy|Seminary of Learning of the State of Louisiana]] near [[Pineville, Louisiana]]. The institution opened January 2, 1860, with [[Colonel]] [[William Tecumseh Sherman]] as superintendent. A year later, Sherman resigned his position after Louisiana became the sixth state to secede from the Union, on January 26, 1861. The school then closed June 30, 1861, because of the [[American Civil War]]. It reopened on April 1 but was again closed on April 23, 1863, because of the invasion of the [[Red River of the South|Red River Valley]] by the Union Army. The losses sustained by the institution during the war were heavy, and the seminary remained closed for the remainder of the Civil War. Following surrender of the confederacy at [[Battle of Appomattox Courthouse|Appomattox Court House]] on April 9, 1865, General Sherman donated two cannons to the institution. These cannons had been captured from Confederate forces after the close of the war and had been used during the initial firing upon [[Fort Sumter]] in April of 1861. The cannons are still displayed in front of LSU's Military Science building.<ref>[http://appl003.lsu.edu/artsci/milscience.nsf/$Content/Unit+History?OpenDocument Department of Military Science: Unit History<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


The seminary reopened October 2, 1865, only to be burned October 15, 1869. On November 1, 1869, the institution resumed its exercises in Baton Rouge, where it has since remained. In 1870, the name of the institution was changed to Louisiana State University.
The seminary reopened October 2, 1865, only to be burned October 15, 1869. On November 1, 1869, the institution resumed its exercises in Baton Rouge, where it has since remained. In 1870, the name of the institution was officially changed to Louisiana State University.


Louisiana State Agricultural and Mechanical College was established by an act of the legislature, approved April 7, 1874, to carry out the United States [[Morrill Act of 1862]], granting lands for this purpose. It temporarily opened in New Orleans, June 1, 1874, where it remained until it merged with Louisiana State University in 1877. This prompted the final name change for the university to the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College.
Louisiana State University Agricultural & Mechanical College was established by an act of the legislature, approved April 7, 1874, to carry out the United States [[Morrill Act of 1862]], granting lands for this purpose. It temporarily opened in New Orleans, June 1, 1874, where it remained until it merged with Louisiana State University in 1877. This prompted the final name change for the university to the Louisiana State University Agricultural and Mechanical College.

===20th Century===


On April 30, 1926, formal dedication of the present LSU campus took place, following the school's history at the federal garrison grounds (now the site of the state capitol) where it had been located since 1886. Prior to this, LSU utilized the quarters of the Institute for the Deaf, Mute, and Blind. Land for the present campus was purchased in 1918, construction started in 1922, and the move began in 1925; it was not, however, until 1932 that the move was finally completed. After some years of enrollment fluctuation, student numbers began a steady increase, new programs were added, curricula and faculty expanded, and a true state university emerged.
On April 30, 1926, formal dedication of the present LSU campus took place, following the school's history at the federal garrison grounds (now the site of the state capitol) where it had been located since 1886. Prior to this, LSU utilized the quarters of the Institute for the Deaf, Mute, and Blind. Land for the present campus was purchased in 1918, construction started in 1922, and the move began in 1925; it was not, however, until 1932 that the move was finally completed. After some years of enrollment fluctuation, student numbers began a steady increase, new programs were added, curricula and faculty expanded, and a true state university emerged.


