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Total Cost
$12,204,292
REMAINDER NEEDED
$11,204,292

Project

Matthews Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

About the Project

Southern University System Foundation is proud to introduce the Matthews Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, a state-of-the-art 14,000 square foot facility. This new building will serve as the Southern University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, dedicated to fostering the growth of entrepreneurial ventures and supporting startup companies during their critical early stages.

Degree Programs

Outcomes

The Matthews Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Southern University will significantly impact the startup ecosystem by providing essential support to new businesses. The Center will help entrepreneurial companies survive and thrive during their formative years, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic business environment. By offering specialized services and resources, the Center will play a crucial role in the growth and success of innovative ventures, strengthening the overall entrepreneurial landscape at Southern University.

Southern University alumnus and Southern University System Foundation (SUSF) Trustee Irving Matthews has gifted $1M to expand programming creating the Southern University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. The gift will also provide seed funding for the construction of a new state-of-the-art 14,000 square foot building that will house the Center’s operations.

In recognition of his gift, the Center will be named the Matthews Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. His philanthropic efforts benefitting Southern University spans three decades totaling $916K. With this gift, Matthews’ lifetime giving to Southern will exceed $2M.

“I believe that the long-term success of Southern University is tied to the support it receives from the students that attended the University,” Matthews said. “It is imperative that all alums give back to the University that has given so much to them. Southern has been there for us, so let’s keep it around for future generations. I will forever be committed to giving back to my cherished alma mater.”

The current Southern University Innovation Center is a collaboration between the Southern University System Foundation (SUSF) and Southern University and A&M College. In 2012, the SUSF received an award of $1.2 million from the Economic Development Administration to construct the Innovation Center at Southern. The Innovation Center nurtures the development of entrepreneurial companies, helping them survive and grow during the start-up period when they are most vulnerable. These programs provide their client companies with business support services and resources tailored to young firms.

DESCRIPTION

The Matthews Center will offer a comprehensive range of resources and services designed to nurture and accelerate the development of young businesses. Key features include:

BUILDING DATA
Total Building Area12,000 sf
Number of Stories2
Office Space4,467 sf
Training Areas/Public Spaces3,318 sf
Conference Rooms1,904 sf
Building Support2,510 sf

Cost Estimate

IMPROVEMENTCOSTSECUREDNEEDEDNOTES
Building Costs$6,143,887
Site / Landscaping$314,046
Soft Costs$646,357
TOTAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS$7,104,292$7,104,292
Endowment Programming$8,500,000$1,000,000$7,500,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST$12,204,292$11,204,292

“The Southern University at New Orleans School of Nursing endeavors to increase the number of diverse nurses in the healthcare workforce. We believe that nursing education is a mutual venture between faculty and students that requires active participation from both. “Nursing Takes Heart” is our motto, a heart to care, a heart of courage, a heart to love, and a heart to learn. Our faculty is committed to furthering SUNO’s mission to serve the educational needs of the Greater New Orleans area and beyond.”

KELLY D. SMITH

DNP, APRN, PHCNS-BC, CNE
Dean College of Nursing and Allied Health
Southern University at New Orleans

“As I approach the finish line of my nursing education, I feel prepared and confident in my ability to serve as a compassionate, competent, and dedicated nurse. Nursing is not just a career for me; it is a calling, and I am honored to join a profession that holds the values of care, empathy, and lifelong learning.”

DAVIALLE L. CARRADINE

  • Classification: Senior
  • Major: Nursing Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Inaugural Cohort, Class Vice President