Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University

Inspired by the vision of St. Francis of Assisi and in the tradition of the Roman Catholic Church, we extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to God's people, especially those most in need.

Established in 1923 by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, the School of Nursing began in conjunction with the establishment of Our Lady of the Lake Sanitarium in the Capitol Lake area of downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The School was an integral part of the new hospital’s program of service to the community.

Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is a small, Catholic, not-for-profit institution with a healthcare emphasis. The University offers degrees in nursing, health sciences, humanities, behavioral sciences and natural sciences. A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, Inc., the University is sponsored by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady and is faithful to its mission grounded in Franciscan values. The University is a student-centered academic community committed to the pursuit of truth and common good and devoted to excellence in teaching and learning.

From 2009-2014, over 3,883 students completed service-learning courses at the University, dedicating more than 68,000 service hours to communities in 16 parishes throughout central and southern Louisiana. In early 2011, the University was named by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as a Carnegie Engaged Campus. In addition to this prestigious Carnegie Foundation classification, the University has been named six times to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Inclusion on the Honor Roll (which is the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement) was especially significant when the University was most recently featured ‘with Distinction' for the second time.

The mission of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is to educate and form Franciscan servant leaders of all faiths. We honor and preserve the legacy of our founders by preparing highly skilled professionals, integrated thinkers, and faith-filled citizens. Inspired by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady to be a living witness to Jesus Christ and the Gospel message, the University is in communion with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University aspires to be a premier Catholic University in the Gulf Coast region. The University will be known for excellence in academics, civic engagement, and student and faculty achievement. This will be accomplished by maintaining relevant, rigorous program offerings, superior facilities, community engagement, and excellent student support all within a culture of Catholic, Franciscan faith identity consecrated to the cause of truth.

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (FranU) is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award doctorate, master’s, baccalaureate and associate degrees. Located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is a small, Catholic, not-for-profit institution with a healthcare emphasis. The University offers degrees in nursing, health sciences, humanities, behavioral sciences and natural sciences. A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Our Lady of the Lake Hospital, Inc., the University is sponsored by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady and is faithful to its mission grounded in Franciscan values. The University is a student-centered academic community committed to the pursuit of truth and common good and devoted to excellence in teaching and learning.

The University engages students in an educational experience that cultivates the spirit of scholarly inquiry, ongoing reflection, and a commitment to life-long learning and service. The University seeks to promote a learning environment informed by the concepts of collegiality, community, democracy, social justice, and the culture of life that encourages individual and collective responsibility. Committing to and accomplishing the institutional purpose and goals requires empowering students to exceed standards, expand their vision, and come to the full measure of their humanity.

At Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, you will experience a supportive and caring journey focused on innovative programs and personalized student attention where first names replace numbers. Meet life-long friends and prepare your mind, body, and soul for a lifetime of service and happiness. Make a difference in the world.

Founded in 1923, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University is premier Catholic institution in the Southeast that provides dedicated students a faith-filled and formative education in preparation to serve communities. At Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, you will experience a supportive and caring journey focused on innovative programs and personalized student attention where first names replace numbers.

The academic community expects its members to be ethical, respectful, civil, vital, and purposeful and for all of its members to be valued contributors to the five commitments. Those commitments are to multi-modal and distance learning, collaboration, reflective practice, evidence-based teaching, and scholarship.

At FranU, you will experience a supportive and caring journey focused on innovative programs and personalized student attention where first names replace numbers. Meet life-long friends and prepare your mind, body, and soul for a lifetime of service and happiness.