Dr. Carolyn Hooper Hargrave

Dr. Carolyn Hooper Hargrave, born January 1, 1940, passed away in the early morning hours of Saturday, December 13, 2025. She was predeceased by her beloved spouse, W. Lee Hargrave, and her parents, William Coggin Hooper and Carrie Nell Hooper. Carolyn is survived by her son, Michel Hooper Hargrave and his wife, Lacey Hargrave; her daughter, Aleah Hargrave Guilbeau; and her cherished grandchildren, Carrie Guilbeau, Jacob Guilbeau, and Lindley Guilbeau.

Born in Brownwood, Texas, Carolyn earned a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Texas, an M.S. in Business Administration from the University of Rochester, and a Ph.D. in Economics and Statistics from the University of Texas. Her distinguished 45-year career at Louisiana State University began in 1968 as an Assistant Professor in the College of Business.

In 1974, Carolyn began her administrative career as Associate Dean of the Graduate School, followed in 1981 by her promotion to Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. During a decade of service in this role, she helped implement LSU’s first admission requirements and launched major initiatives strengthening promotion, tenure, and research. In 1997, after serving again as Interim Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Carolyn was appointed by the Louisiana Board of Regents as Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs. There, she helped initiate major efforts to strengthen teacher education programs across Louisiana colleges and universities and was instrumental in securing state and federal grants supporting the Louisiana Library Network, the LSU Digital Library, and statewide teacher education redesign.

After a brief attempt at retirement, Carolyn answered LSU’s call in 2003 to serve as Vice President for Academic Affairs for the LSU System, a position she held until her retirement in 2015. As a visionary leader serving under several LSU presidents, she had direct responsibility for all academic, research, technology transfer, and related matters across the LSU System. She also worked closely with LSU medical campuses to develop and implement a statewide electronic health records system. In 2011, LSU became the first statewide public healthcare network in the United States to deploy electronic health records at all of its hospitals.

Carolyn’s professional service included membership on LSU’s first Commission on the Status of Women and the LSU Graduate Council; service as Chair of the GRE Board; Vice-Chair of the Executive Council of SACSCOC; and Chair of the Louisiana Library Network Commission, which initiated and implemented LOUIS, the Louisiana Online University Information System.

In recognition of her profound and lasting impact on higher education, Carolyn received distinguished service awards from numerous organizations, including the LSU chapters of Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa, the Louisiana Academic Librarians, and the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. She was further honored by LSU through the Carolyn H. Hargrave Faculty Leadership Award, reflecting her enduring influence on libraries, education, and the state at large.

Brilliant, exceptionally kind, and possessing a powerful presence, Carolyn left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered and will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues, and

students; the family extends sincere gratitude to Reverend Katie Simpson, along with close friends and family, for their love, prayers, and presence.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Carolyn’s life on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the University United Methodist Church, 3350 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge. Family will be available to greet guests beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. A reception will immediately follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the William B Reily Memorial University United Methodist Church on LSU Campus.