Southern University facts for kids
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Former names
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Southern University for Colored Students (1880–1890) |
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| Type | Public flagship land-grant historically black land-grant university |
| Established | April 10, 1880 |
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Parent institution
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SU System |
| Accreditation | SACS |
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Academic affiliations
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| Endowment | $9.4 million (2018) |
| Vice-Chancellor | James H. Ammons |
| President-Chancellor | Dennis Shields |
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Administrative staff
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1,600 |
| Students | 8,226 (Fall 2022) |
| Undergraduates | 6,470 (fall 2022) |
| Postgraduates | 1,756 (fall 2022) |
| Location |
,
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United States
30°31′29″N 91°11′24″W / 30.524674°N 91.190034°W |
| Campus | Urban; 512 acres (207 ha) |
| Newspaper | The Southern Digest |
| Colors | Columbia Blue and Gold |
| Nickname | Jaguars & Lady Jaguars |
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Sporting affiliations
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NCAA Division I FCS – SWAC |
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Southern University and A&M College (often called Southern University or SU) is a public university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). This means it was founded before 1964 to educate African American students. Southern University is also a land-grant university, which means it receives federal funding to teach agriculture, science, and engineering.
SU is the largest HBCU in Louisiana. It is also the main school of the Southern University System. The campus is huge, covering 512 acres. It also has a special farm area nearby for agricultural studies.
The sports teams at Southern University are called the Jaguars. They compete in NCAA Division I. Southern University is also famous for its marching band, known as the Human Jukebox.
Contents
History of Southern University
Southern University was first planned in 1879. Important African-American leaders like P.B.S. Pinchback wanted to create a school for "persons of color." Many free African Americans in Louisiana were already educated and owned property. They wanted their children to have the same opportunities.
In 1880, the Louisiana government officially created Southern University for Colored Students. It first opened in New Orleans on March 7, 1881, with only 12 students.
In 1890, Southern University became a land grant college for Black students. This helped the state meet federal rules for supporting higher education for all students. Even though schools were separated by race back then, this ensured Black students could get a good education. The university then added departments for agriculture and mechanics.
In 1914, the university moved to Scotlandville, just north of Baton Rouge. This area is now part of the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. Dr. Joseph Samuel Clark became the first president after the move.
Growth and Expansion
In 1921, Southern University was reorganized and grew bigger. Dr. Clark continued to lead the school during this time. The number of students increased from 47 to 500. Many of the school's early buildings were built during his time.
The Southern University Laboratory School System started in 1922. This school helps train future teachers and has educated many high school students. Dr. Clark retired in 1938.
His son, Dr. Felton Grandison Clark, became president in 1938. During his 30 years as president, the university grew a lot. Student numbers went from 500 to almost 10,000. Many new buildings were also constructed.
In 1947, the Southern University Law Center was created. This happened because a Black student was not allowed into the state's other law school. Dr. F. G. Clark also helped start other Southern University campuses. These include Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) in 1956 and Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) in 1964.
Modern Era
In 1974, the Southern University System was officially created. This system includes the main campus in Baton Rouge, along with SUNO, the Law Center, an Agricultural Center, and SUSLA.
Between 1970 and 1990, Southern University often had over 10,000 students. It was known as the largest HBCU in the country.
In 2021, Southern University achieved R2 Carnegie Classification status. This means it is recognized for having "High Research Activity." Southern is one of only 11 HBCUs to have this important status.
Academic Programs
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Southern University offers many different programs for students. It has six colleges that grant degrees, plus a special law school.
- College of Education, Arts, and Humanities
- College of Business
- College of Sciences and Engineering
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
- College of Sciences and Agriculture
- College of Nursing and Allied Health
- Southern University Law Center
The Southern University Law Center is one of only two public law schools in Louisiana. It was started in 1947 and is approved by the American Bar Association.
Southern University was the first school in Louisiana to offer degrees in philanthropic studies. This field teaches about giving money and time to help others.
The College of Nursing and Allied Health is very strong. In 2023, it won Louisiana's nursing school of the year award for the sixth time. It also produces the most African Americans with Master of Science in Nursing degrees in the nation.
