Steadfast supporter and true friend of LSU Libraries, Dr. Carolyn Hargrave passed away in December 2025. She leaves behind a legacy of dedication to the university as a whole, and to LSU Libraries in particular. 

In 1981, upon her promotion to the position of Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hargrave shepherded the Native Flora of Louisiana project by artist Margaret Stones, which began in 1976, through its completion in 1986. She was integrally involved in the publication of two books by LSU Press related to the project, raising funds for the folio edition of Native Flora of Louisiana in 2018. 

Dr. Hargrave was a staunch ally of the LSU Libraries throughout her career. From her position as Provost to her service as Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs for the Louisiana Board of Regents, Dr. Hargrave led the effort to raise state and federal funding for the support of the Louisiana Library Network (from which the Louisiana Online University Information System was created), as well as the Louisiana Digital Library. 

Anyone who knew Dr. Hargrave would not be surprised to learn that “retirement” in 2015 was not a time of slowing down, but of increased focus of effort and energy on the projects that mattered to her. For example, she served for several years as an advisor on the LSU Libraries Special Collections Purchasing Committee, helping to make important decisions regarding stewardship and the expansion of the Rare Book Collection that will continue to benefit students, faculty, and the larger community for years to come.  

Dr. Hargrave accomplished much in her long career but is best remembered for the way that she worked. She was a natural, no-nonsense leader who was gentle, kind, humble, and earnest. She served the citizens of Louisiana with grace and integrity and will be sorely missed.