Leon R. Tarver II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Leon R. Tarver II
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| President of Southern University |
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| Preceded by | Dolores Richard Spikes |
| Succeeded by | Edward Jackson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1948 Shreveport, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Spouse | Cynthia Tarver |
| Alma mater | Southern University Harvard University's John K. Kennedy School of Government The Union Institute |
Leon R. Tarver II (born around c. 1948) is an American leader in education. He was the president of Southern University, a public university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, from 1997 to 2005. Southern University is also known as a historically black university. This means it was created to provide higher education for African American students during a time when they faced discrimination.
Early Life and Learning
Leon R. Tarver II was born around c. 1948 in Shreveport, Louisiana. He went to schools in his hometown. After high school, he went to Southern University in Baton Rouge. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.
He continued his education at Harvard University. He received a master's degree in public administration from the John K. Kennedy School of Government. Later, he earned a doctor of philosophy degree from The Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio.
His Work and Leadership
Tarver started working at Southern University in 1992. He became a professor of Public Administration. He also served as the executive administrator for the university's Center of Cultural Heritage and International Programs. This center helps to share culture and connect with other countries.
From 1997 to 2005, Leon R. Tarver II was the president of Southern University. As president, he was in charge of the entire university system.
Besides his work in education, he has also helped with international development. This means he worked to improve conditions in other countries. He has worked in places like Haiti, England, France, and several countries in Africa. These include Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and South Africa.
In 2013, Governor Bobby Jindal chose Tarver to join the Board of Trustees for Southern University. This board helps to guide the university. Since 2015, he has been the chairman of this board. This means he leads the group of trustees.
Tarver also served as the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue and Taxation. In this role, he was responsible for managing the state's taxes.
His Family
Leon R. Tarver II is married to Cynthia Tarver.
