From student to alum to faculty member, Angela Proctor has made an indelible mark on Southern University A&M College. A proud graduate of Southern, Mrs. Proctor earned her undergraduate degree in communications before pursuing a master’s in library science at LSU. She then returned to her alma mater to work in the archives, where she has devoted her career to preserving and sharing the university’s rich history. Today, Mrs. Proctor continues this vital work from the third floor of the library’s Archives section, marking an incredible 40 years of service to Southern University.
Reflecting on her four decades with the university, Mrs. Proctor has witnessed transformative growth in many areas. “There’s been a tremendous evolution in physical buildings, academic programs, and student enrollment,” she shared. She highlights ongoing campus improvements, such as the construction of a new police station and outdoor classroom, as examples of Southern’s commitment to progress. She is particularly proud of the academic advancements that prepare students for competitive job markets. “When I think about programs like the School of Nursing,” she remarked, “I see the progression Southern has made because, when I first started, those programs didn’t exist.”
While the university has evolved, Mrs. Proctor’s unwavering love for Southern and her passion for historical preservation have remained constant. As an archivist, she takes great pride in processing historical collections and making them accessible online for the public to explore.
The work of the Archives department is essential to the university, and its secure location on the library’s third floor reflects its importance. However, Mrs. Proctor recognizes that this location has led to limited visibility among students. She hopes to change that by raising awareness about the archives and its significance to Southern’s history. “I want to inform students about what the archives are and the importance of Southern University’s history and heritage,” she said.
Currently, Mrs. Proctor is focused on digitizing and uploading artifacts to the library’s website, ensuring these treasures—some dating back to the university’s founding—are more accessible to the student body and beyond. Her efforts are a testament to her deep commitment to preserving Southern University’s legacy for future generations.
Angela Proctor’s extraordinary service to Southern University is invaluable, and her work does not go unnoticed. Thank you, Mrs. Proctor, for your dedication to safeguarding the history and heritage of Southern University for the past 40 years.