T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History Collection

ABSTRACT

INTERVIEWEE NAME: John Anderson Hunter [1914-1985] # 4700.0028

IDENTIFICATION: President of LSU, 1962-72

INTERVIEWER: Jack Fiser

PROJECT: LSU History

DATE: 2/25/82 FOCUS DATES: 1962-1972

ABSTRACT:

Tape 32

The expansion of LSU in New Orleans, Alexandria, and Shreveport; Ed Jeansonne, dean of Loyola School of Medicine becomes dean of the LSU School of Medicine; LSU, flagship of operation for Louisiana Tech; Northwestern, McNeese, Southwestern and UNO; Louisiana Legislature, generous political body as far as education; Allen Ellender and B.B. Rayburn, responsible for the building of the School of Veterinary Medicine; most important quality for the president of the university, flare for public relations; Jim Corbett, head of the Athletic Department, master in public relations.

Tape 33

Charlie McClendon, head football coach; Hunter disappointed with shortage of funds; LSU student body relatively conservative during 1960s; black students want fraternity; Hunter didn't want LSU and Southern to merge; alumni chapters in Central America attract a great response from foreign students; programs in agriculture and medicine in Panama make Louisiana an ideal place for Central Americans to come to; high coaching ethics at LSU; does not believe in fund raising ventures for collegiate athletics; Hunter believes outlook for LSU is bright.

Tape 34

John McKeithen, most exuberant governor; Hunter and McKeithen change retirement system at LSU.

TAPES: T 32, 33, 34 Cassettes TOTAL PLAYING TIME: 1hr. 40 min. # PAGES TRANSCRIPT: 38

RESTRICTIONS: none