In 1928, LSU was a small-time country school that generated little interest or attention in the state. Labeled a “third-rate” institution by the Association of State Universities, the school had only 1800 students, 168 faculty members, and an annual operating budget of $800,000. In 1930, [[Huey Long]], the governor of Louisiana, initiated a massive building program on campus to expand the physical plant and add departments. By 1936, LSU had the finest facilities in the South, a top-notch faculty of 394 professors, a new medical school, more than 6,000 students, and a winning football team. In only eight years, it had risen in size from 88th in the nation to 20th, and it was the 11th largest state university in the nation. Long financed these improvements by arranging for the state to purchase acreage from the LSU campus, which adjoined the grounds of the new State Capitol building. To the consternation of his critics, Long essentially diverted $9 million for LSU’s expansion and increased the annual operating budget to $2.8 million. <ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.hueylong.com/programs/louisiana-state-university.php | title=Louisiana State University | publisher = Huey Long Legacy Project | date= 2009 | accessdate = 2009-08-19}}</ref>
⚫
LSU was hit by scandal in 1939. James Monroe Smith, appointed by Louisiana Governor [[Huey P. Long]] as president of LSU, was charged with embezzling a half-million dollars. In the ensuing investigation, at least twenty state officials were indicted. Two committed suicide as the scandal enveloped Governor [[Richard W. Leche]], who received a 10-year federal prison sentence as a result of a kickback scheme.<ref>Mary Hebert [http://www.lib.lsu.edu/special/williams/newsletters/ohnewsletter7.html Remembering the Scandals] Louisiana State University 1995</ref> [[Paul M. Hebert]], Dean of LSU's [[Paul M. Hebert Law Center|law school]] at the time, then assumed interim presidency of in Smith's place.

[[Image:LSUcannons.JPG|right|thumb|Cannons used to start the Civil War in front of LSU's Military Science Building|245px]]
⚫
LSU was hit by scandal in 1939. James Monroe Smith, appointed by [[Huey Long]] as president of LSU, was charged with embezzling a half-million dollars. In the ensuing investigation, at least twenty state officials were indicted. Two committed suicide as the scandal enveloped Governor [[Richard W. Leche]], who received a 10-year federal prison sentence as a result of a kickback scheme.<ref>Mary Hebert [http://www.lib.lsu.edu/special/williams/newsletters/ohnewsletter7.html Remembering the Scandals] Louisiana State University 1995</ref> [[Paul M. Hebert]], Dean of LSU's [[Paul M. Hebert Law Center|law school]] at the time, then assumed interim presidency of in Smith's place.

Beginning in 1964, LSU admitted its first undergraduate African-American students. This admission policy was instituted on June 8, 1964. In 1969, mandatory [[ROTC]] for freshmen and sophomores was abolished. However, LSU maintains Air Force and Army ROTC.
Beginning in 1964, LSU admitted its first undergraduate African-American students. This admission policy was instituted on June 8, 1964. In 1969, mandatory [[ROTC]] for freshmen and sophomores was abolished. However, LSU maintains Air Force and Army ROTC.
[[Image:LSU Panorama.jpg|thumb|left|400px|LSU Panorama (1909)]]
[[Image:LSU Panorama.jpg|thumb|right|450px|LSU Panorama (1909)]]
In 1978, LSU was named a sea-grant college, the 13th university in the nation to be so designated and the highest classification attainable in the program. In 1992, the LSU Board of Supervisors approved the creation of the [[LSU Honors College]].
In 1978, LSU was named a sea-grant college, the 13th university in the nation to be so designated and the highest classification attainable in the program. In 1992, the LSU Board of Supervisors approved the creation of the [[LSU Honors College]].


Line 89: Line 97:
The LSU main campus occupies a 650-acre (2.6&nbsp;km²) plateau on the banks of the [[Mississippi River]]; overall, LSU is located on 2,000 acres (8.1&nbsp;km²) of land just south of downtown Baton Rouge. The campus boasts more than 250 principal buildings. Many of the buildings are built in the style of [[Renaissance|Italian Renaissance]] architect [[Andrea Palladio]], and are marked by red pantiled roofs, overhanging eaves, rolling arches, and honey-colored stucco. Most were built between 1925 and 1940. [[Thomas Gaines]]' ''The Campus as a Work of Art'' praises LSU's [[landscaping]] as "a botanical joy" and lists it among the 20 best campuses in [[United States|America]]. The [[live oak]] trees on campus have been valued at $36 million. Through the LSU Foundation's "Endow an Oak" program, individuals or groups are able to endow live oaks across campus.
The LSU main campus occupies a 650-acre (2.6&nbsp;km²) plateau on the banks of the [[Mississippi River]]; overall, LSU is located on 2,000 acres (8.1&nbsp;km²) of land just south of downtown Baton Rouge. The campus boasts more than 250 principal buildings. Many of the buildings are built in the style of [[Renaissance|Italian Renaissance]] architect [[Andrea Palladio]], and are marked by red pantiled roofs, overhanging eaves, rolling arches, and honey-colored stucco. Most were built between 1925 and 1940. [[Thomas Gaines]]' ''The Campus as a Work of Art'' praises LSU's [[landscaping]] as "a botanical joy" and lists it among the 20 best campuses in [[United States|America]]. The [[live oak]] trees on campus have been valued at $36 million. Through the LSU Foundation's "Endow an Oak" program, individuals or groups are able to endow live oaks across campus.


