Louisiana State University in Alexandria

Louisiana State University of Alexandria

LSUA's Multipurpose Academic Center
Type	State assisted university
Established	1961
Chancellor	Daniel Howard
Provost	Barbara Hatfield
Students	3,277
Undergraduates	3,277
Postgraduates	0
Location	Alexandria, Louisiana, USA
Campus	Urban
Colors	Purple      Gold
Athletics	NAIA Division I – RRAC
Nickname	Generals
Affiliations	LSU System
Website	lsua.edu

Louisiana State University of Alexandria (LSU of Alexandria or LSUA, formerly Louisiana State University at Alexandria) is located in Alexandria, Louisiana, in the geographic center of the state. It is a publicly assisted university offering undergraduate degrees in numerous disciplines. The university is a unit of the LSU System and operates under the auspices of the Louisiana Board of Regents. As of fall 2016, LSUA has an enrollment of 3,277 students which is recorded as the highest in the university's history. The institution is located on the grounds of the former Oakland Plantation some eight miles south of downtown Alexandria. The campus boasts many majestic oaks dating from the nineteenth century.

LSUA devotes itself exclusively to undergraduate programs, offering degrees in a variety of liberal arts and professional disciplines. The university confers Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of General Studies (with a Concentration) degrees. The baccalaureate degrees are as listed in the table. LSUA also confers associate degrees in Nursing, and Radiologic Technology. In addition, it offers Certification in Pharmacy Technology and an Alternative Path to Elementary and Secondary Education Certification.

In 1959, the Louisiana Legislature authorized the establishment of LSUA as a two-year college under the governance of the LSU Board of Supervisors. LSUA registered its first students in 1960 and initiated its first degree program, an Associate in Nursing, in 1964. The additional academic divisions of Liberal Arts, Business Administration, and Sciences were developed in 1967. In 1974, LSUA was accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award associate degrees. Over the next 15 years, several associate degree and certificate programs were added.

From 1976 through 2003, Louisiana State University offered the upper-level course work for select bachelor's degree programs on the LSUA campus through a program known as LSU Senior College. Initially, the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of General Studies were offered. The Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education was added in 1982.

In 2001, with approval by the Louisiana State University Board of Supervisors and the Louisiana Board of Regents, the Louisiana Legislature passed legislation (Senate Bill 853) allowing Louisiana State University of Alexandria to offer baccalaureate degrees. In 2002, SACS granted accreditation to the university to award both associate and baccalaureate degrees. The following year LSUA was reorganized into colleges and departments rather than divisions. The College of Arts and Sciences consisted of the departments of Arts, English and Humanities; Behavioral and Social Sciences; Biological Sciences; and Mathematics and Physical Sciences. The College of Professional Studies consisted of the departments of Allied Health, Business Administration, Education, and Nursing.