Louisiana State University
LSU is the flagship institution of the state of Louisiana and is one of only 25 universities nationwide holding both land-grant and sea-grant status.
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Louisiana State University - Overview
LSU is the flagship institution of the state of Louisiana and is one of only 25 universities nationwide holding both land-grant and sea-grant status. Since 1860, LSU has served the people of Louisiana, the region, the nation, and the world through extensive, multipurpose programs encompassing instruction, research, and public service. The University brings in more than $120 million annually in outside research grants and contracts, a significant factor for the Louisiana economy.
History
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College had its origin in certain land grants made by the United States government in 1806, 1811, and 1827 for use as a seminary of learning. In 1853, the Louisiana General Assembly established the Seminary of Learning of the State of Louisiana near Pineville, Louisiana. The institution opened January 2, 1860, with Col. William Tecumseh Sherman as superintendent. The School closed June 30, 1861, because of the Civil War. It reopened on April1, but was again closed on April 23, 1863, due to the invasion of the Red River Valley by the federal army.
The seminary reopened October 2, 1865, only to be burned October 15, 1869. On November 1, 1869, the institution resumed its exercises in Baton Rouge, where it has since remained. In 1870, the name of the institution was changed to Louisiana State University.
Louisiana State Agricultural & Mechanical College was established by an act of the legislature, approved April 7, 1874, to carry out the United States Morrill Act of 1862, granting lands for this purpose. It temporarily opened in New Orleans, June 1, 1874, where it remained until it merged with Louisiana State University in 1877.
Academics and Research
The first session of LSU began January 2, 1860. It is both a land-grant and sea-grant institution, and is one of only 25 such universities in the nation. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. LSU includes 9 senior colleges and 4 schools, in addition to specialized centers, divisions, institutes, and offices. LSU’s enrollment is more than 30,000 students, including more than 1,600 international students and nearly 5,000 graduate students. It has more than 1,200 full-time faculty members and a staff of more than 3,000. The libraries contain more than 3.2 million volumes.
Campus
The University moved to its present location in 1926, the fourth move since its inception in 1860. Theodore C. Link was chosen to create the original campus master plan. Although he died before the plan was competed, his designs define the Italian Renaissance character of the campus, which is marked by red pantile roofs, overhanging eaves, and honey-colored stucco.
During the 1930s, many of LSU’s live oaks and magnolia trees were planted by landscape artist, the late Steele Burden. The live oak trees on LSU’s campus have been valued at $36 million. LSU is located on more than 2,000 acres of land in the southern part of Baton Rouge, bordered on the west by the Mississippi River.
The University College Center for Freshman Year
The UCFY is the academic unit for the most new freshmen and some transfer and re-entry students. It exists primarily to prepare incoming students for success at LSU and to help define their academic and career goals. Students typically exit the Center at the conclusion of the freshman year and enter one of the degree-granting senior colleges at LSU. Some students may be granted additional time for enrollment if they have not yet declared a major.
Every freshman student has access to the full-time counseling and advising staff. Students may obtain assistance from counselors with curriculum selection, career guidance, college study skills, and/or personal problems that may interfere with academic progress.
Student Recreation Center
The SRC provides more modern and energetic atmosphere conducive to the needs of our patrons. The SRC is now a 121,000 sq foot innovative and comprehensive recreational facility featuring state of the art equipment, high- level programming, and modern amenities to meet the ever-changing needs and expectations of our patrons. The facility features include: Weight/Fitness/Cardio Areas, Gymnasium, Climbing Gym, Racquetball, 3 Studios, Cycle Studio, 1/8 mile indoor three lane track, Locker Rooms with Saunas, and a Pool.
The LSU Museum of Art
The LSU MOA collects, conserves, exhibits, and interprets the fine and decorative arts entrusted to its care and stewardship, providing opportunities for research, education, and enjoyment to students, scholars, and visitors. It sets itself apart through the strength of its collection and the breadth of research opportunities offered by the Louisiana State University academic community. Further, it engages collaboratively with its Shaw Center for the Arts partners to enrich the cultural life of Baton Rouge by offering a range of cultural activities.
Literary Traditions
LSU is the home of The Southern Review, one of the world’s most prestigious literary journals, established in the 1930s by Robert Penn Warren, Cleanth Brooks, and Charles Pipkin. Founded in 1935, the Louisiana State University Press is a nonprofit book publisher dedicated to the publication of scholarly, general interest, and regional books. As an integral part of LSU, the Press shares the university’s goal of the dissemination of knowledge and culture. LSU Press is one of the oldest and largest university presses in the south and among the outstanding publishers of scholarly books in the country.
Athletics
LSU has won 43 national championships: Baseball (5), Men’s Basketball, Boxing, Football (2), Men’s Golf (4), and Men’s and Women’s Track and Field (30).
Education
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