SUSLA Goes to Washington D.C.

Dr. Gantt, along with President Shields and other university leaders from Louisiana, met with Washington D.C. alumni, donors and elected officials.

The 2025 Washington D.C. Mardi Gras events for higher education leaders isn't just a social event; it's an opportunity to advocate for funding. Dr. Aubra J. Gantt, SUSLA Chancellor and SGA President Marlon Davenport met with congressional delegation members and other policymakers. The Southern University System and prospective donors joined forces to secure the funding needed to address the historic $1 billion funding disparity between Southern University and non-HBCU colleges and universities in Louisiana.

According to the Louisiana Illuminator, Southern University System President Dennis Shields reported he is also seeking funding for the university's capital campaign, adding that he was "feeling optimistic" about securing funds for both.

Dr. Gantt, along with President Shields and other university leaders from Louisiana, met with Washington D.C. alumni, donors and elected officials. Speaker of the House-Representative Mike Johnson, Congressman Cleo Fields & his wife Mrs. Deborah Fields, Attorney Vanessa LaFleur, Senator Bill Cassidy, and Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed were also in attendance. Dr. Gantt was thrilled to share her perspectives from a two-year university regarding the need for support and funding. She represented SUSLA among the Mardi Gras guests and legislators, echoing President Shields's desire to see SUS succeed at each event. Also, in attendance Grammy-Award winning singer Kenny Lattimore, whom Dr. Gantt had the privilege of meeting along with many other celebrities. The visit was productive, enriching, and exciting for all who attended.