Southern University and A&M College
Southern University History – It’s Beginning
June 26, 2006
Angela Proctor, Project Manager, Southern University, BR
Covered in this Presentation…
History of Southern University
Highlights of the Institution
Highlights of Special Collections
Highlights of Digital Collections
Training
Collaboration
Project Software
Demonstration
Questions and Answers
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Narrative Statement: History of Southern University
Narrative Statement
Southern University and A&M College: A Brief History
In 1879, Pinckney B. S. Pinchback, T. T. Allain, T. B. Stamps and Henry Demas sponsored the
movement in the Louisiana State Constitutional Convention that resulted in the establishment,
in the City of New Orleans, of an institution “for the education of persons of color.” This
institution was chartered as Southern University, in April, 1880, by the General Assembly of the
State of Louisiana. The State Legislature also passed Act 87 in 1880 as a proper act of
incorporation and governance of the Institution. Section 7 of this Act provided that this
Board of Trustees “shall establish a faculty of arts and letters, which shall be competent to
instruct in every branch of liberal education; and under the rules of, and in concurrence with
the Board of Trustees, to graduate students and grant degrees pertaining to arts and letters. .
.on persons competent and deserving.”
On October 18, 1880, the Board of Trustees was organized under the Chairmanship of Dr. J. B.
Wilkinson. A. Mercier was elected President of the Board; T.T. Allain, Vice President and
Edwin W. Fay, Secretary-Treasurer. Other members of the Board were: General Zebulon York,
Washington Saunders, S.D. Stockman, I.N. Marks, A.R. Gourrier and George Fayerweather.
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Narrative Statement: History of Southern University
(cont.)
The Board of Trustees elected A.R. Gourrier (12/20/80) to serve as President of Southern
University, but he resigned on February 14, 1881, before the University was opened. The Board
then elected George Fayerweather as Interim President (2/14/81-3/7/82). It was during his
administration that the University was opened. Successive presidents include: The Reverend
Charles H. Thompson, Rector of St. Phillips Episcopal Church, (1882-1883); The Reverend
Joshua Hicks Harrison, graduate of Vanderbilt University, (1883-1886); Henry A. Hill, a
businessman and alumnus of Washington and Lee University, (6/30/86-9/4/86); and George W.
Bothwell, a local school teacher and pastor of Central Congregational Church, (1886-1887);
and Henry A. Hill, again as acting from October 3, 1887 to June 1888 when he was elected
President, a position he held till the school was moved in 1913.
On December 1, 1880, five individuals were bonded to establish the University Treasury. They
were George Fayerweather, bonded for $10,000 and four residents of Feliciana Parish – Albert
Mayer, D.J. Wedge, J.G. Kilbourne, and W.H. Piper – each bonded for $2,500. The trustees then
purchased the building of the Hebrew Girls School, formerly the Israel Sinai Temple
Synagogue, on Calliope Street, between St. Charles and Camp Streets in New Orleans, as the
site of the University. Southern University was opened on March 7, 1881, with twelve students.
The University now established, its support was secured by a Constitutional provision, on
February 6, 1882, which granted an annual State appropriation of $10,000. At the same time the
Legislature reorganized the Board of Trustees, with W.H. Chaffee, President, T.T. Allain, Vice
President, and Charles Keever, Secretary-Treasurer. By 1886, the University had outgrown its
facilities and a State appropriation of $14,000 was used to purchase the square at Magazine and
Soniat Streets. Later, two classic Doric columned buildings were erected there. The Board of
Trustees, on June 27, 1890, established the “Agricultural and Mechanical Department” of
Southern University, the actual beginning of agricultural experimentation or practice was
delayed until a farm was secured. This was achieved on August 18, 1891. In 1890 the Southern
University Board of Trustees voted that Southern should serve as a land-grant college for AfroAmericans in the state of Louisiana and as such should receive the appropriation from the
Morrill Acts. However, it was not until 1891 that Southern University was recognized by the
Federal Government as a Land Grant College, under the Federal Act of 1890, known as the
Second Morrill Act.
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Narrative Statement: History of Southern University
(cont.)
