Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Message from the President
Dear Colleagues,
As we continue our transition to LSU New Orleans, I want to share an important update regarding several academic programs and the steps we are taking to strengthen our university for the future.
Over the past several months, we have taken a careful, data-informed look at our academic offerings - considering enrollment trends, student interest, number of full-time faculty and workforce needs. Like many institutions across the country, we must ensure that our programs remain relevant, competitive and sustainable, while continuing to serve our students well.
As a result of this review, a number of programs will be modified, consolidated or taught out. I want to be very clear about what this means.
First and foremost, our commitment to our students remains unchanged. Every student currently enrolled in an impacted program will receive individualized advising and clear pathways to complete their degree or transition into a related program. We will work closely with each student to ensure they are supported every step of the way.
Second, these changes will not impact any faculty associated with these programs. Our faculty are essential to who we are, and they will continue to play a critical role in teaching, mentoring, and shaping the future of LSU New Orleans.
The programs being modified or taught out include:
- • BA Art History
- • BA Film and Theatre (Theatre track)
- • BA International Studies
- • BS Elementary Education & Special Education (Grades 1–5)
- • BS Mathematics (with a transition toward a new BS in Data Science)
- • MAT Elementary Education & Special Education (Grades 1–5)
- • MAT Secondary Education & Special Education (Grades 6–12)
- • MFA Film & Theatre (selected theatre-related tracks and concentrations)
- • MS in Tax Accounting
In some cases, programs will continue in a revised form - for example, offering minors or integrating coursework into related degrees - so that we can preserve important areas of study while strengthening enrollment and outcomes.
These decisions are not about reducing opportunity, rather, they are about strengthening it. We are aligning our academic portfolio with where student demand is growing and where career opportunities are strongest, while continuing to honor the disciplines that define us.
In addition, we are actively developing new programs in high-demand fields, including engineering management, hospitality and tourism management, data science, healthcare management, and others that reflect both regional strengths and national trends.
This transition calls for focus, collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing what is best for our students and our institution. By moving forward together - with clarity, accountability, and intentionality - we will successfully navigate this transition and build a strong, vibrant future for LSU New Orleans.
As we look ahead, it is worth remembering that our institution has always evolved to meet the needs of our community. Founded in 1958 as Louisiana State University in New Orleans, we were created to expand access to public higher education as part of the LSU System. After transitioning to the University of Louisiana System in 2011, we now return to the LSU System in 2026 - coming full circle and reconnecting with our roots.
Throughout it all, we have always been Privateer Proud.
Thank you for your dedication to our university and to one another during this important time.
Sincerely,
Kathy E. Johnson, Ph.D.
President, University of New Orleans