Louis L. Madsen became the eighth president of Utah State Agricultural College in 1950. An alumnus of the college, President Madsen was born in Salt Lake City in 1907, where he grew up on a farm and attended Granite High School before graduating from USAC in 1930. He received his Ph. D. from Cornell University in 1934, and embarked on various research projects at Cornell, Columbia University and finally at Michigan State College. From 1937 to 1945, Madsen was associated with the United States Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry at Beltsville, Maryland. From this position he was selected to head the Animal Husbandry Department at USAC.

Madsen's presidency is exemplified by his continuing effort to expand the role of the institution, particularly with International Programs. Serving during a period of austerity in State government, Madsen at times found himself at odds with the governor and the institution's Board of Trustees. In May 1953, his authority eroding, the Board voted to dismiss the President.

News of Madsen's dismissal caused a firestorm of protest on campus, as the Student Council declared a “holiday,” and over 700 students drove to Salt Lake City in a 100 car caravan. The students camped on the steps of the State Capitol, invaded the halls of the adjourned State Legislature, and demanded that the Governor convene an investigation. "While other colleges like Princeton were frittering away spring in the usual way,” reported Life Magazine to a national audience, “students at the Utah State Agricultural College went on a more purposeful spree."

The controversy surrounding President Madsen is indicative of the transformation which occurred as a result of World War II and its aftermath. The campus, as well as the nation, emerged from the conflict a far different place. The institution could simply not expect to conduct its affairs in the same manner as it had before.

Madsen left the presidency with the adoration of the student body, which praised him for “the warmth and patience extended to them.” The student body credited Madsen with completing the Union Building, and for beginning construction on the new agricultural science building. Madsen was also seen by students as having taken a keen interest in reviving a moribund intercollegiate athletic program, which was suspended during the war years.

Madsen returned to Beltsville, Maryland, for further research, before accepting the appointment of Dean of the School of Agriculture at Washington State University. Some twenty-five years later USU granted Louis L. Madsen the recognition he deserved by awarding him an honorary degree in 1979. Louis L. Madsen died in May 1986.