Other campuses in the LSU system include the LSU Agricultural Center, [[Pennington Biomedical Research Center]], LSU [[Paul M. Hebert Law Center]], [[University of New Orleans]], [[Louisiana State University in Shreveport|LSU Shreveport]], LSU at Eunice, LSU Alexandria, and the LSU Health Sciences Centers: LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans (LSU School of Dentistry, which is a part of LSUHSC NO is one of the few dental schools in the United States to have its own separate campus), Health Care Services Division (Public Hospital System), and LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. In addition, LSU owns and operates the J. Bennett Johnston, Sr. [[Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices]] (CAMD), which is a 1.3 GeV [[synchrotron]] radiation facility <ref>[http://www.camd.lsu.edu/ CAMD Website]</ref>.
Other campuses in the LSU system include the LSU Agricultural Center, [[Pennington Biomedical Research Center]], LSU [[Paul M. Hebert Law Center]], [[University of New Orleans]], [[Louisiana State University in Shreveport|LSU Shreveport]], LSU at Eunice, LSU Alexandria, and the LSU Health Sciences Centers: LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans (LSU School of Dentistry, which is a part of LSUHSC NO is one of the few dental schools in the United States to have its own separate campus), Health Care Services Division (Public Hospital System), and LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. In addition, LSU owns and operates the J. Bennett Johnston, Sr. [[Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices]] (CAMD), which is a 1.3 GeV [[synchrotron]] radiation facility <ref>[http://www.camd.lsu.edu/ CAMD Website]</ref>. Several LSU buildings, including the Student Union and the Pennington Research Center, were designed by the Baton Rouge architect [[John Desmond]], who also teaches architecture part-time at LSU.



Several LSU buildings, including the Student Union and the Pennington Research Center, were designed by the Baton Rouge architect [[John Desmond]], who also taught architecture part-time at LSU.


==Libraries==
==Libraries==

Revision as of 17:55, 19 August 2009

For other uses, see LSU.
Louisiana State University
File:LSU Seal.PNG
Seal of Louisiana State University
TypeFlagship state university[1]
Established1860
Endowment$656.7 million (Systemwide)[2]
ChancellorMichael V. Martin
PresidentJohn V. Lombardi
Students25,538 [3]
Undergraduates21,103 [4]
Postgraduates4,112 [5]
Location
Baton Rouge
,
Louisiana

30°24′52″N 91°10′42″W / 30.4145°N 91.1783°W / 30.4145; -91.1783
CampusUrban 2,000+ acres (8.1 km²)
Sports teamsFighting Tigers
ColorsPurple and Gold[6]
  
NicknameFighting Tigers, Bayou Bengals(unofficially)
MascotMike VI
Websitewww.lsu.edu
Logo is a trademark of Louisiana State University;
All enrollment figures are as of 14th class day data of the spring 2009 semester.

Louisiana State University Agricultural and Mechanical College, generally known as Louisiana State University or LSU, is a coeducational public Level l Research [8] University located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The university was founded in 1853 under the name Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy and was originally located near Pineville, Louisiana. LSU is the flagship institution of the Louisiana State University System and the largest institution of higher education in Louisiana in terms of student enrollment [9]. The LSU main campus occupies a 650-acre (2.6 km²) plateau on the banks of the Mississippi River and boasts more than 250 built in the style of Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio.

