About Us

Preserving the stories, achievements, and people who define Southern University Athletics.

Southern University’s athletic tradition began in New Orleans, Louisiana, with baseball as its earliest intercollegiate sport. After the University relocated to Baton Rouge, President Dr. Joseph S. Clark broadened the athletic program. In 1916, Southern fielded its first baseball team and inaugural football team, establishing the foundation of what would become one of the nation’s most celebrated HBCU athletic traditions.

In 1952, during Homecoming celebrations, Head Coach and Athletic Director Arnett W. Mumford organized the Southern University Letterman’s Club. Composed of varsity letter earners, the club promoted scholarship and fellowship among former athletes. From that foundation, the Southern University Athletic Hall of Fame emerged.

On October 31, 1959, 20 nominees from the 1916–1935 athletic era were considered during the annual Jaguar Huddle at Homecoming. On November 12, 1960, those athletes were formally inducted as the first members of the Southern University Sports Hall of Fame, with their names placed on a bronze plaque displayed on campus.

The organization was officially incorporated in 1982 under the leadership of Athletic Director Richard A. Hill, along with representatives from the Athletic Department, Athletic Council, and Letterman’s Club.

In 2014, the organization adopted the name Southern University Sports Hall of Fame, also known as SUSHOF, and introduced a new crest designed by Southern University Fine Arts student Jessica Keyes. Its selection process was expanded to include electronic nominations and updated criteria emphasizing athletic achievement, leadership, integrity, national significance, and representation across sports and generations.

Today, the Southern University Sports Hall of Fame continues to preserve and celebrate a proud tradition of excellence.

Mission Statement

The Southern University Sports Hall of Fame is a nonprofit organization committed to preserving Southern University’s athletic history, honoring excellence within athletics, and promoting the values represented by its athletes, teams, coaches, pioneers, and contributors.

The Hall serves as an educational repository dedicated to recognizing outstanding athletic performance, leadership, service, and meaningful contributions to Southern University and the broader sports community.

Through its mission, the organization seeks to ensure that the achievements and stories of Jaguar legends continue to educate, inspire, and enrich generations to come.

Statement of Purpose

The Southern University Sports Hall of Fame exists to honor and preserve the memory of individuals who have brought distinction to themselves and Southern University and A&M College through achievement, commitment, sportsmanship, leadership, and significant contributions to athletics.

It also seeks to strengthen the continuing bond among inductees, their families, Southern University, and Jaguar Nation.

Southern University’s athletic story is a tapestry of legends, including Harold Carmichael, Mel Blount, Bob Love, Avery Johnson, Lou Brock, Willie Davenport, Bobby Phills, Aeneas Williams, and many others whose accomplishments have brought national distinction to the University.