Dr. Charles Boustany returned to graduate school in his 60s after a multi-hyphenate career as a cardiovascular surgeon, U.S. congressman and businessman. He wanted to dive into a subject that had fascinated him since the first world civilizations class he took at the University as an undergraduate in 1974. It was taught by Dr. Richard Neiheisel.
This week, Boustany will receive a master’s degree in history from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The University will also honor him with the Richard G. Neiheisel Phi Beta Kappa Graduate Award, named in honor of the professor who ignited his passion for the subject more than five decades ago. The Neiheisel award is presented to a graduating master’s student each fall and spring for the highest academic accomplishments in a classical arts and science degree.
“I was very excited about the award because it has a very deep personal meaning to me,” said Boustany. “I've never forgotten the influence that Richard Neiheisel had on me and my love of history.”
Boustany said studying history has been a constant in his life, even throughout his career as a surgeon and, later, as a congressman representing southwest Louisiana. He recalled staying up an hour or two each night after seeing patients all day and spending weekly round-trip flights from Lafayette to Washington, D.C., with his nose buried in a book.
“I found knowledge of history to be very important as a guide to how public policy should be made,” said Boustany. “I read extensive amounts of history during that time because it was very important to the work I was actually doing.”
During his six terms in Congress from 2005 to 2017, Boustany served as co-chair of the U.S.-China Working Group, the Japan Caucus and a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, among others. His research builds on this real-world experience in international relations and examines three individuals who set the stage for the development of the United Nations.
Boustany's thesis incorporates findings from the Princeton University archives and tells the story of how these men helped shape international foreign policy between the U.S. and Europe following World War I and World War II.
He said the primary archival sources and staff of Edith Garland Dupré Library provided invaluable support for his research. He also expressed appreciation for the encouragement and guidance he received from the graduate faculty, especially former dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Dr. Jordan Kellman, and the chair of his thesis committee, Dr. Chad Parker, associate professor of history and the assistant vice president of Academic Affairs, Faculty Development & Academic Outreach.
"Dr. Boustany is an eager and avid student of history who is able to sift through and synthesize difficult historical interpretations and develop interesting, important and unique research questions,” said Parker. “He is disciplined and open minded, which is a tremendous combination of strengths that serve him well as a scholar.”
After graduation, Boustany said he plans to continue researching and writing about history with hopes to publish a book. He has applied to pursue his doctorate in history at LSU. Boustany received bachelor of science degree with dual majors in biology and chemistry from the University in 1978. He also holds a doctor of medicine from LSU.
He said the experience of returning to college later in life, although initially daunting, was buoyed by the camaraderie and encouragement he received from his classmates at UL Lafayette.
“I felt a little out of place at first, but I have to say it wasn't long before I felt like I was one of them — they went out of their way to make me feel at home,” said Boustany. “This University got me started on a pathway that led to whatever success I had. Every time I walk on the campus, I think about the students now and the students I learned with back in the day when I was an undergraduate, and I think about how lucky we are to have this University here.”
Photo caption: Former U.S. Congressman and Lafayette surgeon Dr. Charles Boustany was honored with the Richard G. Neiheisel Phi Beta Kappa Graduate Award. Photo credit: Doug Dugas / University of Louisiana at Lafayette