The Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SUAREC) was established on July 1, 2001 out of the need to enhance the impact of our land-grant programs on the citizenry of the state of Louisiana. The mission of the Center is to conduct basic and applied research, and disseminate information to the citizens of Louisiana in a manner that is useful in addressing their scientific, technological, social, economic and cultural needs. SUAREC encompasses the Center for Small Farm Research, which was established in 1983, the Cooperative Extension Program, the S.U. Livestock Show and its state-of-the-art arena and a 385-acre agricultural research.

   The Center's programs are, and will continue to be, multi-disciplinary with collaboration among research scientists and cooperative extension personnel from Southern University and the LSU Agricultural Center.Programs in the Center will focus on, but are not limited to, the following areas: Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems; Human Nutrition, Diet and Health; Family, Youth Development and Enrichment; Urban Forestry; Natural Resources and Environment and Economics, Marketing, Policy and Community Development. The Center is therefore poised to be recognized and valued as a premier provider for practical new discoveries, outreach education and technical assistance in the food, agricultural and human sciences.

   The Ashford 0. Williams Hall is a two-story; 55,160 square-foot building consisting of more than 45 offices and 28 abides to house the research and extension faculty, staff and administrators, telecommunication unit equipment with graphic, television and distance learning components, and more than 20 research laboratories. The building also has three meeting rooms with the largest one being able to accommodate 300 people.

    The Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena has more than 58,943 square feet consisting of a regulation horse show ring, and swine, sheep, and beef cattle stables. The arena has significantly increased Southern University's capability to deliver youth educational programs in Louisiana. The arena also provides opportunities for other non-livestock show youth programs.

   Southern University is deeply indebted to the USDA/CSREES 1890 Facilities Program for furnishing the funds to construct the extension wing of the A. 0. Williams Hall the technology center and the Maurice A. Edmond Livestock Arena. The institution is equally grateful to the state of Louisiana for providing the funds to construct the research wing of the A. 0. Williams Hall.