Southern University at Shreveport was pushed to fruition by the administration of Governor John J. McKeithen and opened for instruction on September 19, 1967.

The primary emphasis of SUSLA was to serve the Shreveport-Bossier City metro area.

[1] On October 28, 1974, the Louisiana Board of Regents, then called the Coordinating Council for Higher Education, granted to the institution approval for six associate degree programs in business, humanities, medical office assistant, natural sciences, office administration, and social sciences.

The Port City Jaguars and Lady Jaguars are composed of two athletic teams representing Southern University at Shreveport in intercollegiate athletics, including men's and women's basketball.

The SUSLA sports teams are members of the Louisiana Community Colleges Athletic Conference.