KEY TAKEAWAYS: UNO officially became LSU New Orleans on July 1, beginning a new chapter focused on research, workforce development and academic growth. Delgado Community College celebrated its largest graduating class ever and expanded programs in AI, maritime management and homeland security. Tulane University reported a $5.2 billion statewide economic impact, added new housing and launched academic and career readiness initiatives. Loyola University New Orleans will transition most athletic programs to NCAA Division II in 2027 while investing $4 million in athletic facilities.   The University of New Orleans‘ transition into LSU New Orleans, combined with record-setting growth across area colleges and universities, marks a pivotal year for higher education in New Orleans. The University of New Orleans has officially become part of the LSU System, rebranding as LSU New Orleans on July 1, following more than a year of planning and legislative approval completed in June 2025. University leaders described the move as the start of a new chapter aimed at strengthening academic programs, research capacity and workforce development across the Greater New Orleans region. Jeanette Weiland will serve as interim chancellor and chief administrative officer to guide the university as it returns to the Louisiana State University System. Throughout the transition process, administrators emphasized continuity for employees and students. According to LSU leadership, all staff positions will be retained, with employees not required to reapply for their jobs as the institution integrates into the LSU System. Founded in 2025, Tulane Science Olympiad is a student-run organization promoting STEM education through competition, outreach, and academic development. Photo courtesy Tulane University. The transition plan, developed through 11 workgroups and informed by more than 100 participants from academia, industry, and the community, envisions expanded collaboration across campuses, increased investment and new academic pathways. If enrollment grows quickly, decommissioned assets, such as the Milneburg Hall and the Liberal Arts Building, may be revived. University leaders have also indicated early-stage discussions around shared programming and alignment with LSU Health. Questions remain about athletics and long-term branding, though messaging stated Privateers athletics identity and alumni engagement will be retained. While UNO’s transition marks a structural shift, Delgado Community College announced its largest graduating class in its 104-year history. In spring 2026, the college awarded 2,126 associate degrees and certificates to 1,846 graduates. Top programs based on enrollment are general studies, business and management, registered nursing and allied health-related fields and criminal justice. Delgado’s total enrollment is more than 13,000 students at five campuses and training sites, including City Park, West Bank, Sidney Collier, River City and the Maritime and Industrial Training Facility. Delgado announced its largest graduating class in its 104-year history was in spring 2026, awarding 2,126 associate degrees and certificates to 1,846 graduates. Photo courtesy Delgado University. New and updated offerings at Delgado Community College are coursework in artificial intelligence, social media, homeland security and maritime management. At Delgado’s City Park campus, a new Culinary Arts and Workforce building is under construction, which will have working kitchens, serving spaces, classrooms, labs and training facilities. At the Maritime and Industrial Training Facility in Gentilly, a new state-of-the-art aquatics pool is being constructed that will enhance training around maritime-fields, including safety and water rescue. In the private university sector, Tulane University continues to build on its momentum with strong enrollment, record housing capacity and a $5.2 billion annual economic impact statewide through its education, research, healthcare and workforce development initiatives. The $5.2 billion figure marks a significant increase from a 2019 study that placed Tulane’s economic impact at $3.14 billion. The university recently added two residence halls contributing roughly 780 beds, bringing on-campus housing capacity to nearly 5,000 students, the highest level to date for students living on campus. Tulane celebrated more than 3,000 graduates at its 2026 Unified Commencement, including a student shout-out to Madeline “Dylan” Murray who created the student-founded diagnostics startup venture Exactics, a rapid home test that will allow anyone to determine within 15 minutes if a tick found on a person or an animal carries the Lyme disease pathogen. Tulane’s academic course expansion continues to be driven by a changing world. New programs span artificial intelligence, sustainable urbanism, climate science, healthcare administration and biomedical engineering A $10 million gift from David and Marion Mussafer will transform career readiness for undergraduates by supporting a comprehensive career readiness program that embeds paid internships and professional development into the undergraduate experience. Construction projects continue on major capital projects downtown including the former Charity Hospital corridor and reimagining of the adjacent Tulane Medical Center site as a biomedical hub. On the uptown campus, construction is underway on the Unified Green project, which will connect major quads into a central pedestrian space and incorporate a large underground stormwater system for flood mitigation. Renovations to historic buildings, such as Newcomb Hall, are modernizing classrooms, collaboration areas and accessibility infrastructure while preserving architectural heritage. At Loyola University New Orleans, athletics are taking center field. Loyola announced acceptance into the Gulf South Conference, with most athletic programs transitioning into NCAA Division II competition beginning in 2027. The University also announced the addition of rugby to the Wolfpack in 2026. The move comes alongside a $4 million fundraising campaign to upgrade athletic facilities, including locker rooms, training areas, and sports medicine infrastructure. ...read more read less