By: Meridyth Sanders ’21, co-editor in chief
The LVC community mourns the loss of a beloved professor of history.
Dr. James Broussard came to LVC in 1983 as chair of the history and political science departments. He died earlier this summer after teaching at LVC for 37 years.
Broussard leaves behind a strong legacy of community involvement and commitment to his field as well as his students. He was best known among both students and faculty for his benevolence and loving personality.
“He was the kind of person who was always very helpful and generous,” Dr. Chris Dolan, professor of Politics and Global Studies, said. “During Dutchman Day in 2007, my wife and I were getting lunch on campus. My daughter was a newborn at the time, and my son was about two years old. I think Jim could tell we were a little frazzled, so he came over and played with our son for two hours so we could have some peace and enjoy our lunch. He was that kind of person.”
Broussard is the author of several books, including The Southern Federalists and Ronald Reagan (Routledge Historical Americans). He also founded and directed LVC’s Center for Political History, a program that was the first of its kind in the United States. Directorship of this program is now under Dolan.
“My job now is to maintain the spirit and passion Jim had for the Center,” Dolan said. “We want to develop more student-friendly opportunities, such as new research programs and internships. We want to make it so students can be even more involved. That’s what Jim would have wanted.”
Broussard went to great lengths to connect and stay in touch with LVC students and alumni. He and his wife, Margaret, often held events for alumni, staff and their families at their own residence, “The Estate.” These included an annual Easter egg hunt for faculty each spring and pizza nights for students during the semester.
Broussard’s efforts both within and outside of the classroom will be greatly missed throughout the LVC community.