Legislative Act 118 of 1912 authorized the closing and sale of Southern University of New
Orleans, and the re-establishment of the University on a new site. Act 118 also provided for the
reorganization of the University with a New Board of Trustees to be appointed to four-year
terms by the State Governor. Leon Lock, a representative from Lake Charles, successfully
maneuvered a bill through the house that provided for a “change of domicile” for Southern
University. The bill passed both houses and was signed into law by Governor Luther Hall as Act
Number 118, 1912. But, a group of black citizens of New Orleans instituted a lawsuit against the
move. A temporary injunction was granted by the District Court. The Supreme Court reversed
the favorable decision of the lower court in the favor of plaintiffs and dismissed the case. The
Supreme Court validated this Act on June 14, 1913. In July of 1913, the Board of Trustees elected
Joseph Samuel Clark, who was both President of Baton Rouge College, and The Louisiana
Colored Teachers Association, to serve as President of the “New” Southern University. In 1914,
Southern University in New Orleans was closed by Legislative authorization. On March 9 of the
same year, the “New” Southern University was opened in Scotlandville, Louisiana.
The Louisiana Constitutional Convention of 1921 authorized the reorganization and expansion
of Southern University; and Legislative Act 100 of 1922 provided that the University be
reorganized under the control of the State Board of Education, which was effective immediately.
The Louisiana Constitution Convention of 1973 authorized a Board of Supervisors for Southern
University. Dr. Joseph Samuel Clark retired and was named President Emeritus in 1938. He was
succeeded in the Presidency by Dr. Felton Grandison Clark who served as President until 1968.
On October 13, 1968, Dr. G. Leon Netterville, Jr., Vice President of Business Affairs, was named
President. Dr. Jesse N. Stone, Jr., became the fourth President of Southern University on July 1,
1974. In 1977, the Southern University Board of Supervisors reorganized the System and Dr. Jesse
N. Stone, Jr., was designated System President, with office and residence on the Baton Rouge
Campus. The chief administrative officer on each campus was designated Chancellor. They were:
Dr. Roosevelt Steptoe, Chancellor, Baton Rouge Campus (1977-1982); Leonard Barnes,
Chancellor, Shreveport Campus (1977-1986); and Dr. Emmett W. Bashful, Chancellor, New Orleans
Campus (1977-1986). On September 1, (1982-1985), Dr. James J. Prestage became Chancellor of
the Baton Rouge Campus, following the resignation of Dr. Roosevelt Steptoe.
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Narrative Statement: History of Southern University
(cont.)
On June 29, 1985, the Southern University Board of Supervisors changed the name of Southern
University School of Law to the Southern University Law Center. Dr. B.K. Agnihotri was
named Chancellor (1985-2001).
Dr. Joffre Trumbull Whisenton became the fifth President of the Southern University System
on June 29, 1985-1988. Dr. Wesley Cornelious McClure, Chancellor, Baton Rouge Campus
(1985-1988). From 1986-1989 Dr. Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes was Chancellor, of the
Southern University New Orleans Campus; Dr. Robert Smith, Chancellor, of the Southern
University Shreveport Campus (1987-1993).
On October 29, 1988, Dr. Dolores Margaret Richard Spikes assumed the position of Interim
Chancellor on the Baton Rouge Campus and the sixth President of the Southern University
System. Dr. Spikes was also the first female to head a University System in the United States,
and the first female head of a Louisiana Public College or University. She remained interim
Chancellor on the Baton Rouge Campus from (1988-1991) until a candidate could be chosen.
In 1991, Dr. Marvin L. Yates was appointed Chancellor, of the Southern University Campus
(1991-1998). Dr. Robert Gex, Interim Chancellor of the Southern University at New Orleans
Campus (12/1/1988-7/31/1989); he was later named Chancellor on August 1, 1989-June 30,
1997. Dr. Gerald C. Peoples was then named Chancellor, July 1, 1997-February 28, 2000. Dr.
Press L. Robinson, Sr., Interim Chancellor March 1-31, 2000. Dr. Joseph Bouie, Jr., was then
named Chancellor April 1, 2000-February 10, 2002. Dr. Press Robinson, Sr., was again Interim
Chancellor from February 11, 2002-May 12, 2002. Dr. Mary Wilson, Interim Chancellor of the
Southern University Shreveport Campus (6/1993-11/93) as the first woman chief executive of
the University. Dr. Jerome G. Green, Jr., assumed duties as Chancellor from November 19931998. S. Albert Gilliam was appointed Interim Chancellor, August 1998-1999. Dr. James C.
Brown assumed the role of Chancellor in May 1999 and in October 2000, Dr. Press L. Robinson
was appointed Interim Chancellor. Arthur E. Stallworth, Interim Chancellor, Southern
University Law Center (2001-2002).
