Project
College of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies
About the College
The College of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies provides Southern with a deep liberal arts curriculum, including history, world languages, visual and performing arts, mass communications, and engaging learning environment that prepares students to demonstrate a mastery in analytical, verbal, and written skills.
Degree Programs
- UNDERGRADUATE -English (with Minors in French, English, Spanish, and English Education), Mass Communications (with Minors in Mass Communication & Public Relations), Music (with Minors in Music Education, Theater, and Visual Arts), and Interdisciplinary Studies
- GRADUATE - Educational Leadership
The renovations of the College of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies will strengthen Southern University’s academic and performing arts programs by modernizing existing facilities and creating a more cohesive campus environment. Upgraded classrooms, studios, and support spaces will empower students to excel academically and creatively. Improvements to the band and music facilities—including a new Performing Arts Auditorium, rehearsal halls, practice rooms, and support areas—will enhance the Human Jukebox and Southern University’s renowned music program, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and performance.
- South endzone expansion/New locker rooms for women’s sports
- Health, nutrition, and indoor practice facilities
- Parking facility, rooftop restaurant, and shops
- SU Sports Hall-of-Fame Museum
- New locker rooms for tennis and volleyball teams
- Coach and staff offices
Southern University’s College of Humanities and Interdisciplinary Studies is undertaking comprehensive renovations to modernize its academic and performing arts facilities. The project will consolidate programs across multiple buildings while addressing growth and space needs. Key features include:
- Renovated academic buildings with updated classrooms, music and dance studios, digital arts, and media arts facilities
- A new 88,000-square-foot Performing Arts Auditorium, including a Performance Hall, Ensemble Hall, and large rehearsal room that can serve as a second band hall
- Repurposed band storage in the former Bookstore and a fully renovated Isaac Greggs Band Building to modernize infrastructure while preserving its legacy
- Dedicated practice fields and support spaces for the Human Jukebox and other music ensembles
| Stewart Hall | 68,000 sf |
| Number of Stories | 3 |
| Harris Hall | 52,160 sf |
| Number of Stories | 2 |
| Hayden Hall | 38,000 sf |
| Number of Stories | 1 |
| Debose Hall | 32,000 sf |
| Number of Stories | 1 |
| Existing Building Renovation | 21,607 sf |
| Isaac Greggs Band Building | 15,183 sf |
| Bookstore | 6,424 sf |
| Band/Auditorium Building | 88,000 sf |
| Number of Stories | 2 |
| Building Height | 38’ |
| Surface Parking | 10,500 sf |
| Site / Landscaping | 18,000 sf |
| Band Practice Field | 63,900 sf |
Cost Estimate
| IMPROVEMENT | COST | SECURED | NEEDED | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stewart Hall | $7,480,000 | $0 | $7,480,000 | |
| Harris Hall | $5,737,600 | $0 | $5,737,600 | |
| Hayden Hall | $4,180,000 | $0 | $4,180,000 | |
| Debose Hall | $3,520,000 | $0 | $3,520,000 | |
| Isaac Greggs Band Building Renovation | $1,100,000 | $0 | $1,100,000 | |
| Bookstore Renovation | $100,000 | $0 | $100,000 | |
| Band Auditorium | $44,000,000 | $0 | $44,000,000 | |
| Site Landscaping | $50,000 | $0 | $50,000 | |
| Band Practice Field | $2,100,000 | $0 | $2,100,000 | |
| Soft Cost | $7,500,000 | $0 | $7,500,000 | |
| TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS | $75,767,600 | $0 | $75,767,600 | |
| Endowment Programming | $7,630,000 | $260,811 | $7,369,188 | |
| TOTAL PROJECT COST | $83,397,600 | $260,811 | $83,136,789 |
Most students begin their university journey moving through our programs for four or more semesters. New learning facilities that are housed in one area of campus, instead of within the six buildings across the campus that house our programs now, will enhance the academic experience of all students and help them better access the skillsets needed to succeed.
CYNTHIA DOWNING BRYANT
It feels great to be a student at Southern University. My experiences here have been more than I could have ever imagined. I have had many opportunities to hone my skills in mass communications both on and off of the Baton Rouge campus. I look forward to a great future, and I know that I have what it takes to excel in all of my future endeavors.