LSU consists of LSU includes ten senior colleges and schools, and is one of only twenty-one American universities designated as a land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant research center. [10] US News and World Report's ranking of national universities lists LSU as a Tier 1 institution. In 2009, LSU enrolled 21,000 undergraduate and 4,000 graduate and professional students. The LSU athletic department is represented by its mascot, a Bengal tiger named Mike the Tiger, and is a member of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and the Southeastern Conference. It fields teams in 20 varsity sports (9 men's, 11 women's). LSU Tigers football began in 1893, with national championship wins in the 1958, 2003 and 2007 seasons.

History

19th Century

Memorial Tower is a campanile in the heart of LSU's campus.

Louisiana State University Agricultural & Mechanical College had its origin in several land grants made by the United States government in 1806, 1811, and 1827 for use as a seminary of learning. It was founded as a military academy and is still today steeped in military tradition, giving rise to the school's nickname "The Ole War Skule." In 1853, the Louisiana General Assembly established the Seminary of Learning of the State of Louisiana near Pineville, Louisiana. The institution opened January 2, 1860, with Colonel William Tecumseh Sherman as superintendent. A year later, Sherman resigned his position after Louisiana became the sixth state to secede from the Union, on January 26, 1861. The school then closed June 30, 1861, because of the American Civil War. It reopened on April 1 but was again closed on April 23, 1863, because of the invasion of the Red River Valley by the Union Army. The losses sustained by the institution during the war were heavy, and the seminary remained closed for the remainder of the Civil War. Following surrender of the confederacy at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, General Sherman donated two cannons to the institution. These cannons had been captured from Confederate forces after the close of the war and had been used during the initial firing upon Fort Sumter in April of 1861. The cannons are still displayed in front of LSU's Military Science building.[11]

The seminary reopened October 2, 1865, only to be burned October 15, 1869. On November 1, 1869, the institution resumed its exercises in Baton Rouge, where it has since remained. In 1870, the name of the institution was officially changed to Louisiana State University.

Louisiana State University Agricultural & Mechanical College was established by an act of the legislature, approved April 7, 1874, to carry out the United States Morrill Act of 1862, granting lands for this purpose. It temporarily opened in New Orleans, June 1, 1874, where it remained until it merged with Louisiana State University in 1877. This prompted the final name change for the university to the Louisiana State University Agricultural and Mechanical College.

20th Century

On April 30, 1926, formal dedication of the present LSU campus took place, following the school's history at the federal garrison grounds (now the site of the state capitol) where it had been located since 1886. Prior to this, LSU utilized the quarters of the Institute for the Deaf, Mute, and Blind. Land for the present campus was purchased in 1918, construction started in 1922, and the move began in 1925; it was not, however, until 1932 that the move was finally completed. After some years of enrollment fluctuation, student numbers began a steady increase, new programs were added, curricula and faculty expanded, and a true state university emerged.

In 1928, LSU was a small-time country school that generated little interest or attention in the state. Labeled a “third-rate” institution by the Association of State Universities, the school had only 1800 students, 168 faculty members, and an annual operating budget of $800,000. In 1930, Huey Long, the governor of Louisiana, initiated a massive building program on campus to expand the physical plant and add departments. By 1936, LSU had the finest facilities in the South, a top-notch faculty of 394 professors, a new medical school, more than 6,000 students, and a winning football team. In only eight years, it had risen in size from 88th in the nation to 20th, and it was the 11th largest state university in the nation. Long financed these improvements by arranging for the state to purchase acreage from the LSU campus, which adjoined the grounds of the new State Capitol building. To the consternation of his critics, Long essentially diverted $9 million for LSU’s expansion and increased the annual operating budget to $2.8 million. [12]

LSU was hit by scandal in 1939. James Monroe Smith, appointed by Huey Long as president of LSU, was charged with embezzling a half-million dollars. In the ensuing investigation, at least twenty state officials were indicted. Two committed suicide as the scandal enveloped Governor Richard W. Leche, who received a 10-year federal prison sentence as a result of a kickback scheme.[13] Paul M. Hebert, Dean of LSU's law school at the time, then assumed interim presidency of in Smith's place.

Beginning in 1964, LSU admitted its first undergraduate African-American students. This admission policy was instituted on June 8, 1964. In 1969, mandatory ROTC for freshmen and sophomores was abolished. However, LSU maintains Air Force and Army ROTC.

