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Kingfish U: Huey Long and LSU

Name: Kingfish U: Huey Long and LSU
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Book Synopsis: No political leader is more closely identified with Louisiana State University than the flamboyant governor and U.S. senator Huey P. Long, who devoted his last years to turning a small, undistinguished state school into an academic and football powerhouse. From 1931, when Long declared himself the “official thief” for LSU, to his death in 1935, the school’s budget mushroomed, its physical plant burgeoned, its faculty flourished, and its enrollment tripled. Along with improving LSU’s academic reputation, Long believed the school’s football program and band were crucial to its success. Taking an intense interest in the team, Long delivered pregame and halftime pep talks, devised plays, stalked the sidelines during games, and fired two coaches. He poured money into a larger, flashier band, supervised the hiring of two directors, and, with the second one, wrote a new fight song, “Touchdown for LSU.” While he rarely meddled in academic affairs, Long insisted that no faculty member criticize him publicly. When students or faculty from “his school” opposed him, retribution was swift. Long’s support for LSU did not come without consequences. His unrelenting involvement almost cost the university its accreditation. And after his death, several of his allies—including his handpicked university president—went to prison in a scandal that almost destroyed LSU.

Rollicking and revealing, Robert Mann’s Kingfish U is the definitive story of Long’s embrace of LSU.

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Experience the incredible story of Huey P. Long and his transformative impact on Louisiana State University with Kingfish U: Huey Long and LSU. This captivating book chronicles Long's relentless commitment to transforming a once unremarkable state school into an academic and football powerhouse. From declaring himself the "official thief" for LSU in 1931 to his untimely death in 1935, Long's unwavering dedication propelled the university to new heights.

Not only did Long pour resources into LSU's football program and band, but he also nurtured its academic reputation. He believed that a strong athletic presence was integral to the success of the institution. Long's passion was infectious, as he delivered pep talks, devised plays, and made sure the team felt his presence on the sidelines during games. With his influence, the school's budget flourished, the faculty expanded, and the enrollment tripled.

In addition to his football pursuits, Long directed his attention towards the university's band. He ensured that it grew larger and more visually impressive, handpicking directors to oversee its development. Alongside the second director, he co-wrote a new fight song, "Touchdown for LSU," further solidifying his devotion to the institution.

While his involvement with LSU's athletic strategies was widely known, Long did not shy away from safeguarding his own image. No faculty member was allowed to publicly criticize him without facing swift consequences. Long's dedication to LSU came at a cost, however, as it almost jeopardized the university's accreditation. After his passing, the institution was further rocked by scandal, revealing the complexities of Long's legacy.

Delve into the captivating pages of Robert Mann's Kingfish U, the definitive account of Huey P. Long's lasting imprint on Louisiana State University. Discover the trials, triumphs, and controversy that shaped this extraordinary chapter in the university's history. Embrace the journey and order your copy of Kingfish U: Huey Long and LSU today to unlock the captivating tale behind one man's relentless pursuit of excellence.

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