Statement from LSU President Tom Galligan on the Passing of Former Chancellor James Wharton
05/22/2021
"During James Wharton’s time as LSU chancellor, he strove to modernize the university
along the lines of other major flagships around the nation, strongly advocated for
the creation of LSU’s first admissions standards, created the first iteration of the
LSU Alumni Association and the Tiger Athletic Foundation, drove the university to
reach Research I status for the first time, and oversaw the effort to bring the LIGO
facility to LSU and Louisiana. His impact on our university will be remembered always.
We offer our condolences to his family, colleagues and all those he impacted throughout
his career, and we express our profound gratitude for his years of service to Louisiana
and LSU."