Smith, James Monroe, 1888-1949

James Monroe Smith was a Louisiana educator and university administrator. He was appointed president of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College by Huey Long in 1931 and served in that capacity until 1939. During his tenure he spent lavishly on parties and household extravagances, appointed close associates to positions of power, and embezzled nearly a half a million dollars from L.S.U funds. Smith later served prison time for his crimes. Castro Carazo was the orchestra leader at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans, La., and later bandmaster of the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College Cadet Band.

James Monroe Smith was a Louisiana educator and university administrator. He was appointed president of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College by Huey Long in 1931 and served in that capacity until 1939. During his tenure he spent lavishly on parties and household extravagances, appointed close associates to positions of power, and embezzled nearly a half a million dollars from L.S.U. funds. Smith later served prison time for his crimes.

Educator and university administrator. President of Louisiana State University, 1930-1939.