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Narrative Statement: History of Southern University
(cont.)
On January 1, 1997-2005, Dr. Leon Tarver II became the seventh President of the Southern
University System. Dr. Edward R. Jackson became Chancellor of the Baton Rouge Campus on
July 1, 1998-present. Dr. Press L. Robinson, Sr., Chancellor of Southern University at New Orleans
May 13, 2002-present; and Dr. Ray L. Belton, Chancellor of Southern University at Shreveport
December, 2000-present. In October, 2002 the Southern University Board of Supervisors
appointed Freddie Pitcher, Jr., as the new Chancellor of the Southern University Law Center. His
appointment began on January 6, 2003.
On July 1, 2001 the Southern University Board of Supervisors appointed Dr. Leodrey Williams as
Chancellor of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC).
The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) was established
on July 1, 2001 out of the need to enhance the impact of Southern University’s land-grant
programs on the citizenry of the state of Louisiana.
On July 1, 2005-2006 the Southern University Board of Supervisors appointed Dr. Edward R.
Jackson Interim President of the Southern University System. Effective April 1, 2006 Dr. Ralph
Slaughter became the eighth President of the Southern University System. Dr. Edward R.
Jackson, Chancellor of the Baton Rouge Campus on July 1, 1998-. Dr. Robert Gex, returned as
Interim Chancellor of Southern University at New Orleans July 1, 2005-December 2005
[Hurricane Katrina]; Dr. Victor Ukpolo, was named Chancellor of Southern University at New
Orleans effective January 1, 2006; and Dr. Ray L. Belton, Chancellor of Southern University at
Shreveport December, 2000-present. In October, 2002 the Southern University Board of
Supervisors appointed Freddie Pitcher, Jr., as the new Chancellor of the Southern University Law
Center. His appointment began on January 6, 2003.
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Highlights of the Institution
DATE
1886
1892
1895
1912
1914
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BRIEF TIMELINE
The school’s first major appropriation from the legislature totaled $14,000 in
the form of a state warrant. The actual amount received from the warrant was
$47,500.
The Federal government recognized Southern University as a land-grant
institution. As of that date, Southern had as its primary aim the offering of
higher education to qualified applicants within the state. ‡ The University was
accorded land-grant status because of the agrarian economy of which it was a
part.
The university came into ownership of a farm consisting of over 100 acres of
tillable land. ‡ Dormitories for students and recitation rooms were built on the
farm. This was done in order to provide facilities for students in agriculture and
agriculture chemistry.
Legislative Act Number 118 authorized the closing and selling of Southern
University in New Orleans and re-establishment of the University at a new site.
On March 9, 1914, the new Southern University opened in new location with
Dr. J.S. Clark as President. ‡ The enrollment totaled 47, seventeen of whom were
boarders and faculty and administration numbering nine. ‡ Address by
Superintendent T. H. Harris. ‡ Visit by members of the State Legislature. ‡
Appropriation of $25,000.00 for new buildings.
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Highlights of the Institution
(cont.)
DATE
BRIEF TIMELINE
1914-1915
Visit by Booker T. Washington. ‡ Dedication of first three new buildings. ‡ First
graduating class.
1915-1916
Increased enrollment. ‡ Money appropriated for erection of hospital.
1916-1917
Music Department established and first public musical program given. ‡ First Farmers’
Conference held.
1917-1918
Erection of first diary barn. ‡ Jeanes Short Course held at Southern University for ten
days.
1918-1919
First High School diplomas awarded. ‡ Physical Education Department added.
1919-
The Constitutional amendment limiting state appropriations for the school to $10,000.00
was removed.
1919-1920
First Normal graduating class [two-year course].
1920-1921
$267,000.00 appropriated by the State Legislature for support, maintenance and
improvement of Southern University. ‡ $80,000.00 appropriated for the erection of a
school for Negro blind children to be located on Southern University’s campus.
1921-1922
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Southern University made a Junior College. ‡ Erection of Model Practice School. ‡
Southern University placed under control of the State Board of Education.
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Presidents of Southern University
Dr. Joseph S. Clark - 1914-1938
[First President at the "New Location"]
Dr. Felton G. Clark - 1938-1968
Dr. George L. Netterville - 1969-1974
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Presidents of Southern University
(cont.)
