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History::Deans Ben T. Bogard, born on December 19th, 1914, Louisiana Tech University’s longest serving dean of the College of Engineering, has always been an active member in his school, country, and community. He is an inspiration to anyone who wants to make a difference. Ben Bogard had one motto, "get involved." Even as a student Ben Bogard did not sit on the sidelines; he tried to make a difference on campus. Ben was active in many of the college organizations. He was a member of the band, a member of the Glee Club, Vice-President of the senor class, President of the Louisiana Tech Engineers’ Association, and Vice-President of Delta Alpha Rho, honorary Engineering fraternity. Ben Bogard graduated from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute in 1935 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He continued his education at Louisiana State University and one year later received his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1936. When Ben Bogard’s country needed him, he was there. During World War II Ben Bogard actively participated in the armed services. As an Army Officer, he held the following positions: Fire Control Design Engineer officer for the Frankford Arsenal, Philadelphia, PA in 1942, and Army Anti-Aircraft officer for the 25th Ordinance Battalion, Camp Davis, NC in 1943. Even after the war, he continued to provide leadership and insight to the U.S. Army as a Project Engineer performing rocket development and design work for the Chief of Ordinance Office, Washington, DC. In May of 1952, Ben T. Bogard, professor of mechanical engineering, was approved by the state board of education as acting dean of the School of Engineering. During this time he continued as the head of the mechanical engineering department. It was not until January of 1953 that Ben T. Bogard officially received the title of dean of the School of Engineering. Ben Bogard held the office from 1952 until 1976. In 1976, Ben T. Bogard was selected dean Emeritus, and remained until his death in 1978. Ben Bogard was instrumental in the expanding and improving the engineering programs at Louisiana Tech University. Academic standards were improved, undergraduate programs were initiated, and graduate programs at both masters and doctoral level were begun under his administration. His efforts brought Tech to a new level in the engineering community. Ben T. Bogard was member of a number of scientific and professional societies. He was a member of the Tau Beta Pi honorary engineering association, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society of Engineering Education, National Society of Professional Engineers, and Louisiana Engineering Society. Dean Bogard was further honored by an appointment to the Louisiana State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors in 1950. He also served more than twenty years as a member of the National Council of Engineering Examiners. Ben Bogard was also active in his community. He was a member of the Lions Club for ten years where he served as vice-president for 1946-47. He participated in the Ruston Kiwanis Club where he was both a member of the board of directors and president. On February 19th, 1978 at the age of 63, Ben Bogard died from a long-suffering illness. His legacy as a community leader, Tech administrator, and civil servant, still impact Louisiana Tech today. 
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