Southern University: A Legacy of Education and Progress

Southern University and A&M College (Southern University, Southern, SUBR or SU) stands as a public historically black land-grant university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States. As the flagship institution of the Southern University System, it holds the distinction of being the largest Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Louisiana and is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The university's athletic teams, known as the Jaguars, compete in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in NCAA Division I.

Historical Overview

The foundation of Southern University can be traced back to the 1879 Louisiana State Constitutional Convention, where African-American political leaders such as P. B. S. Pinchback and Theophile T. Allain advocated for its establishment. In 1880, the Louisiana General Assembly officially chartered the institution as 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 conducted at the former Israel Sinai Temple on Calliope Street.

Relocation to Baton Rouge

In 1890, the legislature designated Southern as a land-grant college for blacks. This move was intended to fulfill federal requirements under the land grant program, ensuring higher education opportunities for all students in the state while maintaining a segregated system. The 1904 "Picayune Guide to New Orleans" described the university as an educational institution "for the education of colored persons" with coeducation in force.

Due to several factors, including the desire to be closer to more rural Louisiana residents and pressure from white neighbors in the Audubon Neighborhood (which also housed Tulane and Loyola universities), Southern University relocated in 1914 to Scotlandville, north of Baton Rouge, along Scott's Bluff facing the Mississippi River. This area, now part of the capital, is recognized as a historic destination on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail.

Expansion and Development

The Louisiana Constitutional Convention of 1921 authorized the reorganization and expansion of Southern University. Legislative Act 100 of 1922 placed the institution under the control of the State Board of Education. Joseph S. Clark continued to lead Southern University during this period of growth.

The Southern University Laboratory School System was established in 1922. Felton Grandison Clark, Joseph S. Clark's son, was appointed president that same year, after serving as a dean at Southern since 1934. In 1938, the State School for the Negro Deaf and Blind was established under Southern University's supervision. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the university in 1943.

F. G. Clark significantly expanded the university, with 33 of the current 114 buildings constructed during his 30-year tenure. In 1947, a law program was established at Southern University, now known as the Southern University Law Center, after LSU Law School refused to admit Charles J. Hatfield, III, an African American college graduate.

F. G. Clark also founded affiliated centers for Southern University, including Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO, 1956) and Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA, 1964).

In 1969, Clark retired, and G. Leon Netterville was selected as president.

Tragic Events and Continued Growth

On November 16, 1972, during student protests demanding inclusion in administrative policy decisions, Denver Smith and Leonard Brown were shot and killed outside the Old Auditorium (now the Southern University Museum of Art). The murders remain unsolved.

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Despite this tragedy, the institution continued to grow. In 1974, the Louisiana Legislature established the Southern University System, with Jesse N. Stone of Shreveport as its president. The system includes 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).

In 2021, Southern attained the R2 Carnegie Classification (Doctoral University; High Research Activity).

Academic Profile

Southern University offers a wide array of academic programs and resources. The Southern University Law Center is one of only two public law schools in Louisiana, accredited by the American Bar Association since its establishment in 1947. The College of Nursing and Allied Health has been recognized as Louisiana's nursing school of the year by the Louisiana Nursing Foundation on multiple occasions.

The Dolores Spikes Honors College provides an enriched educational experience for high-achieving undergraduate students.

Campus Facilities

The campus features several notable buildings and landmarks:

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P.B.S. Pinchback Engineering Building: A hub for engineering studies and research.
Lake Kernan: Flows through the center of the campus, adding to the scenic environment.
Mississippi River: Forms the western boundary of the campus.
Smith-Brown Memorial Union: A 66,200-square-foot multipurpose building serving as a center for extracurricular activities.
John B. Cade Library: A 154,000-square-foot library named after the first principal of Southern University Laboratory School. It houses over a million volumes, thousands of journal subscriptions, and extensive microform and recording collections.
F.G. Clark Activity Center: Accommodates theater, athletic events, conferences, convocations, and recreational activities.
J.S. Clark Dining Hall: Includes the Magnolia Room, the Cypress Room, and the Oak Room for student dining.

Student Demographics

As of fall 2022, Southern University had 6,470 undergraduate students and 1,756 graduate students. The student body was 66% female and 34% male. A significant majority (70%) of students were from Louisiana, with East Baton Rouge Parish, Orleans Parish, and Rapides Parish being the top feeder parishes. The top three feeder states for out-of-state students were Texas, Georgia, and California. The university also had 245 students from foreign countries.

Student Life and Traditions

Southern University offers a vibrant student life with a range of activities and organizations. The Southern Jaguars and Lady Jaguars represent the university in NCAA intercollegiate athletics, fostering school spirit and pride.

The Human Jukebox

The Southern University marching band, known as the Human Jukebox, is a celebrated institution. It has been featured in numerous television commercials, music videos, and has participated in prestigious events such as the Rose Parade, presidential inauguration ceremonies, and Super Bowl halftime presentations. The band has also appeared in music videos for popular artists like the Jonas Brothers and Lizzo. The Human Jukebox has received accolades, including being named "Best Dressed Marching Band" and "#1 Band In The Nation."

Student Media

The university's weekly student-produced newspaper is The Southern Digest, which has won Louisiana Press Association awards. The university also has a web radio station, THE BLUFF.

