Louisiana State University-Shreveport

Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS) stands as a testament to persistent community vision, evolving from a modest two-year commuter college into a comprehensive doctoral-granting university. Its journey began in September 1967, opening its doors to 807 students, but the dream of an LSU branch in Shreveport had been championed by civic leaders since 1936. This dedicated pursuit, overcoming initial rejections and political hurdles, eventually led to the formal establishment of LSUS in 1965.

Not long after its founding, a strong movement for LSUS to achieve four-year status gained momentum. Despite significant opposition from surrounding institutions concerned about enrollment, and a challenging legislative process, the unwavering support of state senators and community figures saw the bill signed into law in 1972. This pivotal moment transformed LSUS, allowing it to offer a broader range of academic divisions and 39 degree programs. By 1975, the university proudly celebrated its first commencement, awarding degrees to 223 students, a powerful culmination of decades of effort.

LSUS continued its remarkable growth by expanding into graduate education. In 1978, it launched its Master of Education in Secondary Education, swiftly followed by the Master of Business Administration program in 1979. By 2016, the university boasted an additional ten graduate programs, demonstrating its commitment to advanced learning. A significant milestone arrived in 2013 with the approval of its Doctor of Education (EdD) program, solidifying its role as a research-intensive institution. The following year, LSUS received accreditation as a Level V institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), confirming its status as a full-fledged doctoral university and a vital educational hub for the region.