LSU Panorama (1909)

In 1978, LSU was named a sea-grant college, the 13th university in the nation to be so designated and the highest classification attainable in the program. In 1992, the LSU Board of Supervisors approved the creation of the LSU Honors College.

The seventh chancellor of LSU, former NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe, assumed his position in 2005. Administrators were accused of hiring O'Keefe without proper consideration from faculty, students, and other concerned parties. To the chagrin of some professors, O'Keefe was also awarded tenure.[14]

In 2007, long-time LSU System president William Jenkins announced his retirement, and John V. Lombardi was named his replacement. He was previously the president of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and LSU rival University of Florida. The press carried reports that O'Keefe's future with the University was uncertain, and he resigned on January 16, 2008. [15]

Colleges and schools

A reorganization plan of LSU's academic units was unveiled by Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Astrid Merget on April 14, 2009. If approved, it would reshuffle the University's academic units into colleges that the current leadership deems more efficient. Some of the proposed changes include replacing the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Basic Science, and Art and Design with a College of Humanities and College of Science.

The Old Law Building, home to the Paul M. Hebert Law Center
  • Agriculture
  • Art & Design
  • Arts & Sciences
  • Basic Sciences
  • E.J. Ourso College of Business
  • School of the Coast and Environment
  • Continuing Education
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Graduate School

Campus

The "stately oaks" (Gaines 1991[16]) of LSU.

The LSU main campus occupies a 650-acre (2.6 km²) plateau on the banks of the Mississippi River; overall, LSU is located on 2,000 acres (8.1 km²) of land just south of downtown Baton Rouge. The campus boasts more than 250 principal buildings. Many of the buildings are built in the style of Italian Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, and are marked by red pantiled roofs, overhanging eaves, rolling arches, and honey-colored stucco. Most were built between 1925 and 1940. Thomas Gaines' The Campus as a Work of Art praises LSU's landscaping as "a botanical joy" and lists it among the 20 best campuses in America. The live oak trees on campus have been valued at $36 million. Through the LSU Foundation's "Endow an Oak" program, individuals or groups are able to endow live oaks across campus.

Other campuses in the LSU system include the LSU Agricultural Center, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center, University of New Orleans, LSU Shreveport, LSU at Eunice, LSU Alexandria, and the LSU Health Sciences Centers: LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans (LSU School of Dentistry, which is a part of LSUHSC NO is one of the few dental schools in the United States to have its own separate campus), Health Care Services Division (Public Hospital System), and LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. In addition, LSU owns and operates the J. Bennett Johnston, Sr. Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD), which is a 1.3 GeV synchrotron radiation facility [17]. Several LSU buildings, including the Student Union and the Pennington Research Center, were designed by the Baton Rouge architect John Desmond, who also teaches architecture part-time at LSU.


Libraries

LSU's main library collection, numbering almost three million volumes, is housed in Troy H. Middleton Library on the main quadrangle of the University. It is both a general use library and a U.S. Regional Depository Library, housing publications from the federal government, United Nations, and U.S. Patent Office. The LSU Libraries are a member of the Association of Research Libraries, Association of Southeastern Research Libraries (ASERL), the Southeastern Library Network (SOLINET) and LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network, a state-wide consortium of academic and special libraries.

The Libraries' Special Collections division is housed in Hill Memorial Library Special Collections and comprises more than 200,000 volumes of published works, 10 million manuscript items, 200,000 historic photographs, 16,000 reels of newspaper microfilm, hundreds of oral histories, and other diverse materials for research. It includes the Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections, a Rare Book Collection, the University Archives, the E.A. McIlhenny Natural History Collection, the U.S. Civil War Center, and the T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History.

