About the SU System - A National Treasure
The Southern University System is a five campus state university system with One Shared Vision. We value excellence in everything we do. All alumni of the Southern University System are recognized worldwide as highly competitive in the global marketplace.
Southern University opened its doors in 1880 in New Orleans, Louisiana, with 12 students, five faculty, and a budget totaling $10,000. In 1914, the University was relocated to Louisiana's capital city, Baton Rouge. In 1947, a public law school was also opened at this site. Today, the Southern University Law Center (SULC) graduates a majority of the state's African-American lawyers.
The University later expanded to other cities in the state, establishing Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) in 1956, Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) in 1965, and Southern University and Agriculture Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) as a stand alone campus in 2001. The SUAREC includes a cooperative extension livestock and horse facility in Baker, Louisiana. The System's major land-grant programs, which date back to 1890, are primarily conducted through the SUAREC and the Southwest Center in St. Landry Parish.
In 1974, the Southern University and A&M College System was created by the state legislature under the management of the Southern University Board of Supervisors. To ensure that the Southern University Law Center enjoyed professional standing in the legal education community, it was designated as an independent budgetary unit within the Southern University System. Hence, the Southern University Law Center became the fourth campus of the System.
The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) was established on July 1, 2001, out of the need to enhance the impact of our land-grant programs on the citizenry of the State of Louisiana. In July 2001, the agricultural research program was relocated to the newly constructed Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC), establishing it as the fifth campus of the Southern University and A&M College System.
From its humble beginnings, Southern University has become the only historically black university system in America with an enrollment of over 13,000 students. It's annual operating budget is more than $200.5 million, and the combined physical plant, is valued at approximately $382.5 million. The Southern University System offers 86 baccalaureate degree programs, 23 associate degrees, and 12 certificate programs. Although the majority of the programs are offered at the undergraduate level, the University also offers 26 masters, one post master's, one professional and five doctoral (Ph.D.) degree programs. The System encompasses five institutions offering certificates, two-year, four-year, graduate, professional and doctoral degrees. Southern University at Baton Rouge, Southern University at New Orleans, and Southern University at Shreveport are accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; telephone number - 404.679.4501) to award its compliment of degrees. Southern University Law Center is accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the American Bar Association (750 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60611; telephone number - 312.988.6738).
Mission of the Southern University System
The mission of the Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College System is to prepare students to compete globally in their respective professions, and to engage in advanced study in graduate and professional schools. The University is committed to a broad spectrum of programs, research, and creative work to stimulate the faculty and students in a quest for knowledge and to aid society in resolving its scientific, technological, socio-economic and cultural problems. The University seeks to enhance student diversity by emphasizing educational access for students without regard to gender, ethnic background, religion, geographical or national origin, age, or physical challenges.
The University is committed to providing a safe and aesthetic environment that is conducive to learning while operating in accordance with the highest standards of management and efficiency.