Introduction
Founded in 1880, Southern University and A&M College is one of the oldest historically black universities in the United States. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the school has a rich history of providing higher education opportunities to African Americans. Today, the university is a diverse and vibrant educational institution with a wide range of degree options and student activities. In this post, we’ll explore some interesting facts about Southern University and A&M College. From its unique traditions to its notable alumni, there’s plenty to learn about this historic school.
History
Southern University and A&M College has a long and storied history. Originally established as the Southern University, the school was founded in 1880 by the Louisiana state legislature as a response to the Reconstruction Era. It was the first public institution of higher learning in the state for African Americans. The school was later renamed the Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College in 1887. In 1914, the school was split into two separate entities: Southern University at Baton Rouge and Southern University at New Orleans. The school has since grown to include a number of other campuses, including a law center, a medical center, and a research center.
Notable Alumni
Southern University and A&M College has produced a number of notable alumni over the years. Among them are civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, former Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco, and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Ernest Gaines. The school has also produced a number of prominent athletes, including NFL Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams, former NBA player Stanley Roberts, and NFL player Robert Meachem.
Campus Life
Southern University and A&M College is a vibrant and diverse campus. The school offers a wide range of student activities, including clubs, organizations, and student government. The school also has a number of intramural sports teams and is home to the Southern University Human Jukebox marching band, one of the most renowned college marching bands in the country.
Unique Traditions
Southern University and A&M College has a number of unique traditions that set it apart from other universities. One of the school’s most beloved traditions is the “Soule Train”, a dance routine performed by the Human Jukebox marching band during halftime of football games. The school also has a number of other traditions, including the “Jaguar Walk”, a procession of students and alumni that takes place before each home football game.
Academic Programs
Southern University and A&M College offers a wide range of degree options, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. The school is home to five colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing, and the College of Education. The school also offers a number of online degree programs.
Research Opportunities
Southern University and A&M College is a research-intensive institution. The school has a number of research centers, including the Center for Environmental Studies, the Center for Economic Development, and the Center for Computational Sciences. The school also has a number of research partnerships, including the NASA-funded Louisiana Space Grant Consortium and the National Science Foundation-funded Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation.
Community Outreach
Southern University and A&M College is committed to serving its local community. The school has a number of outreach programs, including the Southern University Community Outreach Program, which provides educational opportunities to underserved populations in the Baton Rouge area. The school also has a number of other outreach initiatives, including the Southern University Early College Program, which provides high school students with college-level courses.
Conclusion
Southern University and A&M College is a historic and vibrant institution with a long and storied history. From its unique traditions to its notable alumni, there’s plenty to learn about this historic school. The school offers a wide range of degree options, research opportunities, and community outreach initiatives. With its rich history and vibrant campus life, Southern University and A&M College is a great place to pursue higher education.
