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
Southern University at New Orleans: A beacon of accessible education and community impact since 1956.
Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) stands as a proud public historically black university, deeply rooted in the vibrant culture of New Orleans. Established in 1956 as a crucial branch of Southern University, SUNO opened its doors in 1959 in the historic Pontchartrain Park. It began with a foundational commitment to being an open community of learners, welcoming its first 158 freshmen into a nascent campus that rapidly grew into a dynamic educational institution dedicated to serving the community.
SUNO's journey reflects a powerful narrative of resilience and progress. Originally an extension of Southern University, its path to autonomy and full recognition within the Southern University System was marked by significant milestones, including federal litigation in 1964 that opened its doors to all races. By 1975, SUNO was officially designated a campus of the Southern University System, achieving parity with other campuses. Further desegregation settlements in the 1980s and 1990s bolstered its academic offerings, upgraded facilities, and solidified its crucial role in providing open admissions and quality education to a diverse student body.
Academically, SUNO is celebrated for programs that directly impact society. Its School of Social Work, guided by pioneering dean Millie McClelland Charles, has flourished into one of the most recognized in the South, with its Master of Social Work program drawing significant interest. The Criminal Justice program also offers robust undergraduate and graduate degrees, focusing on community-based solutions to crime. Furthermore, SUNO has made notable strides in the sciences, actively engaging in initiatives like PESMaCT and LAMP to increase minority representation and success, even earning a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mentoring for one of its dedicated instructors.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1956 as a vital branch of Southern University, expanding educational access in New Orleans.
- ✦Grew rapidly from 158 freshmen and 15 faculty in 1959 to an enrollment of 1,300 students by Fall 1964.
- ✦Features a highly recognized School of Social Work, with its Master of Social Work program reaching capacity with 150 students by Fall 2008.
- ✦Offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degrees in Criminal Justice, emphasizing community solutions to prevent criminal behavior.
- ✦Benefited from a 1981 consent decree, enabling the addition of nine academic programs and significant campus facility upgrades.
- ✦Maintains open admissions status, classified as a Four Year-V university, ensuring broad access to higher education.
- ✦An instructor received a prestigious 2006 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
1 notable schools within Southern University at New Orleans
School of Social Work
One of the most recognized programs in the South, offering a popular Master of Social Work (MSW) program.
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