University of New Orleans Lakefront Campus Charts Bold Next Chapter with LSU System Transition

NEW ORLEANS - The University of New Orleans (UNO) Lakefront campus, a longstanding pillar of education and community in New Orleans, is poised to enter a transformative new era under the leadership of the LSU System. After several decades of strong academics and athletics, the campus has faced declining enrollment - from a peak of approximately 17,000 students prior to Hurricane Katrina to about 5,000 today, and a consequential need for renewed investment in physical facilities. Due to the Louisiana State Legislature's investment of $20 million in the University of Louisiana system during the 2024 legislative session and efforts from UNO's administration, the campus was able to temporarily stabilize its operations. In the face of those challenges, the pride of alumni and the enduring spirit of the Lakefront community remain strong.

On July 1, 2026, responsibility for the Lakefront campus will formally transition from the University of Louisiana System to the LSU System. This marks a pivotal inflection point: a unique opportunity to revitalize enrollment, recalibrate academic offerings for present-and-future workforce demands, and fully leverage the campus's exceptional lakefront footprint. A newly formed transition team, including alumni, industry leaders, and representatives from UNO and the LSU statewide system, will convene on November 5 for a half-day planning session. The agenda includes receiving input on items such as academics, campus infrastructure, athletics, and community partnerships as well as hearing firsthand from the Chancellors of LSU Alexandria, Eunice, and Shreveport, as the plan will draw inspiration from proven success stories within the LSU family that have achieved enrollment growth and academic expansion within the LSU System by sharing statewide resources and aligning curricula with regional industries.

The agenda also calls for strategic academic revitalization that focuses on high demand sectors that reflect the regional and state economy: enhanced healthcare programs in partnership with the LSU Health; expanded engineering pathways; advanced national-defense and research initiatives building on the Lakefront's strengths; expansion of arts administration expertise; and a world-class hospitality, tourism and culinary program - perfectly positioned in New Orleans, one of the most vibrant cultural and culinary cities in the world.

Facilities planning is also central to the vision, as statewide LSU campuses increasingly partner with private developers to deliver modern student housing, retail, and entertainment amenities. UNO's campus offers a special advantage: a major landmark arena, more than 200 acres of lakefront real estate, and adjacency to a thriving urban culture and global destination. By restoring and repurposing existing buildings and pursuing new mixed-use development, the campus life experience will become a magnet not only for students, but also for broader community and business engagement.

Athletics will remain a hallmark of the campus identity. The transition team includes respected figures such as former UNO head basketball coach Tim Floyd and former athletic director Ron Maestri to ensure Privateer traditions endure even as new strategies are introduced. With renewed student enrollment, stronger alumni support, and partnership with the nationally acclaimed LSU Athletics Department, future LSU New Orleans sports programs - including Privateer basketball at the Arena and Privateer baseball at Maestri Field - will be positioned for a robust future.

In collaboration with state and local government, industry leaders from tourism, real estate, finance, healthcare, maritime, national defense, research, and technology will work alongside the transition team. Their collective focus: to bring the Lakefront campus into a new era of success, bolster student opportunity, and revive the economy of the entire New Orleans region.

This governance transition transcends a simple change in oversight. It represents the rebirth of the original LSU New Orleans Lakefront campus - transforming it into a world-class LSU institution, where generations of students will choose to learn, innovate, and pursue their dreams. New Orleans deserves no less.