Love was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and received his bachelor's degree from Simpson College in 1927.
During World War II Love was executive officer in charge of navy training schools at Ohio State University and at Gulfport, Mississippi.
In 1950 and 1951, enrollment declined at the university as the number of veterans studying on the GI Bill gradually decreased.
In early 1952 Love resigned his presidency, suggesting the board of regents name Minard W. Stout as his successor.
He helped the institution grow from a liberal arts college into a comprehensive university.