LSU’s Jenkins recalls ‘a wonderful 19 years’

Sitting in his office during one of his last days as LSU System president, William L. Jenkins spent some down time watching a live Internet feed of wildlife at a remote African watering hole. A “country veterinarian” at heart, Jenkins is fascinated by the ability to watch live video — from his desk — of elephants, hyenas and other animals visiting Pete’s Pond in Botswana, courtesy of a National Geographic camera. “It allows me to reconnect to part of my early life growing up,” said Jenkins, who was raised on a farm outside Johannesburg, South Africa. Late last month, the 70-year-old Jenkins finished his final day as system president after 19 years in Baton Rouge. He first landed at LSU as dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine before progressing to provost and chancellor. Then, on April Fool’s Day in 1999, Jenkins became system president — a date he laughs about.

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