2023 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 86
BY SENATOR FIELDS
A RESOLUTION
To designate May 15, 2023, as "Southern University Day" at the Louisiana State Capitol and
hereby recognize Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, for
its exceptional capacity to inspire students with an unmatched sense of pride to
unleash their full potential; accomplishing this through a wide range of prolific
courses, programs, and services that sustain students beyond graduation while
providing new socioeconomic opportunities within an international network.
WHEREAS, since its inception in 1880 in New Orleans, Louisiana, Southern
University has flourished, expanded, and empowered every student and faculty member to
exceed their own potential; and
WHEREAS, the origins of Southern University can be traced back to a collective of
Black politicians led by P.B.S. Pinchback, the first black Governor of Louisiana, who
petitioned the state constitutional convention, advocating for the establishment of a higher
education institution specifically for citizens of color; and
WHEREAS, Southern University combines academic rigor with practical experience
and embraces a holistic approach to living and learning to foster the development of
well-rounded individuals, ensuring that each student discovers their passion and purpose;
and
WHEREAS, with the enactment of Act 87 of 1880, Southern University was
established as an educational institution for community learners, commencing its journey
by providing academic studies to a modest student body of fewer than two hundred,
supported by a committed faculty of less than twenty, on a seventeen-acre site located within
the historically significant Pontchartrain Park in eastern New Orleans, Louisiana.; and
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WHEREAS, pursuant to the Second Morrill Act of 1890, Southern University
transformed into a landgrant institution with the establishment of a department of agriculture
and mechanics, supported by both state and federal governments; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Act 188 of 1912, Southern University relocated from
New Orleans to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and under the guidance of Dr. J.S. Clark, expanded
its academic offerings to include baccalaureate degrees, while also establishing schools for
the blind and deaf during the 1920s; and
WHEREAS, following the tenure of Dr. J.S. Clark, Dr. Felton G. Clark assumed the
presidency in 1938, leading Southern University through a period of growth, prosperity, and
increased prestige, expanding the university curriculum into eight divisions and establishing
a law school by 1947; and
WHEREAS, business and engineering curricula were incorporated into Southern
University's curriculum, alongside the establishment of a graduate school, resulting in
significant growth by the 1960s that necessitated further reorganization under the leadership
of Dr. G. Leon Netterville; and
WHEREAS, in 1974, the Southern University system was structured under a unified
leadership with the establishment of a board of supervisors tasked with providing guidance
to the system and its distinct campuses; and
WHEREAS, during the 1980s and 1990s, Southern University experienced
exceptional growth by continuously improving its mission to provide quality instruction,
which resulted in the establishment of a nursing school, the Southern University Agricultural
Research Center, and significant expansion of graduate programs to all students regardless
of background; and
WHEREAS, Southern University, which began with just twelve students, five faculty
members, a ten thousand dollar budget, and a forward-thinking vision, has developed into
a prestigious academic institution that is recognized as a national treasure, consisting of five
Louisiana campuses: Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Southern
University in New Orleans, Southern University Shreveport, Southern University Law
Center in Baton Rouge, and Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension
Center in Baton Rouge, now featuring over eight hundred faculty members, a budget of more
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than one hundred eighty million dollars, and an extensive range of associate, bachelor's,
master's, juris doctorate, and doctoral degree programs; and
WHEREAS, for individuals aspiring to make a meaningful impact on both life and
society, Southern University offers a wide array of courses that delve into the complexities
of human behavior, social dynamics, and global issues, providing students with essential
critical thinking skills necessary to address the intricate challenges of the modern world; and
WHEREAS, at Southern University, students are provided with opportunities to
engage in hands-on experimentation and groundbreaking research within state-of-the-art
laboratories equipped with cutting-edge equipment, all under the guidance and support of
a distinguished faculty and administrators who are leaders in their respective fields, serving
as a source of inspiration for students as they strive to push the boundaries of knowledge;
and
WHEREAS, Southern University offers a diverse range of programs spanning from
fine arts to finance and literature to law, providing students with opportunities to delve into
the intricacies of society, social sciences, and fostering a profound appreciation for the depth
and richness of the human experience; and
WHEREAS, the entrepreneurial spirit at Southern University is nurtured through the
provision of mentorship programs, business incubators, and networking opportunities,
fostering innovation and enterprise; and
WHEREAS, the dynamic campuses of Southern University offer abundant options
for students to actively participate in extracurricular activities and join diverse interest-based
clubs, thereby promoting personal growth and fostering lasting friendships that extend well
beyond graduation; and
WHEREAS, Southern University takes great pride in being the esteemed home of
the Southern Jaguars sports programs and fan zone, where athletics flourish as deeply
rewarding and fulfilling pursuits, adhering to procedures and credentials, all fueled by
unwavering support from the entire university student body and alumni community; and
WHEREAS, the renowned Southern University Band, affectionately known as The
Human Jukebox, along with the Fabulous Dancing Dolls have revolutionized the
conventional standards of college bands, accumulating numerous accolades, captivating
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parade performances, notable appearances in movies and music videos, and garnering
widespread online acclaim, as exemplified in the 2019 Netflix documentary, Homecoming;
and
WHEREAS, Southern University's dedication to inclusivity and diversity is steadfast,
as it advocates for students from all backgrounds and fosters an environment where diverse
perspectives flourish; and
WHEREAS, under the guided leadership of Dennis J. Shields, the Southern
University System and Southern University A&M College continue their longstanding
commitment to providing quality education and cultivating capable individuals to become
respected leaders, emphasizing active engagement with all stakeholders, investment in the
institution's personnel, and a dedication to transparency and accountability.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby designate May 15, 2023, as Southern University Day at the Senate at the
Louisiana State Capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby
recognize the exceptional capacity of the Southern University System and the Southern
University Agricultural and Mechanical College for its exceptional aptitude in motivating
and instilling a strong sense of pride in students, empowering them to unleash their full
potential, achieved through a diverse range of influential courses, programs, and services
that not only provide support to students beyond graduation but also open up new
socioeconomic opportunities within an international network.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Dennis J. Shields, the president of the Southern University System and chancellor of the
Southern University and A&M College.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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