Publications

  • The Daily Reveille, the university's student-run newspaper, is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters. In 2003 the Reveille received the Pacemaker award, the highest award in collegiate journalism, from the Associated College Press.
  • Southern Review is a respected literary quarterly journal that Robert Penn Warren first published in 1935. It publishes fiction, poetry, and essays, with an emphasis on southern culture and history.
  • Legacy is a student-run magazine that publishes a variety of feature-length stories. In both 2001 and 2005, it was named the best student magazine in the nation by the Society of Professional Journalists.
  • LSU RESEARCH magazine informs readers about university research programs.
  • Apollo's Lyre is a poetry and fiction magazine published each semester by the Honors College.
  • Gumbo is the university's yearbook, given free to returning students.
  • LSU Today magazine keeps faculty and staff updated with university news.
  • LSU Press is a nonprofit book publisher dedicated to the publication of scholarly, general interest, and regional books. It publishes approximately 80 titles per year. John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces is among its best-known publications.
  • New Delta Review is a prominent literary magazine.

Flagship agenda

In 2003 Chancellor Mark Emmert spearheaded the creation of the National Flagship Agenda, a plan to reverse the low morale, lack of competitiveness, and lack of available resources that had plagued LSU during the early 1990s. Its focus is to have LSU better serve Louisiana and the world by increasing student quality and research productivity, thereby vaulting LSU into placement as one of the finest public universities in the country. Because the improvements put a higher financial strain on students, the agenda has had some controversy. However, many people involved with the university agree that the agenda's implementation has been successful. Sean O' Keefe, who in 2005 left his post as head of NASA to become LSU's new chancellor, pledged to continue the agenda until its conclusion in 2010, which will coincide with LSU's 150th anniversary. On 2008 January 16 O'Keefe resigned effective 2008 June 1.[2] Recent cuts to Louisiana's higher education budget threaten to reverse the gains of the Flagship Agenda.

Flagship agenda action plan
  1. Increase research productivity by hiring a significant number of new, high-quality faculty and improving technology infrastructure.
  2. Increase number and quality of graduate students and programs through targeted investments and program review.
  3. Increase quality of undergraduate students and programs by raising admissions standards, improving recruitment, and reviewing courses of study.
  4. Increase quality of campus life by increasing diversity, inclusiveness, and facilities investments.
  5. Increase funding to support the previous actions through more state and private support.

Athletics

The LSU Tiger Marching Band performs in Tiger Stadium
Louisiana State University Cheerleader
Main article: LSU Tigers

LSU, with school colors purple and gold, is a member of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) and the Southeastern Conference[18]. It fields teams in 20 varsity sports (9 men's, 11 women's). The school colors of purple and yellow originated from the city's Mardi Gras tradition. Yellow, purple, and green are the official colors of the celebration; Tulane took the traditions remaining color, green, as their official color.Its official team nickname is the Fighting Tigers; and Lady Tigers for women's teams that have a male counterpart (the term "Bayou Bengals" is also heard at times, but not officially recognized). LSU's mascot refers to its Confederate heritage, drawing from the fame of two Louisiana brigades whose fierce fighting earned them the nickname "the Louisiana Tigers." Based on winning percentage, the University's athletics program is consistently one of the best in the nation.

LSU Tigers football began in 1893, with national championship wins in the 1958, 2003 and 2007 seasons. LSU won their first BCS National Championship in 2003 with a 21-14 victory over the Oklahoma Sooners. The LSU Fighting Tigers won their second BCS National Championship in 2007 with a 38-24 win over the Ohio State Buckeyes. In 2006, the Tigers defeated Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl, 41–14. They also beat Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Alabama, ULL, Tulane, Fresno State, and Arizona. Their two losses were to the national champion Florida Gators, and to Auburn. LSU ended the season with the 10th ranked offense and 3rd ranked defense. Their quarterback, JaMarcus Russell, had the third best passer rating. He decided to skip his senior year to go to the NFL. He was the number one overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. Free safety LaRon Landry, WR Dwayne Bowe, and WR Craig Davis also went in the first round.

