Southern University at New Orleans – Lake Campus

Why did Southern University at New Orleans vanish from its original location? Our story begins, not amidst the lively streets of New Orleans, but on the serene shores of Lake Pontchartrain. Here sits Southern University at New Orleans – Lake Campus, a testament to resilience and rebirth. Southern University at New Orleans, or SUNO, first opened its doors in 1959, nestled in the historic Pontchartrain Park. It started as a branch of Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, a beacon of hope for African American students in a segregated South. The initial enrollment was small, just 158 freshmen, with fifteen dedicated faculty members and a single building. Their curriculum encompassed Humanities, Science, Social Science, and Commerce, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive education. Over time, SUNO expanded and evolved, becoming an open institution for all races in 1964 thanks to a pivotal lawsuit. Its status within the Southern University System was solidified in 1975, paving the way for further growth. Then, Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. The devastating storm surge flooded the campus, leaving all eleven buildings severely damaged. The waters rose as high as eleven feet, rendering the original Park Campus unusable. Forced to relocate temporarily, SUNO shared facilities with its sister campus in Baton Rouge for the fall 2005 semester. But the spirit of SUNO remained unbroken. In February 2006, classes resumed at a temporary site on SUNO-owned land, the future Lake Campus. This campus, initially a collection of trailers, became a symbol of the university’s determination. Despite predictions of low enrollment, over 2,000 students returned, eager to continue their education. The Lake Campus eventually transitioned into a permanent home for Southern University at New Orleans, a testament to the university’s ability to overcome adversity. Today, Southern University at New Orleans – Lake Campus stands proudly, a vibrant hub of learning and community engagement.