Latest news with #SouthernUniversitySystem
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana colleges, universities present stand-still budget, facing federal funding uncertainty
A. O. Williams Hall on the campus of the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Baton Rouge. (Photo courtesy Southern University) Louisiana college and university leaders have followed Gov. Jeff Landry's direction and presented a proposed budget to lawmakers that would effectively keep their state funding at current levels. Lawmakers could choose to deviate from the governor's proposed budget, but it is unlikely higher education will get a significant boost beyond the proposed funding. Landry's budget would decrease state funding for higher education by about $68 million, largely the result of one-time expenses from the previous budget cycle. The proposal also acknowledges an increase in tuition and fee revenue, meaning the overall budget for higher education would increase just over $4 million. Lawmakers could have had more money to allocate if voters had supported Landry's proposed Amendment Two in the March 29 election. It would have reworked the state's tax structure and moved hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue from state savings accounts into Louisiana's general fund, where it could have been more easily spent. Landry's budget plans come amid uncertainty in federal funding for higher education and other state government entities. As President Donald Trump's administration seeks to shrink government spending, universities are preparing for the possibility of substantially slashed federal research grants. Under the proposed budget, the Southern University System, the nation's only system of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, would see a budget decrease of about $33 million, primarily from decreased tuition and fee revenue as well as a small dip in state appropriations. The LSU System would experience a budget increase of about $46 million, driven by a boost in self-generated revenue from record enrollments at its campuses. The University of Louisiana System, which enrolls more students than any other system, would also see a budget increase from raised revenue. Its overall budget would increase about $14 million. The Louisiana Community and Technical College System would also see a slight boost of $3 million. When the legislature convenes for its annual session next week, lawmakers will consider what changes they will make to the state budget. Both House and Senate members will get a chance to make adjustments. In addition to the primary state government operations bill, higher education receives money in the state construction budget and in a supplemental bill that covers a lesser amount of one-time money. Colleges and universities typically receive a substantial chunk of this funding. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Southern University suspends Greek life recruitment after student's hazing death
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Southern University has suspended all fraternity and sorority new member activities for the remainder of the school year as an internal investigation continues into the hazing death of 20-year-old student Caleb Wilson. Southern University System President Dennis Shields announced the decision Friday, saying that no Greek life organization on campus will be allowed to hold initiations, recruitment, or any new membership intake during the investigation and student judiciary proceedings. The suspension applies to all fraternities and sororities at the Baton Rouge campus. 'There will be swift and decisive action against any student organization that violates this directive,' Shields said, adding that expulsion remains a possible consequence after due process. Wilson, a mechanical engineering junior and a member of Southern's Human Jukebox marching band, died after being punched in the chest multiple times during an alleged hazing ritual at a warehouse while pledging Omega Psi Phi, according to Baton Rouge police. The fraternity's Baton Rouge chapter has been ordered to cease all activities, and the university's internal disciplinary process is ongoing. Police have arrested Caleb McCray, 23, on charges of manslaughter and criminal hazing in connection with Wilson's death. Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. confirmed that arrest warrants are being prepared for at least two additional suspects. The investigation remains ongoing, and final autopsy results are pending. Understanding Louisiana's hazing laws: Penalties, reporting rules, and more Moon mission goes sideways: Private lunar lander declared dead after botched landing Hispanic Caucus demands apology from GOP campaign arm after 'illegal immigrant' smear US inmate set to die by firing squad, which states allow this? Southern University suspends Greek life recruitment after student's hazing death 'America's punching bag': Singer revisits 2024 national anthem fallout after latest performance Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Southern University board names new law center chancellor
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Alvin R. Washington was named Southern University Law Center chancellor by the board of supervisors Friday. Southern University System President Dennis J. Shields celebrated Washington's hire, saying he has been an extraordinary leader as interim and looks forward to working with him. 'As I step into this role of leading the Southern University Law Center, my primary focus will be on collaborating with our faculty, staff, and students to improve our first-time and ultimate bar passage rates,' Washington said. 'This goal is crucial for our institution's success, as it directly impacts the future careers of our students and further advances our mission of providing legal educational opportunities to the underserved and producing lawyer leaders.' Washington is currently the managing professor for the law center's mediation clinic and teaches courses on legal research, statutory analysis, alternate dispute resolution, and legal negotiations. He graduated from Grambling State University in 1983 and Southern University Law Center in 1987. He has served as a military trial lawyer and department head for the claims division in the U.S. Navy and was appointed as a special assistant to the United States Attorney General for the Central District of California. Washington's term as chancellor will begin once the board approves a contract. Honoring Black History: Southern University School of Nursing voted best program in the US Luigi Mangione makes first court appearance since arraignment in UnitedHealthcare CEO's death Judge clears path to pull USAID personnel off the job Trump administration reassigns acting ICE director Eggs seized at border as prices hit record highs in US Gonzales grocery store honors employee killed in June shooting Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
