Lu Hardin, a high-profile public servant for decades in Arkansas, passed away Monday (Aug. 11) at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer. His family disclosed his death on social media.
Hardin was born in Searcy and attended Arkansas Tech University and the University of Arkansas School of Law. He launched a successful legal career in Russellville, where he served in the Arkansas State Senate from 1983 to 1996. He ran for the U.S. Senate in 1996 as a conservative Democrat, but lost the nomination to then-Attorney General Winston Bryant.
Hardin’s son, Scott Hardin, who is spokesman for the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, said his father loved the state and being a public servant.
“My dad loved the great state of Arkansas so much,” Scott said in a statement. “When he lived in south Florida for a few years, he was always proud to tell people he was from Arkansas. He loved public service and taking care of people. He was an amazing dad and I already miss him dearly.”
Gov. Mike Huckabee appointed Hardin to serve as director of the Arkansas Department of Higher Education, a position he held until he was tapped to lead the University of Central Arkansas as its 8th president.
Hardin oversaw tremendous growth on the UCA campus through an expansion of programs, students and building construction. Enrollment grew from 8,500 students in 2002 to more than 12,600 students by 2007. Hardin also guided UCA’s emergence into Division 1 sports.
During Hardin’s presidency, UCA became the first public institution of higher education in Arkansas to achieve a graduation rate in excess of 50%, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. His tenure at UCA ended in resignation after controversy involving a bonus that was not properly disclosed. He later pleaded guilty in federal court to money laundering and wire fraud.
In triumph and in controversy, Hardin was a beloved public figure. He was a well-known fixture at the Arkansas State Capitol and offered advice on higher education issues in addition to general legislative institutional knowledge.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary, and two children Mallory and Scott and several grandchildren.