Southern University is the only HBCU in Louisiana with an engineering program. It also has highly recognized Army and Navy ROTC programs. These programs help train future military officers.
The Dolores Spikes Honors College is for students with excellent grades and strong academic skills. It is named after Dr. Dolores Richard Spikes, who was the only woman president of Southern University.
Southern University and A&M College is approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). This means it meets high standards for education.
Campus Life
Lake Kernan flows through the middle of the campus. The Mississippi River forms the western edge. The campus is often called "The Bluff" by students and alumni.
Important Buildings
Many important buildings are on campus, including:
- John B. Cade Library
- School of Nursing Building
- Valdry Center for Philanthropy
- Health Research Wing of Lee Hall
- Rodney G. Higgins Hall for Social Science
- Augustus C. Blanks Hall for Special Education and Psychology
- Baranco-Hill Student Health Center
- A.A. Lenoir Hall
- College of Engineering Building, P.B.S. Pinchback
- Dolores Spikes Honors College
- T.T Allain College of Business
- Smith-Brown Memorial Union
- J. S. Clark Administration Building
- E. N. Mayberry Dining Hall
- Music Recital Hall
- Isaac Greggs Band Hall
- Southern University Museum of Art
- F. G. Clark Activity Center
- Ace W. Mumford Stadium
- Horace W. Moody Intramural Sports Complex
Southern University has eight residence halls where students can live on campus.
The Smith-Brown Memorial Union is a large building for student activities. It has a food court, shops, bowling lanes, a game room, an art gallery, and meeting rooms. It also houses offices for student groups.
The John B. Cade Library is named after John Brother Cade, the first principal of the Southern University Laboratory School. It has over a million books and many other resources. The library also has a special collection about African-American heritage.
The F.G. Clark Activity Center is used for sports events, concerts, and other large gatherings. The university's Athletic Department is located here.
The J.S. Clark Administration Building holds the main offices for the university's leaders and staff.
Student Body
In fall 2022, there were 6,470 undergraduate students and 1,756 graduate students. About 66% of students were female and 34% were male. Most students (70%) came from Louisiana. The top states for students from outside Louisiana were Texas, Georgia, and California. About 82% of students identified as Black.
Athletics
The Southern Jaguars and Lady Jaguars are the university's sports teams. They compete in NCAA Division I as part of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
For over 20 years, NBC has shown the annual football game called the Bayou Classic. This game is played between Southern University and its rival, Grambling State University.
Student Activities
Southern University Marching Band
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The Southern University marching band is famous worldwide. It is known as the Human Jukebox. The band has appeared in many TV commercials and music videos. It has also performed at the Rose Parade, Presidential Inauguration ceremonies, and six Super Bowl halftime shows. The band was featured in music videos for the Jonas Brothers and Lizzo. In 2014, the NCAA ranked the band as the second best in the nation.
SU Media
The Southern Digest is the university's weekly student newspaper. It has won awards and has been published since 1926. "The Bluff" is an internet radio station run by students. It offers news, interviews, and music.
Student Organizations
There are almost 150 student groups at Southern University. These groups cover many interests, including academics, honors societies, cultural groups, Greek life, political groups, and sports clubs.
Legacy of Lacumba
Southern University was the first HBCU to have a live animal mascot on campus. In 1961, students gave the university a baby jaguar named Lacumba. The name means "Heart of Africa."
Lacumba retired in 1991 and was replaced by Lacumba II. This jaguar was born in 1991 and grew to be 200 pounds. Lacumba II passed away in 2004. After that, the university decided not to get another live jaguar.
Today, the legacy of Lacumba lives on through the school's costumed jaguar mascot. There is also a Cafe Lacumba on campus.
Notable People
Alumni
Faculty
- Blyden Jackson, English professor and Dean of the Graduate School.
- Jacquelyne Jackson, sociology professor.
- William Moore, chemistry professor and vice chancellor.
- Jewel Prestage, Dean of the School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs.
- Morgan Watson, engineer.
