Built To Educate

New Orleans has a long-established commitment to furthering the research so critical to pushing the healthcare sector forward - it is a regional hub for higher education with a focus on the life sciences and research sectors. Forbes named New Orleans the 2024 Best City in the U.S. for College Students and Graduates and is second in the nation for the number of colleges per capita.

1
Paul Broussard

Tulane University

Tulane University was established in 1884 after its origination as the Medical College of Louisiana in 1834. The Tulane University School of Medicine is one of the oldest medical schools in the United States. Tulanians come from 58 countries and all 50 states. The Tulane University Health Sciences Center (TUSHC) is a major academic and medical research institution with a focus on global health, tropical medicine, and community service. TUHSC consists of several schools, including the Celia Scott Weatherhead School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, dedicated to advancing health sciences through education, cutting-edge research, and clinical care.

2
Camryn Brown, Untitled, 2024, Collage, Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana

Xavier University of Louisiana (Xavier), founded by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in 1925, retains its distinction as the only historically Black, Catholic University in the United States. Xavier’s major academic units are the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Pharmacy, and also awards the Master of Theology through its Institute for Black Catholic Studies. Xavier University of Louisiana's College of Pharmacy is among the top four schools in the United States for producing African American Doctor of Pharmacy degree-holders. In April of 2024, Xavier announced the continued progress to launch the Xavier Ochsner College of Medicine which partners the university and Ochsner Health to advance medical education by addressing health disparities in diverse communities.

3
Stephen Young

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

Rooted in the medical school established in 1931, the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Public Health (LSUHSC SPH) was approved by the Louisiana Board of Regents as its own entity in March of 2003, and offers six degrees. The faculty prioritizes prevention and focuses on preventative medicine, leadership, and innovation in learning. In May of 2024 during the 150th commencement ceremony, 173 School of Medicine graduates and 211 School of Nursing graduates walked across the stage.

4

University of New Orleans

The University of New Orleans (UNO) was founded in 1958 and opened its doors as the first fully integrated public university in the South. As an urban research university noted for its location in a culturally vibrant city, UNO is ever committed to diversity and belonging offering baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees in academic colleges. In September of 2023 Dr. Kathy E. Johson was selected as the first woman to lead as the President of UNO.

5

Southern University at New Orleans

Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), established in 1956, is a public historically Black university and a proud member of the Southern University System. With programs in Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Business, SUNO equips students for success while addressing regional challenges. Rooted in inclusion and innovation, SUNO stands as a beacon of progress for Louisiana, serving a diverse student body from all backgrounds.

6
Venue Images

Loyola University

Loyola University was chartered in 1912 by Jesuit priests and is a Jesuit and Catholic institution of higher education. Welcoming students of diverse backgrounds, the university is grounded in liberal arts and sciences while also offering opportunities for professional studies in undergraduate and selected graduate programs to educate the whole person. Loyola’s 18th president, Dr. Xavier A. Cole, Ed.D., is the first person of color, and the second layperson, to lead in this role.

7
Venue Image

Delgado Community College

Delgado Central Trades School opened its doors in September of 1921 with a program of vocational trades for 1300 boys and young men. The College name was changed to Delgado Community College by Legislative act in 1980 and is Louisiana’s oldest and largest community college offering 100 degree and certificate programs to men and women of all ages reflecting the diversity of the New Orleans metropolitan area. Delgado’s allied health programs ranked in the top 50 nationally.

8
Rebecca Todd

Dillard University

Dillard University (DU) was born of New Orleans University and Straight University in 1935. DU is named for James Hardy Dillard, an educational reformer who promoted racial harmony, and was the first Historically Black University in Louisiana. The institutions motto is “Ex Fide, Fortis,” and means “From Faith, Strength.” DU offers 22 programs of study: certificates, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees.

9

University of Holy Cross

University of Holy Cross (UHC) is an inclusive, student-centered Catholic institution of higher learning founded in 1916. UHC is rooted in the traditions of the Marianites of Holy Cross and is focused on academic excellence and innovative teaching. Students are awarded associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degree levels. University of Holy Cross also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.