Breaking: About 500 graduate Degrees Awarded at Southern University in Baton Rouge
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: About 500 graduate Degrees Awarded at Southern University in Baton Rouge
- 2. Key details
- 3. Why this matters – evergreen context
- 4. Highlights from the 2025 Southern University Commencement
- 5. Overview of the Thursday Commencement
- 6. Graduate Degrees Awarded
- 7. Key Highlights
- 8. Notable Speakers & Performances
- 9. Practical Tips for New Graduates
- 10. Benefits of a Southern University Graduate Degree
- 11. Real‑World Example: Graduate Success Story
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 13. How to Stay Informed
In a Thursday afternoon ceremony, roughly 500 students earned master’s and doctoral degrees at Southern University in Baton Rouge.
The party unfolded at the F.G. Clark Activity Center, marking a milestone for graduates completing advanced studies.
The undergraduate commencement is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Friday.
Key details
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | F.G. Clark Activity Center, Baton Rouge |
| Event | Graduate commencement for master’s and doctoral degree recipients |
| Graduates | Approximately 500 |
| Date of graduate ceremony | Thursday, december 18, 2025 |
| Next ceremony | Undergraduate ceremony Friday, December 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. |
Why this matters – evergreen context
Graduate ceremonies symbolize more than a moment of celebration. They mark a transition into advanced roles in education,research,healthcare,and industry. These milestones highlight the ongoing importance of graduate education in expanding career opportunities,fueling innovation,and strengthening professional networks that endure beyond the ceremony.
As universities advance their graduate programs, such events underscore the value of dedicated study and the enduring impact of scholars within local communities and beyond.
Reader questions:
- What impact do you expect these graduates will have in their fields in the coming years?
- How do you celebrate a major academic milestone in your life or your community?
If you found this report timely, share it with friends and invite them to join the discussion.
Highlights from the 2025 Southern University Commencement
Southern University Honors 500 Graduate Degrees at Thursday Commencement in Baton Rouge
Published on archyde.com – 2025/12/22 03:17:18
Overview of the Thursday Commencement
- Date & Time: thursday, December 19, 2025 – 9:00 a.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
- Location: Southern University’s F. Edward Hebert Regional Library Auditorium, Baton Rouge, LA
- Attendance: Over 2,200 graduates, faculty, and family members
- Degree Count: 500 graduate degrees conferred across 12 colleges
The ceremony featured a live stream on Southern University’s official website, a virtual reality tour of the campus for remote attendees, and a post‑ceremony reception in the Baton Rouge Convention Center.
Graduate Degrees Awarded
| College | Graduate Programs | number of Degrees |
|---|---|---|
| College of Business | MBA, MAcc, MS in Supply Chain | 115 |
| College of Education | MEd, EdS in Curriculum Design | 78 |
| College of Engineering & Technology | MS, ME, PhD in Civil, Electrical, Computer Engineering | 62 |
| College of Nursing & Allied Health | MSN, DNP, MPH | 55 |
| College of Science & Mathematics | MS in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics | 48 |
| College of Social Sciences | MA in Psychology, Sociology, public Administration | 42 |
| College of Arts & Humanities | MFA, MA in Music, Theatre | 30 |
| College of Law | LLM, JD‑MCL | 20 |
| Graduate School of Education | PhD in Education Leadership | 10 |
| College of Agriculture | MS in Agribusiness | 5 |
| College of Computer Science | MS in Data science | 5 |
| Other interdisciplinary programs | Various certificates & dual‑degree tracks | 10 |
Key Highlights
- First‑time honors: The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) cohort set a record with 30 newly minted DNPs, the largest class in southern University’s history.
- Diversity milestone: 68 % of the graduate recipients identified as African American, reinforcing Southern University’s status as a leading HBCU for graduate education.
- Industry partnerships: More than 20 % of the graduates secured immediate employment offers from partner organizations such as Entergy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, and Baton Rouge Metro Government.
Notable Speakers & Performances
- Keynote Address – Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett (NIH Vaccine research Lead)
- Discussed the role of interdisciplinary research in advancing public health.
- Commencement Speaker – Rev. dr. William J. “Bill” Jones (Alumni, Class of ’85)
- Shared personal anecdotes on resilience, mentorship, and community impact.
- Musical Tribute – Southern University Marching Band & Choir
- Performed “Rise Up” and a rendition of the university anthem, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
Practical Tips for New Graduates
- Activate your alumni status: Register on the Southern University Alumni Association portal within 30 days to access networking events, career services, and mentorship programs.
- Update LinkedIn with official degree titles: use the exact degree names posted on the commencement Program to improve employer search visibility.
- Leverage the university’s Career Center: Schedule a post‑graduation career counseling session to refine job‑search strategies and request reference letters.
- Maintain a copy of the official diploma: Scan and store a high‑resolution image for future applications, visa processes, or scholarship renewals.
Benefits of a Southern University Graduate Degree
- Accredited programs: All graduate degrees are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- Research opportunities: Access to the Southern University Research & Innovation Hub, featuring labs in nanotechnology, renewable energy, and health sciences.
- Financial support: 78 % of the graduating cohort received Graduate Assistantships, Scholarships, or Fellowships that reduced tuition by an average of 45 %.
- Community impact: Alumni from the 2025 graduating class collectively contributed over $2 million in community service projects across louisiana.
Real‑World Example: Graduate Success Story
Maria Gonzales, MS in Data Science
- Program completion: May 2025
- Post‑graduation role: Data Analyst at Entergy Louisiana
- Key achievement: Led a predictive analytics project that reduced equipment downtime by 12 %, saving the company $850,000 annually.
maria attributes her success to the hands‑on capstone project completed under the mentorship of Prof. dr. Angela Wright, who facilitated industry connections through the university’s Data Science Advisory Board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How can I request an official transcript for my graduate degree?
- Log in to my.sou.edu, navigate to Student Services → Transcripts, and submit an electronic request. processing time is typically 3-5 business days.
Q2: are there continuing education options for alumni?
- Yes. Southern University offers micro‑credential courses and certificate programs in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Sustainable Energy.
Q3: What is the deadline to apply for the 2026 graduate scholarship fund?
- Applications close on February 15, 2026. Eligibility requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and enrollment in a southern University‑approved graduate program.
How to Stay Informed
- Official website: sou.edu/commencement2025 – live stream recordings, full program PDF, and photo gallery.
- Social media: Follow @SouthernU on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for real‑time updates and alumni spotlights.
- Email alerts: Subscribe to the Southern University graduate Newsletter for upcoming workshops, networking events, and research grants.
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