Tulane University

Tulane University is a private research university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. It was founded as a public medical college in 1834, and became a comprehensive university in 1847. The university is named after Paul Tulane, a wealthy merchant who donated significant funds for the institution's endowment in the late 19th century. Tulane University is known for its strong emphasis on community service, a distinctive feature that integrates with its academic programs, particularly in the fields of medicine, law, and public health.

History

Tulane University began as the Medical College of Louisiana in 1834, partly in response to the challenges of diseases such as yellow fever and cholera in the Gulf region. It evolved into a comprehensive university when it merged with the University of Louisiana in 1847, becoming the public University of Louisiana. In 1884, the university was privatized under the endowment of Paul Tulane, and it was subsequently renamed Tulane University of Louisiana.

Campus

The main campus of Tulane University, known as the Uptown Campus, is located in a historic area of New Orleans near Audubon Park. The campus is noted for its distinctive architecture, which blends Collegiate Gothic and modern styles. Tulane also operates several satellite campuses, including the Health Sciences Campus in downtown New Orleans, which houses the Tulane University School of Medicine and the School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Academics

Tulane University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across ten schools and colleges. The most prominent include the School of Medicine, School of Law, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, School of Science and Engineering, and the A.B. Freeman School of Business. Tulane is recognized for its rigorous academic programs, interdisciplinary research, and a strong commitment to community service.

School of Medicine

The Tulane University School of Medicine is one of the oldest medical schools in the United States and is renowned for its contributions to tropical medicine, cardiovascular disease research, and community health. The school emphasizes a curriculum that integrates clinical experience from the first year of study, and it operates several teaching hospitals in New Orleans.

Research

Tulane University is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity". It is a member of the Association of American Universities, an organization of leading research universities in North America. Research at Tulane spans various disciplines, with significant contributions in the fields of tropical diseases, environmental science, and urban development.

Community Service

A hallmark of the Tulane University experience is its commitment to community service. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Tulane became the first major research university to integrate public service into its core curriculum. Students across all disciplines participate in community service projects, contributing to the recovery and development of the New Orleans area.

Notable Alumni

Tulane has produced a wide array of distinguished alumni, including Nobel laureates, Rhodes scholars, prominent politicians, business leaders, and professionals in various fields. These individuals have made significant contributions to society, both nationally and internationally.