Student Experience: Enhancing Life Beyond the Classroom

The “Student Experience” pillar of IMAGINE SOUTHERN focuses on creating vibrant, supportive, and engaging environments that contribute to student success both inside and outside the classroom. With a funding goal of $150 million, this pillar is dedicated to improving the quality of student life across all campuses, with a focus on new and upgraded facilities that foster community, promote wellness, and enhance student retention. By building and renovating more than 10 key spaces, IMAGINE SOUTHERN will ensure that students have access to the resources they need to thrive throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Revitalizing Southern University Athletics

Southern University has a proud tradition of athletic excellence, with teams that compete in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, track and field, and more. The “Student Experience” pillar will strengthen this legacy by investing in significant improvements to athletic facilities, benefiting both athletes and fans. Planned upgrades include an expansion of Mumford Stadium with additional club and terrace seating, as well as a new Hall of Fame that celebrates the University’s storied sports history.

Additionally, the development of an indoor practice facility will provide a competitive edge, enabling football and soccer athletes to train year-round, while new health, nutrition, and training spaces will support overall wellness. Upgraded locker rooms for women’s sports, new offices for coaches and staff, and improved parking, complete with rooftop dining and retail spaces, will make Southern’s athletic facilities a dynamic hub for the campus and the broader community. These enhancements will improve the game-day experience for fans and provide modern, well-equipped spaces for athletes to train, compete, and excel.

A Modern, Student-Centered Union

A new Student Union and apartments complex on the Baton Rouge campus is a key project under this pillar. This facility is designed to be the heartbeat of student life, serving as a welcoming space where students can live, study, and socialize. The Student Union will feature a range of amenities that enhance the student experience, including retail and dining spaces, student services offices, indoor and outdoor meeting areas, and a new home for the University bookstore.

Housing quality is a critical factor in a student’s decision to attend Southern University, and this project will provide modern, comfortable living options that attract prospective students and support current ones. New student apartments located on the upper floors of the Union will offer an ideal blend of convenience, community, and comfort, allowing students to live close to the resources and services they need for success. With improved housing options and student-centered spaces, Southern University will be better equipped to retain students and help them complete their degrees.

A New Cafeteria to Enhance Campus Life at SUNO

A significant part of the “Student Experience” pillar is the new cafeteria planned for the Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) campus. Located on the northern side of the campus near student housing, this contemporary one-story facility will provide a vibrant, welcoming dining space for students. With seating for over 150 and private dining areas for 60, the new cafeteria will become a central hub for student life at SUNO.

The facility will feature a diverse array of food vendors, a salad bar offering fresh, healthy options, and a comfortable atmosphere where students can dine, study, and socialize. Its convenient location and modern design will significantly enhance the overall student experience, providing a much-needed gathering space that fosters community and engagement. This new cafeteria marks an important step forward in improving campus amenities, boosting student satisfaction, and building a stronger, more vibrant campus culture.

Improving Wellness, Community, and Engagement

The “Student Experience” pillar is about more than just physical spaces—it’s about creating an environment that supports student well-being and fosters a sense of belonging. By investing in health, wellness, and social spaces, Southern University is making a commitment to providing an all-encompassing experience that nurtures students’ physical and mental health, encourages engagement, and promotes a vibrant campus culture. This initiative includes not only the expansion and enhancement of sports and residential facilities but also the creation of gathering places that inspire collaboration, leadership, and community involvement.

Preparing Students for Success Beyond Graduation

Ultimately, the “Student Experience” pillar is about ensuring that every Southern University student has the opportunity to thrive. By providing safe, comfortable, and inspiring spaces, the University is laying the foundation for students to build friendships, find support, and gain the confidence they need to achieve their goals. These efforts will not only help students succeed during their time at Southern but will also prepare them to navigate life and career with resilience and ambition.

With support from donors, alumni, and the community, IMAGINE SOUTHERN is poised to redefine what it means to be a student at Southern University. Together, we can create an environment that encourages excellence, celebrates diversity, and prepares students to make a difference in the world.