LSU Athletics is represented by its mascot, a Bengal tiger named Mike the Tiger. The tiger was named after Mike Chambers, LSU's athletic trainer in 1936, when Mike I was bought for $750 from the Little Rock (Ark.) Zoo. Mike I was introduced on October 21, 1936. Mike V reigned from 1990–2007. It was announced in March 2007 that Mike V had entered into the first stage of retirement. He remained housed in his on-campus habitat until his death due to kidney failure on May 18, 2007 at age 17. The latest in the line is two years old, weighs 300 pounds and was acquired from an Indiana big-cat sanctuary. Previously known as Roscoe, "Mike VI" is a Bengal-Siberian mix and was officially named Mike on September 8, 2007. He was introduced to fans at the home game against Florida on October 6 2007.

LSU's arenas include Tiger Stadium (football, also known as "Death Valley"), Pete Maravich Assembly Center (basketball, volleyball, and gymnastics, also known as the PMAC), Carl Maddox Fieldhouse (indoor track), Bernie Moore Stadium (outdoor track), Tiger Park (softball), and Alex Box Stadium (baseball). The new Alex Box Stadium was officially opened in a home game against Villanova on Friday, February 20 2009. LSU christened the new Alex Box Stadium by bringing home the national championship as well.[19]

Fight song

LSU's official fight song is "Fight for LSU." During LSU football games, it is only played when the team runs onto the field, whenever a field goal or extra point is scored, and at the end of each half (though at the end of the first half a recording is played since the band is already on the sidelines and unable to perform it live). There are, however, multiple other songs that are synonymous with LSU. "Pregame Entrance/Touchdown for LSU" begins with those four powerful notes familiar to most college football fans. This song is played by The Golden Band from Tigerland before the game begins, at the beginning of the fourth quarter, and any critical moment in the fourth quarter when Tiger Stadium needs to get even more "amped up." Other school songs that may be mistaken for the official fight song are "Hey Fightin' Tigers" and "Tiger Rag."

Tiger Stadium

Although originally to be nicknamed "Deaf Valley" for its excruciating levels of sound, the nickname "Death Valley" caught on instead. It is legendary for the crowd noise generated by fans. It is the sixth largest college football stadium in the nation and third largest stadium in the SEC, holding 92,400 fans. The Tiger Stadium atmosphere is generally considered one of the loudest and most electrifying college football experiences in the country. During a nationally televised game against Auburn in 2003, ESPN recorded a noise level of 117 decibels at certain points in the game. In 2007 when the No. 1 ranked Tigers played the No. 9 ranked Florida Gators, the noise level registered at 122 decibels when the Tigers made a come-from-behind win in the final minutes of the game.

A similar sound level resulted in the legendary "Earthquake Game" against Auburn in 1988. LSU won 7-6 when quarterback Tommy Hodson completed a game-winning touchdown pass to running back Eddie Fuller in the waning seconds of the game. The crowd's roar registered on a seismograph, shaking the ground as much as a small earthquake.

Rivals

Rivals include the traditional intrastate rival Tulane Green Wave, SEC West rivals Ole Miss Rebels, Auburn Tigers, Alabama Crimson Tide, Arkansas Razorbacks and the SEC East rival Florida Gators (designated under the SEC's unique inter-division "designated rival" format).

LSU and Arkansas play annually in football the Friday after Thanksgiving alternating sites between Baton Rouge and Little Rock. The winner of the game is awarded the "Golden Boot," a gold plated trophy that is formed in the shape of the two states.

LSU and in-state rival Tulane battle for the "Tiger Rag", a flag divided evenly between the colors of the two schools.

The LSU-Auburn rivalry has become more important in recent years, as since the advent of the SEC's divisional format the winner has usually ended up being the West Division winner. The LSU-Florida rivalry also has major importance as the two schools have won the last three football national championships (Florida in 2006 and 2008; LSU in 2007).

College World Series

LSU has won 6 NCAA College World Series titles. Most recently in 2009. Winning against Texas (W 7-6 11 innings; L 1-5; W 11-4) Most Valuable Player for the 2009 CWS was Jared Mitchell who also hit a second inning 3-run HR in the final game.

Notable alumni

Main article: List of Louisiana State University alumni

With strong academic and successful athletics programs, LSU has seen many of its former students go on to local and national prominence.