Dr. Jesse N. Stone, Jr. - 1974-1985
First System President
Dr. Joffre T. Whisenton - 1985-1988
Dr. Dolores R. Spikes – 1988-1997
Dr. Spikes was the first female to head a University
System in the United States, and
the first female head of a Louisiana Public College
or University
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Presidents of Southern University
(cont.)
Dr. Leon Tarver, II - 1997-2005
Dr. Ralph Slaughter - 2006-
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Highlights of Special Collections at
John B. Cade Library
Archives
 Book of Kells [Only 1480 copies worldwide. SU has copy number 387].
 Scrapbook of Caesar Carpetier Antoine [C.C. Antoine]
 The Church Book of Bunyan Meeting [Limited 675 copies only.
SU has numbers 151 and 207 respectively.
 Japanese Coloured Porcelain: Kakiemon, Imari, Kutani,
Nabeshima [Volumes I & II]
 Lukisan-lukisan koleksi Ir. Dr. Sukarno,
Presiden Republik Indonesia. [Disusun oleh: Dullah,
pelukis istana Presiden Republik Indonesia] Paintings from the collection
of Dr. Sukarno, President of the Republic [Volumes I & II]
 The third century edition of Johan Blaeu LE GRAND
ATLAS [Limited 1000 copies. SU has volumes 1-12].
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Highlights of Special Collections at
John B. Cade Library (cont.)
African-American Collection
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FBI Reports on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., (Microfilm)
FBI Reports on Malcolm X (Microfilm)
FBI Reports on Jesse Jackson (Microfilm)
FBI Reports on Paul Robeson (Microfilm)
FBI Reports on A. Phillip Randolph (Microfilm)
Arthur A. Schomburg Collection (Microfilm)
FBI Reports on the NAACP 1941-1957 (Microfilm)
Plantation Records (Microfilm)
Slavery State Statues [Records of Ante-Bellum Southern Plantations
(From the Revolution through the Civil War)] (Microfilm)
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Highlights of Special Collections at
John B. Cade Library (cont.)
Music Listening Center (MLC)
 Classical Music - [Hector Berlioz, The International Library of Piano
Music Vol. 1-16, Mozart and Beethoven]
 Easy Listening - [Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Patti LaBell and
Nancy Wilson
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Gospel - [Shirley Caesar, Winans, Kirk Franklin and Juanita Bynum
Jazz - [Duke Ellington, Kenny G, Elizabeth Jerald and Billie Holiday]
Mixed Music - [Billboard hot Soul list]
Rap - [Mystical, Hot Boys and Eve, 50 Cent]
Reggae - [Bob Marley]
E Rodney Jones Collection
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Highlights of Available Digital
Collections
Harper's Weekly Journal and Frank Leslie's
Illustrated Newspaper
http://louisdl.louislibraries.org/HWJ/Pages/home.php
The Verla Birrell Collection
http://louisdl.louislibraries.org/VBC/Pages/home.php
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Training
How has it prepared me?
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Successes and Challenges
 What types of materials were selected and why
 What successes have you experienced because
of the digital collections?
 What challenges have you faced?
 Who are the primary end users?
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Collaboration
 Alabama State University
 Atlanta University Center
 Bennett College for Women
 Fisk University
 Grambling State University
 Hampton University
 Southern University and A&M College [BTR]
 Tennessee State University
 Tuskegee University
 Virginia State University
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Collaboration
(cont.)
What success has come from the
use of CONTENTdm
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Project Software
 System - Microsoft® Windows ® XP
Professional, SP2
 Productivity – MS Office 2003
 Scanning – Silverfast v6
 Image Editor – Adobe Photoshop CS2
 Manipulation – ABBY FineReader v7, Adobe
Acrobat Professional, CONTENTdm
Acquisition Station
 Calibration – Kodak 20 step grayscale target
and Monaco EZColor target
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Demonstration
Louisiana Colored Teachers’ Association (LCTA)
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Demonstration
History of Southern University and A&M College
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Conclusion of Demonstration
 Questions and Answers Session
 Contact Information
Angela V. Proctor, Archivist
John B. Cade Library
Southern University and A&M College
225/771-2854
email: aproctor@lib.subr.edu
**************************************************************
Emma Bradford Perry, Dean of Libraries
John B. Cade Library
Southern University and A&M College
225/771-4990
**************************************************************
Library’s Web Address
www.lib.subr.edu
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