University History

In 1959, the Louisiana Legislature authorized the establishment of LSUA as a two-year commuter college under the governance of the LSU Board of Supervisors. LSUA registered its first students in September of 1960. The first degree program, an Associate in Nursing degree, was initiated in the Division of Nursing in 1964.

The additional academic divisions of Liberal Arts, Business Administration, and Sciences were created in 1967. In 1974, LSUA was accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. This accreditation was reaffirmed in 1984, 1994, and 2004.

Only one associate degree was available at LSUA from 1964 to March 1986, when the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science transfer degrees were approved. Over the next 15 years, several associate degree and certificate programs were added that the university continues to offer including:

  • Associate of Science in Clinical Laboratory Science (1996)
  • Associate of Arts in The Care and Development of Young Children (Spring 2001)
  • Certificate in Pharmacy Technology (Spring 2001)
  • Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology (Fall 2001)

From 1976 through Spring 2003, Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College offered the upper-level course work for select bachelor's degree programs on the LSUA campus through a program known as LSU Senior College. Initially, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of General Studies were offered. The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education was added in 1982-83.

LSUA Celebrates Additional Funding for SPERO Program, Expanding Inclusive Education Initiatives Statewide

May 30, 2023, 11:57 AM
LSUA is excited to announce that the Postsecondary Inclusive Education Advisory Council has granted funding approval for expanding inclusive education programs at nine institutions across Louisiana.

LSUA is excited to announce that the Postsecondary Inclusive Education Advisory Council has granted funding approval for expanding inclusive education programs at nine institutions across Louisiana. These transformative programs are designed to provide comprehensive support, cultivate an inclusive campus culture, and equip students with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the necessary skills for success.

 

LSUA’s SPERO program launched in the fall of 2022 with four students under the leadership of Brittany Soden. On the funding announcement, Soden remarked, “As an advocate and member of Louisiana’s first Postsecondary Inclusive Education Advisory Council, I am proud to witness the approval of this funding for programs serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am honored to take part in this powerful alliance. SPERO’s receipt of the award will allow for the expansion of support, staff, and supplies for the upcoming years.”

 

This round of funding fulfills the Council's stated goal to expand programs across the state while paying special attention to the northern part of the state and ensuring HBCU participation. Further, results of a statewide survey indicate that eleven additional institutions are considering participation, reflecting the opportunity for future expansion of inclusive education across Louisiana. 


“Inclusive education programs have the power to transform lives, families, and communities,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed. “I am delighted that so many institutions are seeking to open their doors to these amazing students, providing life and employment skills while enriching the campus experience for all.” Reed extended her sincere appreciation to Senator Gerald Boudreaux for his unwavering support in championing this groundbreaking effort, positioning Louisiana as a leader in creating educational opportunities for learners of all backgrounds.

 

LSUA’s Soden noted the SPERO students have completed their first year of college. Their dreams of a life similar to that of their siblings, family members, and friends are now being realized. She explained, “On the last day of their freshman year, I asked them how they felt about their first year of college. After a moment of silence, they expressed that they were experiencing an emotion that they have never felt before…the feeling of equality. Their participation in college courses, activities, and events has also been successful. Walking with them and hearing a SPERO student’s name shouted with a big ‘Hello’ from across campus is heartwarming and a testament to the diverse, accepting, and inclusive university that LSUA is. The students’ progress in daily living, social, and employment skills have exceeded expectations and they cannot wait for the next cohort of SPERO students to join in August!”

 

Written by Adam Lord

Photo credit - Nathan Parish | LSUA Strategic Communications

Recent Times

On June 5, 2001, following approval by the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors and the Louisiana Board of Regents, the Louisiana Legislature passed legislation (Senate Bill 853) allowing Louisiana State University at Alexandria to offer baccalaureate degrees. In December 2002, SACSCOC approved a substantive change request from LSUA, thereby accrediting the university to award both associate and baccalaureate degrees.

In Fall 2003, LSUA was reorganized into colleges and departments rather than divisions. The College of Arts and Sciences is comprised of the departments of Arts, English and Humanities; Behavioral and Social Sciences; Biological Sciences; and Mathematics and Physical Sciences. The College of Professional Studies is comprised of the departments of Allied Health, Business Administration, Education, and Nursing.

LSUA began offering four baccalaureate degrees in Fall 2003: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Bachelor of General Studies, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and Bachelor of Liberal Studies. Because there were students at LSUA who had completed upper-level course work through LSU Senior College, LSUA produced its first bachelor's degree graduates in December 2003.

A Bachelor of Science in Psychology, approved by the LSU Board of Supervisors in March 2005, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, approved by the LSU Board in June 2006, are now offered. In 2008 the university began offering Bachelor of Arts degrees in English, Communication Studies, and History, along with Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and Nursing.

In addition to the Department of Education offering courses that lead to an Associate of Arts in The Care and Development of Young Children and the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, courses are offered for alternative certification in the following areas: Elementary Education, Grades 1-5; Health and Physical Education, Grades K-12; and Secondary Education, Grades 6-12 for the areas of biology, English, history, and mathematics. Students who major in biology, English, history, or mathematics may declare Secondary Education as a minor in these areas of study, earning certification to teach that subject in Grades 6-12. Add-on certifications are available for Early Childhood Education (PK-3) and Special Education in area of existing certification(s).

The Oaks, the university’s first student housing complex, opened in the fall of 2007. The complex, which includes four apartment buildings and a community center.

LSUA hired its first athletic director in January 2007 and began competing in NAIA men’s baseball and women’s fast-pitch softball in Spring 2008. In January 2010, LSUA’s new on-campus baseball-softball complex was unveiled in an opening day dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony. The complex is located on the north side of campus adjacent to the Fitness Center and features seats transferred from the famed Alex Box Stadium on the Baton Rouge campus.

LSUA added five sports in 2014 including men’s and women’s basketball and soccer teams along with women’s tennis. LSUA joined the Red River Athletic Conference in 2014. The RRAC includes Bacone College (Okla.), Huston-Tilloston University (Texas), Jarvis Christian College (Texas), Langston University (Okla.), LSU-Shreveport, Our Lady of the Lake University (Texas), Paul Quinn College (Texas), Texas College, University of St. Thomas (Texas), University of Texas-Brownsville, University of the Southwest (New Mexico) and Wiley College (Texas) in addition to LSUA.

The university’s newest building, Mulder Hall, was opened in August 2011. The building is a 70,000 square-foot facility that provides 18 classrooms, 4 academic department office suites, 52 faculty offices, 2 conference rooms, a computer lab and a writing lab, a painting and drawing studio, a ceramics studio, a photography suite, and a black box theater that seats 175 people.

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