Southern University and A & M College....the largest Historically Black Land Grant University System in the United States is pleased to join the other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in establishing the Business Information System network (BISNet), an on-line, wide area network telcommunication system that will allow users access to some of the most current and effective business information and strategies available today.

The University has a strong tradition of providing educational and technical assistance in business and economic development for rural communities and entrepreneurs. For example,

• In 1969, the University's College of Business was singled out by the Economic Development Administration and was awarded a grant to improve the economic base of communities which impacted on persons who were economically deprived. This was the first program of this type for Louisiana, and it was cited as being immensely successful.

• In 1972, the University was awarded a contract by the U. S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to increase the number of businesses owned by minorities. This program successfully provided assistance to entrepreneurs and rural communities for eight years.

• Presently, the School of Nursing has become a hub for local, state, and national health efforts through "The Jag Mobile," a state-of-the-art mobile health van that serves rural areas through professional partnerships with Southeastern Louisiana University, Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, and private doctors.

• Southern University was the second largest recipient of federal monies for science and engineering research among historically black colleges.  The University was the first to offer an undergraduate degree program in urban forestry, a growing profession of city planners who specialize in health and agriculture, so that urban areas can share in the health and economic benefits of plant life.

• Other first-in-the-nation include a dam safety program in engineering.  The rapidly developing Distance Learning Program is another excellent avenues through which communities and entrepreneurs are assisted in a variety of service areas.

We hope that you find the Business Information System Network beneficial and resourceful. For a pictorial perusal of the Southern University System click here.