HBCU News Spotlight:
- Southern University expects completion of the state-of-the-art complex in 2027, announced via Instagram.
- Project funded through Louisiana's Capital Outlay Act, securing state-level financial support.
- University leaders say facility will transform STEM education, preparing students to become global leaders in innovation.
- Construction began on March 11, 2025, marking the official start of the three-story complex.
- Design includes 21 labs, 16 classrooms, research spaces, lecture halls, collaborative areas, lounges, dining zones, and a coffee shop.
Southern University and A&M College marked a significant milestone in the construction of its $68 million science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) complex.
In an Instagram post published Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, the Baton Rouge, LA-based Historically Black College and University (HBCU) shared plans that the state-of-the-art facility will be completed in 2027.
“A major milestone is now in place,” the university shared in the post. “Today, Southern University celebrated the topping-off of the new STEM Complex, marking the placement of the final structural beam.”
According to a news release, the project is funded through Louisiana’s Capital Outlay Act.
Transforming STEM Education On Campus
University officials believe the facility will transform STEM education on campus and beyond, positioning students to compete at the highest levels.
“Our mission is to provide a transformative educational experience and opportunities to our students so they can become global leaders in STEM and innovation,” Lealon Martin, dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering, said in the press release. “Our overarching goal is to become the top producer of students with degrees in STEM.”
Southern University Chancellor John K. Pierre commented:
“As we celebrate the 145th anniversary of Southern University and its founding, we really believe that this particular building will be a transformational facility in the future of the state of Louisiana, this country, and globally. Our students are very competitive and well-rounded, and if they get this opportunity to do their work in a new place with the newest technology, they will excel and exceed all expectations that anyone could ever have.”
Construction on the three-story complex officially began on March 11, 2025.
Once finished, it will house 21 laboratories for physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, along with 16 classrooms, research laboratories, lecture halls, collaborative student spaces, and administrative offices, according to HBCU Game Day.
Additional amenities will include lounges, dining areas, and a coffee shop — all designed to foster collaboration and support extended study sessions, notes the outlet.
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