LSU’s quadrangle is renowned for its beautiful oaks, azaleas, crepe myrtles and magnolia trees that decorate students’ walks between classes.
The quad was constructed in 1926 as imagined by former LSU President Thomas D. Boyd. Despite challenges onset by the great depression, the determination of figures like Thomas Atkinson, William Dodson and Thomas D. Boyd contributed to LSU’s ability to purchase the land and materials required to construct the campus.
Once land was purchased from C. P. Williams, owner of the Gartness Plantation, the school enlisted the Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm to design the new campus.
Many of the buildings in the quad are dedicated to renowned figures who aided in the construction of LSU and to prominent figures in LSU history, deserving of recognition in the beautiful quad.
Here is a brief explanation of who these figures were and why they deserved a spot of prominence on LSU’s campus:
Thomas W. Atkinson Hall
Thomas W. Atkinson was a cadet at LSU in 1888, became a professor in 1897, then took over as the dean of the School of Engineering in 1907. He eventually became president of LSU from 1926-31.
Atkinson succeeded the prolific reign of Thomas D. Boyd who transformed LSU. Under Atkinson, the number of buildings increased, and the number of courses grew and improved, showing his continuance of the improvements made by Thomas D. Boyd. Due to his failing health, he resigned in 1930.
In his memory lies one of the most prominent buildings in the LSU Quad, notable for its beautiful archways and balcony, as well as its position across from the LSU library.
Charles E. Coates Hall
Charles E. Coates was the third ever person to receive a PhD from LSU. He became world-renowned for his work in sugar chemistry and later became the dean of the Audubon Sugar School.
Coates was the head coach of the first-ever LSU football team with a record of 0-1. Despite this record, Coates volunteered his time to start the LSU football program which led to the rise of the greatest college football program in history.
Oscar K. Allen Hall
Allen Hall was constructed during LSU’s expansion in the 1930’s. During this time Louisiana Governor Oscar K. Allen supported the expansion of LSU and signed legislation allowing for our continued growth.
Allen succeeded the reign of former Gov. Huey P Long and was widely known as a political puppet for Long. Allen called his administration the Long-Allen administration, even though Long was no longer governor. While repeating information communicated by Long, Allen criticized FDR, leading to the cancellation of public works programs.
After the assassination of Long, Allen was selected to serve on the Senate, but died of a brain hemorrhage before he had the opportunity to serve.
Arthur T. Prescott Hall
Arthur T. Prescott was the founding president of Louisiana State Technical University. He received his bachelor’s degree from LSU and spent most of his educational and administrative career at LSU.
Prescott was a political scientist and had a devotion to the law. He was the first LSU faculty to propose the idea of starting the Louisiana State University Law School. Two years later, the law school was established as proposed by Arthur T. Prescott.
John J. Audubon Hall
John J. Audubon was an artist and ornithologist who devoted his life to conducting extensive studies on types of American birds. He is credited with identifying 25 new species of birds.
For most of his life, he lived with his wife Lucy Audubon in Louisiana, and although he is not directly connected to LSU, his influence on Louisiana’s natural history makes him a fitting namesake for the Department of Psychology building.
Martin D. Woodin Hall
Martin D. Woodin received a bachelor’s in business administration and a masters in business. Woodin was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy during WWII before returning to LSU as a faculty member. He was also the first dean of the LSU-Alexandria campus and later served as the vice president of LSU. In 1972 Woodin became the president of LSU.
During his presidency, the university founded a Black studies program and began hiring more African American staff. Women were also allowed to compete in more than just intramural sports during his time at LSU. The Woodin era at LSU expanded diversity and equity in the university.
James W. Nicholson Hall
James W. Nicholson was the founder of Arizona Seminary in 1869, and he was offered a position as a professor of mathematics at LSU which he accepted. He eventually became the first dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and superintendent.
