2012-13 Annual Report - Southern University New Orleans

In preparing for the future of the Southern University at New Orleans Athletic program, there are specific
target areas that must be addressed to continue to build upon the success of the past year.
Adding new sports
To continue to attract athletes to the university, we must offer more programs. Student athletes have
excelled in the classroom and make a great contribution to both the University and the community. It is
our goal to add Men’s and Women’s Tennis along with Men’s and Women’s Soccer over the next three
years. I anticipate that we will be able to expand our recruiting base both locally and internationally to
bring in athletes and raise the profile of the University.
Facilities
SUNO athletes have performed exceptionally well, even
while utilizing less than ideal equipment and facilities. The
ongoing rehabilitation of The Castle remain a priority of our
department. Replacing the current floor, upgrading the
locker rooms and training facilities and developing suitable
venues for our track team as well the proposed soccer team
will be key in not only maintaining but enhancing the
program’s ability to compete. The potential for injury and
the inability to find suitable practice locations must be
addressed for the safety of our athletes.
Development
The SUNO athletic department requires the ability to
supplement its annual budget through the pursuit of
sponsorships, annual fundraising initiatives and revenue
generation through athletic licensing. The University must
be more aggressive in targeting potential ticket buyers to
athletic events and in meeting with local businesses to make
connections that will lead to new sources of revenue.
Currently, Southern University at New Orleans is losing
thousands of dollars due to its lack of a University bookstore. There is a demand for athletic apparel with
the SUNO name. It requires an investment in both a modern, 21st century logo and in creating a space on
campus that students, alumni and fans can purchase these items.