Southern University: A Legacy of Education and Opportunity
Southern University and A&M College (SUBR), often referred to as Southern University, Southern, or SU, stands as a public historically black land-grant university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As the flagship institution of the Southern University System and the largest HBCU in Louisiana, it holds a significant place in the landscape of higher education. Southern University's commitment to providing educational opportunities for African Americans dates back to its founding in 1880.
Historical Overview
The origins of Southern University can be traced to the Louisiana State Constitutional Convention of 1879, where African-American political leaders like P. B. S. Pinchback advocated for the establishment of an institution dedicated to the education of persons of color. In 1880, the Louisiana General Assembly officially chartered Southern University for Colored Students in New Orleans. The university opened its doors on March 7, 1881, with an initial enrollment of 12 students. Classes were initially held at the former Israel Sinai Temple on Calliope Street.
In 1890, a pivotal moment arrived when the legislature designated Southern as a land-grant college for blacks. This designation ensured the continuation of federal support for higher education for all students in the state, while upholding a segregated higher education system.
In 1914, the university relocated to Scotlandville, a suburb north of Baton Rouge, along Scott's Bluff facing the Mississippi River. This move was influenced by various factors, including the desire to be closer to more rural Louisiana residents and pressure from white neighbors in the Audubon Neighborhood of New Orleans. Today, the Scotlandville campus is recognized as a historic destination on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail.
Growth and Expansion
The 1920s marked a period of reorganization and expansion for Southern University. The Louisiana Constitutional Convention authorized these changes in 1921, and in 1922, Legislative Act 100 placed the institution under the control of the State Board of Education. The Southern University Laboratory School System was established in 1922.
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Under the leadership of Felton Grandison Clark, who served as president for 30 years, the university experienced significant growth. Thirty-three of the current 114 buildings were constructed during his tenure. In 1947, a law program was established at Southern University, now known as the Southern University Law Center. Clark also founded Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) in 1956 and Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA) in 1964.
The Southern University System
In 1974, the Louisiana Legislature established the Southern University System. This system comprises Southern University and A&M College, Baton Rouge (SUBR); Southern University, New Orleans (SUNO); Southern University Law Center (SULC); Southern University Agricultural Center (SUAC); and Southern University, Shreveport (SUSLA).
Academic Programs and Research
Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College offers a wide array of academic programs, with approximately 65 undergraduate degree programs and 30 graduate programs available. The John B. Cade Library houses a Black Heritage Collection, preserving and celebrating African-American history and culture.
University centers conduct research in various fields, including energy and the environment, sickle-cell disease, agriculture, business, and social issues. Southern also collaborates with Louisiana State University on various programs.
Campus Locations and Enrollment
The main campus in Baton Rouge is complemented by campuses in New Orleans and Shreveport. The New Orleans campus includes colleges of arts and social sciences, education, business, and science, as well as a school of social work. The Shreveport campus is a two-year college offering three associate degrees.
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Total enrollment across all three campuses exceeds 15,000 students. As of fall 2022, the Baton Rouge campus had 6,470 undergraduate students and 1,756 graduate students, with a student body comprising 66% females and 34% males.
Campus Features and Facilities
The Baton Rouge campus boasts a variety of facilities, including:
- P.B.S. Pinchback Engineering Building
- Lake Kernan: Flowing through the center of the campus.
- Smith-Brown Memorial Union: A 66,200-square-foot multipurpose building.
- John B. Cade Library: A 154,000-square-foot library with over a million volumes.
- F.G. Clark Activity Center: Accommodating theater, athletic events, and conferences.
- J.S. E.N. Mayberry Dining Hall: Containing the Magnolia Room, Cypress Room, and Oak Room.
Student Life and Activities
Southern University provides a vibrant student life with a range of extracurricular activities. The Southern Jaguars and Lady Jaguars represent the university in NCAA intercollegiate athletics.
The Southern University marching band, known as the Human Jukebox, has gained national recognition for its performances. The band has been featured in commercials, music videos, and major events like the Rose Parade and Super Bowl halftime shows.
The university's student-produced newspaper, The Southern Digest, serves as a voice for the student body.
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A Legacy of Pride: The Jaguar Mascot
Southern University holds the distinction of being the first HBCU to have a live exotic animal mascot on campus. The tradition began with Lacumba, a baby jaguar presented to the university in 1971. Lacumba II followed in 1991, and although animal rights advocates eventually dissuaded the university from continuing the practice, the jaguar pen remains as a reminder of this unique part of Southern's history.
Accreditation and Recognition
Southern University has received numerous accolades and recognitions, including:
- R2 Carnegie Classification (Doctoral University; High Research Activity) in 2021.
- The Southern University Law Center is accredited by the American Bar Association.
- The College of Nursing and Allied Health was named Louisiana's nursing school of the year by the Louisiana Nursing Foundation six times.
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