History & Traditions
Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSUA) was founded in 1959 as a two-year commuter college and quickly expanded its academic programs, awarding its first associate degree in nursing in 1964. By 2001, LSUA gained approval to offer bachelor’s degrees, marking a significant milestone in its growth. Over the years, the university has expanded with student housing, athletic complexes, and new academic divisions.
LSUA has experienced record enrollment growth, surpassing 6,800 students in 2025. Today, the university continues to thrive with new facilities, such as the Martin Family Student Success Center, and plans for a state-of-the-art health education campus, reinforcing its commitment to student success and regional impact.
Who are the Generals?
Rooted in Alexandria’s rich military history, home to the Louisiana Maneuvers of World War II, LSUA honors this legacy through its Generals team name and its mascot, Tank the bull terrier, a tribute to General George Patton.
1959 - 1960
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.
1964
The first degree program, an Associate in Nursing degree, was initiated in the Division of Nursing.
1967
The additional academic divisions of Liberal Arts, Business Administration, and Sciences were created.
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.
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.
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 produced its first bachelor's degree graduates in December 2003.
2007
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.
2008
LSUA began competing in NAIA men’s baseball and women’s fast-pitch softball in Spring 2008.
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.
2011
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.
2014
LSUA joined the Red River Athletic Conference and added five sports including men’s and women’s basketball and soccer teams along with women’s tennis.
2018
LSUA adopted Tank, the Bull Terrier, as its mascot.
2020
LSUA began its record-breaking enrollment streak with 3,500 students despite setbacks from Hurricane Laura and the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023
The university surpassed its goal of 5,000 students two years before its planned goal for 2025, with a 24% enrollment increase over the previous year.
2024
LSUA achieved an all-time high of 6,815 students in Fall 2024. Construction of the new Martin Family Student Success Center began during the summer.
Geaux Generals
In August 1941, the countryside around Alexandria became the proving ground for the Louisiana Maneuvers, large-scale exercises that prepared the U.S. Army for its greatest test: the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Generals George Patton, Omar Bradley, and Douglas MacArthur honed strategies here that would help secure victory in World War II.
LSUA honors this legacy through its identity as The Generals since 2008 and its mascot “Tank,” a bull terrier adopted in 2018 in tribute to Patton’s own beloved companion.
84 years later, on August 6, 2025, a decommissioned M60 tank was installed at LSUA. It stands as a symbol of resilience, courage, and central Louisiana’s enduring ties to military service.
The M60A3 main battle tank was the mainstay of the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1990. Serving as the backbone of U.S. armored forces through the Cold War and into Operation Desert Storm, the M60 was retired from National Guard service in 1997.
Tank, The Bull Terrier
When intercollegiate athletics came to LSU Alexandria, the best choice for a team name was obvious, the Generals. Alexandria had deep ties to the military. In 1941, central Louisiana had hosted a massive tactical training exercise in anticipation of the United States’ entry into World War II. The Louisiana Maneuvers brought 350,000 troops to the area and cemented central Louisiana’s place in American military history.
Among the officers present were men whose names would become synonymous with martial leadership, including Omar Bradley, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and George Patton. It was General George Patton’s love for his faithful bull terriers that ultimately provided the inspiration for LSUA’s mascot, Tank, the bull terrier.
Alma Mater
The path life enduring lies with stately grace,Under oaks and pines securing , our home LSUA
To thee our source of wisdom our hope and future shine,To thee, our Alma Mater we’ll be forever thine.
As we journey onward, the knowledge we obtainAnd the lessons here imparted eternally remain.
To thee our source of wisdom our hope and future shine,To thee, our Alma Mater we’ll be forever thine.
Written by Josh Blakesley, 2009