Several LSU athletes have gone on to recognition for their prominence in their respective sports. Pete Maravich played basketball for LSU and was three-time consensus first team All-American and 1970 National 'Player of the Year'. Shaquille O'Neal also played basketball for LSU and received many honors, including being named twice as a first team Men's Basketball All-American and twice as the SEC Player Of The Year. Billy Cannon played Halfback for LSU and is the only LSU player to win the Heisman Trophy (in 1959). Cannon was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2009. JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders Quarterback number 1 draft pick of 2006. LSU won the National title in 2007.

LSU alumni have also been active on both the national and international stage in the fields of politics, academia, and the arts. Such notables include James Carville,[20] who was the senior political adviser to Bill Clinton, and Donna Brazile, the campaign manager of the 2000 presidential campaign of Vice-President Al Gore. Hubert Humphrey, the 38th Vice President of the United States, earned a master's degree in politcal science before becoming the junior United States Senator from Minnesota. Randy Moffett, president of the University of Louisiana System (ULS) and formerly president of Southeastern Louisiana University received his Ed.D. from Louisiana State University in 1980.[21] Academy Award-winning actress Joanne Woodward majored in drama during her enrollment at LSU.

America's early Space Program has also benefited with the services of two LSU Graduates. NASA Engineer Maxime Faget (pronounced, "FAH-jey") was a Naval Reserve Officer and the NASA Engineer responsible for the design of the Mercury Capsule, Apollo Command Module, Capsule Escape Tower System, Mach Meter, and the STS Space Shuttle Orbiter Vehicle and System (STS=Space Transportation System). NASA Pioneer/Founder Walter C. Williams [22] established what is now known as NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, previously known as Muroc Army Station. Dr. Williams was directly involved with the Bell X-1 program, "Glamorous Glennis", research flights which led to the first manned flight exceeding the speed of sound in level flight. Dr. Williams was responsible for hiring many the "pioneers" of what has become America's Space Program known as NASA. Dr. Williams was on the Aeronautical Board of NACA, NASA's predecessor.

Louisiana State University Laboratory School

Main article: Louisiana State University Laboratory School

The university operates the Louisiana State University Laboratory School, a Kindergarten through 12 public school.

See also

References

  1. ^ "LSU Flagship Agenda". Louisiana State University. 2006-01-01. Retrieved 2009-08-19.
  2. ^ "College and University Endowments Over $250-Million, 2007". Chronicle of Higher Education. 2008-08-29. p. 28. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ [www.bgtplan.lsu.edu/.../preliminary/.../spring09_day14_status.pdf "Louisiana State University Enrollment"] (PDF). Louisiana State University. February,4 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-19. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ [www.bgtplan.lsu.edu/.../preliminary/.../spring09_day14_status.pdf "Louisiana State University Enrollment"] (PDF). Louisiana State University. February,4 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-19. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ [www.bgtplan.lsu.edu/.../preliminary/.../spring09_day14_status.pdf "Louisiana State University Enrollment"] (PDF). Louisiana State University. February,4 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-19. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ LSU Colors | Public Affairs
  7. ^ "Louisiana State University Quick Facts". Louisiana State University. July,9 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-19. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ http://www.lib.lsu.edu/collserv/colldev/policies/governmentdocuments.html
  9. ^ http://www.edonline.com/collegecompass/la.htm
  10. ^ LSU quickfacts page http://www.lsu.edu/visitors/quickfacts.shtml
  11. ^ Department of Military Science: Unit History
  12. ^ "Louisiana State University". Huey Long Legacy Project. 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-19.
  13. ^ Mary Hebert Remembering the Scandals Louisiana State University 1995
  14. ^ Steve Clark "Over The Hump", The Greater Baton Rouge Business Report 2005
  15. ^ [1]
  16. ^ The Campus as a Work of Art by Thomas A. Gaines at Questia Online Library
  17. ^ CAMD Website
  18. ^ www.secsports.com - SEC Members
  19. ^ http://www.newalexbox.net/
  20. ^ "CNN Programs - Anchors & Reporters". Retrieved 2007-08-29.
  21. ^ Moffett biosketch on the ULS web site.
  22. ^ http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Photo/Directors/HTML/E49-0170.html

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