Howard and Jean Ann L’Enfant
Everyone who has had the opportunity to meet Professor Emeritus Howard W. L’Enfant, Jr. and Jean Ann Tolleson L’Enfant would agree that they share a dynamic synergy.
“They are just a wonderful couple,” said Kenneth Privat, a graduate of the Class of 1970 who created the Howard and Jean Ann L’Enfant Scholarship.
Whether he was giving a lecture or a sermon, everyone in the audience knew Howard was both passionate and knowledgeable. Jean Ann was just as energetic and would do anything she could to help anyone. Their positive nature is what led Privat, who remains close to the couple to this day, to endow a scholarship in their names.
Professor Howard L’Enfant, circa 2005
Howard arrived to teach at the Paul M. Hebert Law Center during Privat’s 3L year. Having graduated from LSU Law himself in 1966, Howard began what would become a 40-year career in law education – a career that would influence four generations of students and future lawyers.
“Professor L’Enfant was one of my legal heroes,” said Class of 2002 graduate Charlton Meginley, a retired Colonel and Appellate Military Judge on the U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals and current general counsel for the Louisiana Secretary of State. “He was the most genteel, professional instructor, and he was exactly what you would expect of someone interested in your success as a student and a lawyer.”
Howard was beloved both in and out of the classroom. He provided students with guidance not just on the law but also on life.
When LSU Law student Delia Cobb was in the late stages of her battle with breast cancer in 1985, Howard provided her with much spiritual comfort. He was devoted to his faith, becoming ordained as an Episcopal priest in 2002. He served at both St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge and a church in North Carolina.
Howard was known for his fairness, warm personality, and ability to make learning the law fun. During his career at LSU Law, he also served as Acting Associate Dean, Vice Chancellor, and Interim Chancellor.
“He had such a command of the language that he could teach with great clarity,” said Class of 1989 graduate Gayla Moncla. “The quality of lawyers that we have in Louisiana is largely due to the quality of professors that we have – notably Professor L’Enfant.”
(from left to right): Brenda Privat, Jean Ann Tolleson L’Enfant, Howard L’Enfant, and Kenneth “Kenny” Privat.
Moncla is a former student of Howard’s and another family friend of the L’Enfant’s. She was completing her law school education just as Jean Ann was beginning hers.
Jean Ann Tolleson L’Enfant, circa 1991
Jean Ann had an established career as an accountant before she enrolled at LSU Law in 1988. Janie Coles was a classmate, study partner, and friend of Jean Ann’s.
“With both of our backgrounds, we could fill in the gaps as we studied,” said Coles, who was a nurse before she began law school. “She helped me immensely with tax law, and I was able to help with the areas she was not as familiar with.”
For a short period of time, Jean Ann managed the Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville for the Trustee, where she and Coles would hold study sessions. While Coles never witnessed any paranormal activity herself, she says studying law in the notoriously haunted plantation was a unique experience and a cherished memory she has of Jean Ann.
“She was just the kind of person who would do anything to help anyone,” Coles said. “I remember her making soup and bringing it to people when they were sick. She and Howard were lucky to have found each other.”
After Jean Ann graduated from LSU Law in 1991, she practiced business litigation in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Howard continued teaching at LSU Law until 2011, when he retired as the Henry Plauché Dart Endowed Professor of Law, a title he had held for 20 years. They now live part time in North Carolina, where they enjoy spending time with their family and Howard enjoys good beer.
About the Scholarship:
Recipients of the Scholarship must be full-time second or third-year students enrolled in the Law Center, pursuing a Juris Doctor degree and in good academic standing as defined by the Dean, with preference given to armed forces veterans and single parents. Recipients must have financial need.
