About the Project

What is SUSLA E-Nation

SUSLA E-Nation, an extension of Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA), is a community-driven institution offering affordable, accessible, and innovative online learning experiences. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers to education by utilizing technology to provide high quality, personalized, and interactive E-Learning solutions. Our mission is to foster lifelong learning, creativity, and critical thinking for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring education remains within reach for everyone.

As part of the only historically Black Land Grant university system, we have a dual mission. First, we provide students with the opportunity to earn quality degrees through flexible online programs that empower them to advance in their education and careers. Second, we emphasize affordable and equitable education, embracing technology to extend our reach globally. By offering affordable online learning, we honor our rich heritage while preparing students to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Our goal is to support learners from diverse communities, helping them overcome geographical and socio-economic barriers to achieve their educational and professional aspirations. Ultimately, we aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to society.

The Southern University System (SUS) signed a partnership Memorandum of Understanding with the California State University's MERLOT organization on April 19, 2016 for the design and deployment of Southern University's Affordable Learning Solutions (AL$) Initiative. MERLOT is a free and open online community and collection of teaching and learning resources designed primarily for faculty, staff and students of higher education... MERLOT's library (www.merlot.org) provides a collection of peer reviewed online learning materials, including free and open etextbooks, catalogued by registered MERLOT members. MERLOT also provides a wide range of faculty development and student support services.

This partnership will empower Louisiana's higher education institutions to build a digital infrastructure that makes college more affordable by providing free e-textbooks and educational resources. By granting students free and immediate access to essential learning materials, we aim to increase enrollment, improve course success rates, and accelerate time to graduation.

The Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education faculty members successful development all of the General Education Courses using Open Educational Resources. Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA), SUSLA launched its first Zero-Textbook-Cost Courses and Degree, an online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice designed to transfer to a four-year institution. A team of experienced law enforcement professionals and academics, including Dr. Veronica McEachin, Mrs. Gwendolyn Tennell, Frederick Jerome Jackson Jr., Thaddeus Scott, Chief Harris, and LaTienda Pierre Davis, developed ten high-quality online Criminal Justice courses using Open Educational Resources (OER). This innovative program provides students with affordable and accessible education, empowering them to pursue their academic and career goals.

• Dr. Veronica McEachin, a seasoned leader in education and technology integration, spearheaded the development of our online Criminal Justice program
• Mrs. Gwendolyn Tennell extraordinary support and dedication were instrumental in providing technical support to the team.
• Frederick Jerome Jackson Jr. is a seasoned educator and advocate for student success with extensive experience in criminal justice administration.
• Thaddeus Scott brings a wealth of real-world law enforcement experience to the program, having served in various roles including narcotics, detection, and corrections.
• Chief Harris a highly decorated military veteran and accomplished law enforcement leader with a strong academic background.
• LaTienda Pierre Davis a dedicated public servant with a passion for education and youth development. She has served in various roles within the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, including D.A.R.E. Officer and Investigator.
• Calvin Ben Lester an Experienced community and economic development specialist with a focus on affordable housing, criminal justice, and legal compliance.

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Southern University Shreveport (SUSLA) has developed numerous online programs in Business, Psychology, and Sociology using Open Educational Resources (OER). OER courses are also integrated into several other majors. Generative AI is revolutionizing course development by streamlining the creation of assessments tailored to various student levels. With this innovative technology, SUSLA continues to expand its OER offerings.