Southern University at New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Southern University at New Orleans
SUNO: A historic HBCU rooted in New Orleans, fostering academic excellence and community impact.
Founded in 1956, Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) emerged as a vital institution dedicated to serving its community. Located on a 17-acre site in New Orleans' historic Pontchartrain Park, SUNO opened its doors in 1959 with a clear mission: to be an open community of learners. From its initial class of 158 freshmen and a dedicated faculty of fifteen, offering ten courses, SUNO quickly began building a legacy of educational access and opportunity in the heart of the city.
SUNO's journey has been marked by remarkable resilience and historical significance. Established as a branch of Southern University, it navigated the complexities of the era, including legal challenges that ultimately led to its opening to all races regardless of color in 1964. This pivotal moment cemented SUNO’s role in the national desegregation narrative. Through subsequent constitutional changes and federal consent decrees, SUNO not only achieved parity within the Southern University System but also gained vital resources to expand its academic offerings and upgrade campus facilities, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to its students.
Today, SUNO is celebrated for its strong academic programs that directly address pressing societal needs. The School of Social Work, under its first dean Millie McClelland Charles, has blossomed into one of the most recognized programs in the South, with its Master of Social Work program attracting significant interest. The Criminal Justice program, offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees, distinguishes itself by delving into community-based solutions for crime prevention. Furthermore, SUNO's commitment to STEM is evident in its robust science programs, which have successfully increased minority representation in these crucial fields, even earning a Presidential Award for Excellence in mentoring.
Prospective students joining SUNO become part of a vibrant legacy of community engagement, academic rigor, and a commitment to positive social change. With its deep historical roots and forward-looking academic strengths, SUNO continues to empower students to make a tangible impact in New Orleans and beyond.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1956 as a public historically black university in New Orleans.
- ✦Began with 158 freshmen and 15 faculty, growing rapidly to 1,300 students by the fall of 1964.
- ✦Played a significant role in desegregation, opening its doors to all races in 1964 following federal litigation.
- ✦The School of Social Work is one of the most recognized programs in the South, with its Master of Social Work program reaching capacity with 150 students by 2008.
- ✦Offers a robust Criminal Justice program with both undergraduate and graduate degrees, focused on community solutions.
- ✦Achieved national recognition with a 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring given to Dr. Joe Omojola.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
1 notable schools within Southern University at New Orleans
School of Social Work
Blossomed into one of the most recognized programs in the South, known for its Master of Social Work program.
Find Scholarships at Southern University at New Orleans
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search