Lacumba the Jaguar

Southern University was the first HBCU to house a live exotic animal mascot on campus. A baby jaguar, named Lacumba (meaning "Heart of Africa"), was presented to the university in 1971. Lacumba II, born in 1991, was the last jaguar to live on campus before dying of natural causes in 2004. While animal rights advocates have discouraged the university from acquiring a new jaguar, the jaguar pen remains as a reminder of this unique tradition.

Directions to Campus

Traveling South on Interstate 49

Take the I-10 East exit towards Baton Rouge, LA.
Merge on I-10 East.
Take the I-110 North exit towards Business District/Metro Airport, exit #155B.
Merge on I-110 North.
Take the Metro Airport/Southern University exit, exit #6.
Turn left at the light onto Harding Blvd.
Continue straight ahead on Harding Blvd.
Go through the traffic light at Scenic Highway.
Once you cross Scenic Highway, continue straight over the overpass, on the right you will see the F. G. Clark Activity Center, tennis courts, Lacumba's quarters, and Subway on the left.
At the traffic light, make a right turn onto Elton C. Harrison Dr. Turn left at the University Bookstore, and follow the curve to the right.
The Office of Admissions is located in T.H. Harris Hall which is directly behind the University Bookstore.

Traveling East on Interstate 10

Take the I-110 North exit towards Business District/Metro Airport, exit #155B.
Merge on I-110 North.
Take the Metro Airport/Southern University exit, exit #6.
Turn left at the light onto Harding Blvd.
Continue straight ahead on Harding Blvd.
Go through the traffic light at Scenic Highway.
Once you cross Scenic Highway, continue straight over the overpass, on the right you will see the F. G. Clark Activity Center, tennis courts, Lacumba's quarters, and Subway on the left.
At the traffic light, make a right turn onto Elton C. Harrison Dr. Turn left at the University Bookstore, and follow the curve to the right.
The Office of Admissions is located in T.H. Harris Hall which is directly behind the University Bookstore.

Traveling East on Interstate 20 from Texas

Take the I-49 South exit towards Alexandria, exit #17B.
Merge on I-49 South.
Take the I-10 East exit towards Baton Rouge, LA.
Merge on I-10 East.
Take the I-110 North exit towards Business District/Metro Airport, exit #155B.
Merge on I-110 North.
Take the Metro Airport/Southern University exit, exit #6.
Turn left at the light onto Harding Blvd.
Continue straight ahead on Harding Blvd.
Go through the traffic light on Scenic Highway.
Once you cross Scenic Highway, continue straight over the overpass, on the right you will see the F. G. Clark Activity Center, tennis courts, Lacumba's quarters, and Subway on the left.
At the traffic light, make a right turn onto Elton C. Harrison Dr. Turn left at the University Bookstore, and follow the curve to the right.
The Office of Admissions is located in T.H. Harris Hall which is directly behind the University Bookstore.

Traveling West on Interstate 10

Take the I-110 North exit towards Business District/Metro Airport, exit #155B.
Merge on I-110 North.
Take the Metro Airport/Southern University exit, exit #6.
Turn left at the light onto Harding Blvd.
Continue straight ahead on Harding Blvd.
Go through the traffic light at Scenic Highway.
Once you cross Scenic Highway, continue straight over the overpass, on the right you will see the F. G. Clark Activity Center, tennis courts, Lacumba's quarters, and Subway on the left.
At the traffic light, make a right turn onto Elton C. Harrison Dr. Turn left at the University Bookstore, and follow the curve to the right.
The Office of Admissions is located in T.H. Harris Hall which is directly behind the University Bookstore.

Traveling East on Interstate 20 from Monroe, LA

Take Hwy 61 towards Natchez, Mississippi.
Continue on Hwy 61 and you will enter back into Louisiana.
Continue on Hwy 61.
On Hwy 61, you will come to a traffic light (on the left will be Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church) continue straight and stay in the right lane.
Continue through the next two traffic lights you will be on Scenic Highway(Popeye's will be on the left).
As you are coming to the fourth light, you will see a sign that says Textbook Rentals, you will merge right off Scenic Highway coming up to the light, and get on the overpass.
Continue straight over the overpass, on the right you will see the F. G. Clark Activity Center, tennis courts, Lacumba's quarters, and Subway on the left.
At the traffic light, make a right turn onto Elton C. Harrison Dr. Turn left at the University Bookstore, and follow the curve to the right.
The Office of Admissions is located in T.H. Harris Hall which is directly behind the University Bookstore.

Traveling West on Interstate 12

Take the I-10 West exit towards Baton Rouge, LA.
Merge on I-10 West.
Take the I-110 North exit towards Business District/Metro Airport, exit #155B.
Merge on I-110 North.
Take the Metro Airport/Southern University exit, exit #6.
Turn left at the light onto Harding Blvd.
Continue straight ahead on Harding Blvd.
Go through the traffic light at Scenic Highway.
Once you cross Scenic Highway, continue straight over the overpass, on the right you will see the F. G. Clark Activity Center, tennis courts, Lacumba's quarters, and Subway on the left.
At the traffic light, make a right turn onto Elton C. Harrison Dr. Turn left at the University Bookstore, and follow the curve to the right.
The Office of Admissions is located in T.H. Harris Hall which is directly behind the University Bookstore.

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