What Southern University at Shreveport is like

What it's like

Southern University at Shreveport is a junior college serving the Shreveport-Bossier City metro area with a focus on accessible, career-oriented education. As a historically black institution within the Southern University System, it emphasizes community engagement and practical preparation for professional pathways.

Academic feel

SUSLA structures academics around three divisions: Allied Health & Nursing, Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Education, and Business, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (BSTEM). The college offers associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates accredited by SACSCOC. Notable programs include an FAA-certified Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance program at its off-campus Aerospace Technology Center, and allied health offerings at the Metro Center campus. Recent infrastructure investment, including the $7.5 million Alphonse Jackson building completed in 2017, reflects institutional commitment to STEM and business coursework.

Social life

Student life centers on the Johnny L. Vance, Jr. Student Activity Center, which coordinates recreational, social, and educational programming through the Office of Student Life. The Student Government Association provides elected student leadership. Athletics are central to campus identity, with men's and women's basketball teams competing in NJCAA Division I, Region 23, as the Port City Jaguars and Lady Jaguars (blue and gold colors).

Strengths

• Offers FAA-certified Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance training through its off-campus Aerospace Technology Center, preparing students for professional licensure in aviation maintenance.[1]
• Recently invested in campus infrastructure with the $7.5 million Alphonse Jackson building, the first new classroom facility since the late 1950s, designed to support BSTEM coursework with modern teaching spaces.[1]
• Provides on-campus student housing through Jaguar Courtyard, located within walking distance of the main campus.[1]
• Maintains a dedicated Metro Center campus housing Allied Health programs with specialized labs, classrooms, and media production facilities.[1]

Traditions

• Competes as the Port City Jaguars and Lady Jaguars, with men's and women's basketball teams representing the college in intercollegiate athletics since its founding.[1]
• Operates the Johnny L. Vance, Jr. Student Activity Center, named in honor of an educator and community leader who began his academic career as a SUSLA student and later returned to serve the university.[1]