The History of Higher Education in Louisiana

About the Book

The book tells the story of Louisiana and its people – through the lens of higher education. Starting with the cultural foundation of the French and Spanish inhabitants, the state – and its colleges and universities – took a path unlike the rest of America. From the mid-nineteenth century beginnings, Louisiana higher education expanded as the state grew. Unlike in many other parts of the country, Louisiana governors, especially Huey P. Long, played a central role in the establishment and reform of colleges and universities. Louisiana State University and Tulane University emerged as the most important and influential universities in the state, and Louisiana leaders consciously set up a “dual system” of higher education, segregated by race. As Louisiana looks to the future, an improvement in college graduation rates is the key to prosperity. The goal of this history is to provide a foundation upon which leaders can base effective policy decisions.

About the Author

About the Author Ron Chapman serves as Professor of History at Nunez Community College in Chalmette, Louisiana. The college is located near the actual site of the Battle of New Orleans. Professor Chapman recently received the Preservation Award for 2011-2012 from the Louisiana Colonials, the Nunez Community College Excellence in Teaching Award for 2004 and the Meraux Endowed Professorship (2009). He has also received numerous community service and academic honors over the years including nine awards from the Louisiana Press Association for “Best Regular Column” for the St. Bernard Voice, the local community’s official journal for which he was written for over twenty-eight years. He has composed articles in Louisiana Life Magazine : “Fazendeville”, the story of a lost African/ American community (2004) and “How Louisiana Became a State” (2012) as well as a publication in New Orleans Magazine : “A Queen Falls” the story of the fall of New Orleans in the Civil War (2012). He has also written for numerous other publications and organizations. In addition, he regularly delivers lectures to a variety of associations including the Nix Library’s Bicentennial Lecture Series and the Nunez Community College History Lecture Series, The Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the War of 1812, The Roundtable Club, and the Louisiana Colonials. In addition to his regular classes, Mr. Chapman has made presentations before Regional and National Conventions of the Community College Humanities Association and the Southwest Historical Society. Professor Chapman possesses a special love for the rich history of Louisiana. Undoubtedly, Louisiana’s story is one of the most unique state histories in the Union. As he tells his students at the opening of his Louisiana History class… “This is not Kansas, Dorothy!” His story of the Battle of New Orleans reflects this unique flavor of local history.