The university is a unit of the LSU System and operates under the auspices of the Louisiana Board of Regents.

In 1959, the Louisiana Legislature authorized the establishment of LSUA as a two-year college under the governance of the LSU Board of Supervisors.

The additional academic divisions of Liberal Arts, Business Administration, and Sciences were developed in 1967.

The College of Professional Studies consisted of the departments of Allied Health, Business Administration, Education, and Nursing.

Students who major in biology, English, history, or mathematics may declare secondary education as a minor in these areas of study, earning certification to teach that subject in grades 6–12.

In 2013 new bachelor's degree programs were added in Elder Care and Medical Laboratory Science.

Immediately before that, Dr. Howard served for fifteen years as a vice president at the University of North Alabama.

Other changes included a new logo and school colors similar to the LSU flagship campus itself.

[3] LSUA devotes itself exclusively to undergraduate programs, offering degrees in a variety of liberal arts and professional disciplines.

LSUA hired its first athletic director in 2007 and began competing in NAIA men's baseball and women's fast-pitch softball in 2008.