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Southern University, now celebrating its 145th anniversary, has a storied history deeply intertwined with the evolution of education in the United States. The university’s mission is rooted in providing high-quality, equitable education to students of all backgrounds, particularly Black Americans, and preparing them for leadership in a global society. As one of the nation’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Southern has long been at the forefront of educational opportunities for people of color, contributing to both the academic and social movements shaping Louisiana and American history.
AT A GLANCE
Top executives: Dennis J. Shields, President of the Southern University System; John K. Pierre, Chancellor of Southern University Baton Rouge; Alvin Washington, Chancellor of
Southern University Law Center; Aubra Gantt, Chancellor of Southern University Shreveport; Orlando McMeans, Chancellor of Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension CenterPhone: 225.771.4500
Address: 801 Harding Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70813
Website: sus.edu
“Southern University has always been a cornerstone of progress for our state, shaping not only the arts and culture, but also driving economic opportunities, technological advancements, and political leadership,” says Dennis J. Shields, Southern University System president. “Our alumni remain deeply committed to the state, contributing to its growth in every sector—whether it’s through pioneering research, serving in public office, or cultivating the next generation of innovators. Southern is more than just an institution. It’s a catalyst for change and a beacon of opportunity that helps elevate Louisiana to new heights.”
Southern was founded in New Orleans in 1880 in response to the demands for educational access from African Americans following the Civil War. It was a time of profound societal change. While the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments granted African Americans citizenship and freedom, they still lacked opportunities for education. Black leaders in Louisiana, including P.B.S. Pinchback and Theophile T. Allain, led efforts to establish an institution for higher learning dedicated to “persons of color.”
The university’s first campus focused on pre-college education and vocational training, gradually shifting toward higher education as the student body’s needs grew.
In 1890, Southern transitioned from a vocational school to a full-fledged land-grant college, providing a broader range of academic programs, including science, engineering, and agricultural education.
As the university grew, Southern remained a shining example for racial equality. In 1947, the university began its law school (now the Southern University Law Center), a direct result of students’ legal battles for equal education. A few years later, Southern’s campus became a focal point of the Civil Rights Movement, as students staged sit-ins to protest segregation. Despite fierce political and social challenges, Southern continued to expand, establishing new campuses in New Orleans (1956) and Shreveport (1967). Additionally, the Southern University Cooperative Extension Program (now the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center) was established in 1972.
In 1974, the Southern University System was officially established, bringing the five campuses under one governing body. Today, it remains the only system of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States.
In 1974, the Southern University System was officially established, bringing the five campuses under one governing body. Today, it remains the only system of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the U.S.
In recent decades, Southern University has achieved notable success in both academics and research. The university is a leader in nursing education, with its College of Nursing and Allied Health being recognized nationally for excellence and recently voted the Best Nursing School by nurses.org. Southern is also a pioneer in producing African American nurse practitioners. In 2019, Southern’s Valdry Center for Philanthropy opened, making it one of the few research centers in the country dedicated to philanthropic studies. Additionally, Southern has excelled in emerging fields, including cybersecurity, aerospace technology, and medicinal plant research. In 2019, Southern became the first HBCU to research medical marijuana, exploring its potential benefits for various diseases.
Southern’s most recent master plan, Imagine Southern, envisions the university with an enrollment of 20,000 students—10,000 on campus and 10,000 online—by 2030. Part of achieving that goal involves improvements to the campus and strengthening ties with the Scotlandville and Baton Rouge communities.
