RUSTON, La. — Louisiana Tech University is mourning the loss of Linda Digby Reneau, the university’s longest-serving first lady and wife of President Emeritus Dan Reneau. Mrs. Reneau was a beloved figure on campus for decades, dedicating more than 45 years to the Tech community, including 26 years as first lady.
“For more than 45 years, Linda faithfully served Louisiana Tech — 26 of those, tirelessly as first lady alongside President Emeritus Dan Reneau,” said Louisiana Tech President Jim Henderson. “The contributions of a first lady are often unseen: nurturing the culture and feel of campus, caring deeply for students, and connecting meaningfully with alumni and the broader community. Linda lived that calling with grace. Tonia and I grieve along with our entire Tech family at this loss.”
A graduate of Tech’s College of Business in 1980, Mrs. Reneau often reflected on her deep connection to the university. “Louisiana Tech is such an important part of our lives, and we’ve had so many wonderful experiences over the past 50 years,” she once said. “We raised our family with Bulldog pride and passion and with the cherished traditions of our beloved university. The Tech Family is our family, and we will always be faithful in our support and affection for Louisiana Tech.”
Among her many contributions, the Reneaus established an endowment for landscape maintenance. In 2019, the Quad’s rose garden was dedicated in her honor as the Linda Digby Reneau Garden, a place she and Dr. Reneau often enjoyed together.
Her legacy is marked by personal connections with students, faculty, and alumni — a legacy the university says will endure for generations.
Louisiana Tech extends condolences to Dr. Reneau, their children Dana and John, their grandchildren, and the many in the Tech Family whose lives she touched.