Southern University System: Contributing to academic and social movements that have shaped Louisiana and American history

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 Center

Phone: 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.”

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