History of Southern University in Timeline

Southern University and A&M College, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a historically black land-grant university (HBCU). As the largest HBCU in Louisiana, it serves as the flagship institution of the Southern University System and is affiliated with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. The main campus spans 512 acres, complemented by a 372-acre agricultural experimental station situated nearby overlooking the Mississippi River. It holds a significant role in providing educational opportunities and contributing to agricultural research within the state.

1904: Description of Southern University in "Picayune Guide to New Orleans"

In 1904, the "Picayune Guide to New Orleans" described Southern University as an excellent coeducational institution for the education of colored persons, providing instruction of an advanced character.

1914: Relocation of Southern University

In 1914, Southern University moved from New Orleans to Scotlandville, north of Baton Rouge, due to various reasons, including proximity to more rural residents and pressure from white neighbors. Joseph Samuel Clark became the college's first president after the move.

1921: Constitutional Convention Authorized Reorganization of Southern University

In 1921, the Louisiana Constitutional Convention authorized the reorganization and expansion of Southern University.

1922: Reorganization Under State Board of Education's Control

In 1922, Legislative Act 100 reorganized Southern University under the control of the State Board of Education. Student enrollment and construction increased during this time.

1922: Southern University Laboratory School System Began Operating

The Southern University Laboratory School System began operating in 1922.

1926: Establishment of The Southern Digest

In 1926, The Southern Digest, the university's student-produced newspaper, was established.

1934: Felton Grandison Clark Appointed Dean

In 1934, Felton Grandison Clark was appointed as a dean at Southern University.

1936: Laboratory School First Accredited

In 1936, the Laboratory School was first accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

1938: Establishment of the State School for the Negro Deaf and Blind

In 1938, the State School for the Negro Deaf and Blind was established under Southern University's supervision.

1943: Visit from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt

In 1943, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited Southern University.

1946: Lawsuit Filed Against LSU Law School

In 1946, Charles J. Hatfield, III filed a lawsuit against LSU Law School for refusing to admit him due to segregation.

1947: Establishment of Law Program

In 1947, a special Louisiana Convention established a law program at Southern University, now known as the Southern University Law Center.

1947: The Human Jukebox Established

In 1947, the Human Jukebox, a collegiate marching band, began representing Southern University.

1947: Establishment of the Southern University Law Center

The Southern University Law Center was established in 1947 and is accredited by the American Bar Association.

1956: Founding of SUNO

In 1956, F. G. Clark expanded affiliated centers for Southern University, founding Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO).

1960: Construction of Buildings

Since 1960, buildings containing more than 2,000,000 square feet of floor area have been constructed at Southern University.

1961: Presentation of a Baby Jaguar to Southern University

In 1961, Henry J. Bellaire and Helen Williams gifted a baby jaguar to Southern University, marking the start of a live mascot tradition.

1964: Founding of SUSLA

In 1964, F. G. Clark founded Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA).

1969: G. Leon Netterville Selected as President

In 1969, G. Leon Netterville was selected as president of Southern University after Clark retired.

1970: University Enrollment Exceeds 10,000 Students

In 1970, Southern University's student enrollment exceeded 10,000.

May 26, 1971: Birth of Lacumba the Jaguar

On May 26, 1971, Lacumba (meaning "Heart of Africa"), a baby jaguar, was born and later presented as a gift to Southern University.

November 16, 1972: Student Protest and Shootings

On November 16, 1972, during a student protest demanding inclusion in administration policies, Denver Smith and Leonard Brown were shot and killed outside the Old Auditorium.

1974: Incorporation into Southern University System

In 1974, SUNO and SUSLA were officially incorporated by the legislature into the Southern University System.

1974: Establishment of the Southern University System

In 1974, the Louisiana Legislature established the Southern University System, with Jesse N. Stone as its president, consisting of multiple campuses and centers.

1990: University Enrollment Remained Over 10,000 Students

By 1990, Southern University had consistently enrolled over 10,000 students, becoming the nation's largest HBCU.

May 12, 1991: Birth of Lacumba II

On May 12, 1991, Lacumba II was born, the offspring of two rare black jaguars.

December 2004: Death of Lacumba II

In December 2004, Lacumba II died of natural causes at the age of 15.

2004: Southern University Ranked 4th in the Nation

In 2004, Southern University ranked 4th in the nation for baccalaureate-origin institution of black male doctorate recipients.

2008: Human Jukebox Named "Best Dressed Marching Band"

In 2008, the Human Jukebox was named "Best Dressed Marching Band" by FashionNews.com.

2011: Layoff of Tenured Professors

During the 2011-12 school year, Southern University made the decision to lay off 19 tenured professors.

2013: Southern University Ranked 4th in the Nation

In 2013, Southern University ranked 4th in the nation for baccalaureate-origin institution of black male doctorate recipients.

2013: American Association of University Professors Censured Southern University

In 2013, the American Association of University Professors censured Southern University for laying off 19 tenured professors in 2011-12 with little faculty input.

2014: Human Jukebox Ranked Second Best in the Nation

In 2014, the NCAA ranked the Human Jukebox as the second best marching band in the nation.

2021: Attainment of R2 Carnegie Classification

In 2021, Southern University attained the R2 Carnegie Classification (Doctoral University; High Research Activity), making it the first HBCU in Louisiana in this category.

2022: Southern University Enrollment Statistics

As of fall 2022, Southern University had 6,470 undergraduate students and 1,756 graduate students. The majority of students were female from Louisiana and top out-of-state feeder states were Texas, Georgia, and California.

2023: College of Nursing and Allied Health Wins Louisiana's Nursing School of the Year

In 2023, the College of Nursing and Allied Health won Louisiana's nursing school of the year award given by the Louisiana Nursing Foundation for the sixth time.