University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) is a research university based in the state of Louisiana. 

It is one of nine campuses within the University of Louisiana System and it holds the second largest enrollment across the state.

The university has roots dating back to 1898 when it was formed as an industrial school. It later developed to a four-year institution in the twentieth century, and was given its present name in just 1999. 

ULL is a national research university and it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Moreover, all undergraduate programmes that are eligible for accreditation by professional agencies are so. 

Some of the most popular subjects on offer to students include: applied language and speech sciences, biology, computer engineering, computer science, English, and mathematics.

In addition, the university offers Louisiana's only PhD in francophone studies and only industrial design degree.

The university is categorised as a Carnegie Doctoral University: Higher Research Activity, and the New Iberia Research Centre conducts basic and applied research on several species including macaques, capuchins and chimpanzees. Founded in 1984, the centre now houses over 6,500 monkeys for both breeding and studies.

The university has a strong media presence. A weekly newspaper was established in 1904 called the Vermillion, which is entirely student written and produced. It focuses on local stories, music, art, business and general campus events.

Athletic teams at ULL – nicknamed the Ragin Cajuns – participate as members of the NCAA Division I in the Sun Belt Conference. There are 16 varsity sports teams, which include: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, softball, soccer, volleyball, golf, tennis, and track and field.

Notable alumni include Ali Landry, an American actress, model, and beauty pageant titleholder who most notably won Miss USA in 1996, Ronald Guidry, nicknamed "Louisiana Lightning" and "Gator", a former Major League Baseball left-handed pitcher, and Jake Delhomme, a former American football quarterback who played professionally in the National Football League.