2005
Southeastern began its first year under the full Board of Regents Master Plan admissions
criterion.
Fanfare proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary.
On August 29, just six days into the semester, Hurricane Katrina hit southeast Louisiana,
devastating the parishes of St. Bernard, Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines and St. Tammany,
as well as the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Southeastern fared well and suffered no major
structural damages (although the University campus did lose many trees). After the
storm, Southeastern was able to play an instrumental role in the relief effort by
providing housing for the National Guard, disaster relief teams from across the country
and utility workers. The University also provided housing for its displaced faculty,
staff and students as it re-opened its doors on September 6. In addition, the University
re-opened enrollment and provided housing for many displaced students from other universities
and community colleges in the disaster area; this also included the hiring of several
displaced faculty from these institutions. By the 14th class day, in spite of Katrina,
Southeastern had again enrolled a record-breaking number of students: 16,068.