Dear Legislators

Dear Legislators:

I am a big supporter of Southern University. I know that you and other members of the Louisiana Legislature have some tough decisions to make regarding the Louisiana budget this year. I am deeply concerned that higher education may once again be dramatically cut. Southern University has already been devastated by the cuts over the last several years. We understand that the state has had some major financial challenges. However, this institution is absolutely critical to the economic health of the State of Louisiana and to this country. It has contributed greatly to the middle class of the state and has been one of your greatest weapons to fight poverty.

We ask that you not only defend Southern, but you join our fight to make this Louisiana institution one of the best in the country. Here are just a few quick facts about Southern University. We can’t afford to lose this incredible resource.

• SU Baton Rouge, SU New Orleans, SU Shreveport, SU Law Center and the SU Agricultural Center have made for a dynamic System. One that the State of Louisiana should be proud of.

• Southern's School of Nursing was named Nursing School of the Year in 2012 by the Louisiana State Nurses Association and the Louisiana Nurses Foundation. The School of Nursing is among the top 10 producers of African-American nurses in the nation.
• The College of Engineering is among the top 10 producers of African-American students who receive undergraduate degrees in engineering.
• Graduates of our College of Business are working at most of the top 40 corporations in the world.
• SU scientists have conducted research that has become useful applications in the study of outer space, the preservation of food, protection of trees, soil and water, along with high-speed information networks.
• Ten Southern graduates have earned the rank of General in the military.

Louisiana and America need Southern to be strong and powerful, please protect this valuable national treasure.

Sincerely,