LSU College of Humanities & Social Sciences

Department of Geography & Anthropology Chair Dr. Jill Trepanier provides expert analysis of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, which calls for slightly below-average activity with 8–14 named storms and 1–3 major hurricanes (Category 3+), compared to a historical average of about 14 named storms.

Dr. Trepanier explains that expected strong vertical wind shear across the Atlantic and the influence of El Niño are among the factors contributing to NOAA’s forecast. However, she emphasizes that a below-average forecast does not eliminate the threat to Gulf Coast communities. Warm Gulf waters can still fuel rapid intensification, and a single storm can have significant impacts regardless of overall seasonal activity.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.

Listen to more of Dr. Trepanier’s expert analysis of the 2026 hurricane season forecast here: https://talk1073.com/2026/06/02/louisiana-hurricane-season-2026-forecast-calls-for-fewer-storms-but-risks-remain/

Congratulations to Department of English Associate Professor Maurice Carlos Ruffin on being named a Guggenheim Fellow.

LSU reached a record-breaking $601 million in annual research spending following five consecutive years of growth.

From community resilience and emergency messaging to culture, communication, and recovery, researchers are helping to better understand the human impact of extreme weather on coastal communities.

Throughout the year 2025, 130 LSU employees reached 25 or more years of service at LSU, including 14 outstanding LSU College of Humanities & Social Sciences faculty members. We honor the dedication, commitment, and impact our employees make every day. Congratulations to all on these incredible milestones!

We are still reflecting on an unforgettable commencement ceremony and an extraordinary graduating class 🎉 Congratulations to all our Spring 2026 graduates!

Class of 2026, you did it! We are so proud of you. Congratulations!💛💜

TOMORROW is Commencement 🎓

🎓Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
📍Maravich Assembly Center
🕐Check-in is between 7:15 – 7:45 a.m. Graduates may not be admitted after 7:45 a.m. Ceremony begins at 8:00 a.m.
⭐The ceremony will also be live streamed for those who can't attend: https://www.lsu.edu/commencement/ceremonies/livestream.php

Congratulations to all of our graduates!

Eight College of Humanities & Social Sciences students are graduating this spring with an LSU Distinguished Communicator Medal!

The LSU Distinguished Communicator program recognizes students who excel in discipline-specific communication, leadership, and professional readiness, preparing them to stand out. Through strong writing, speaking, and leadership skills, these graduates have shown how communication drives impact both inside and outside the classroom.

Congratulations to our eight students:

Hannah Alm-Gibson, Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience) and Biochemistry
Faculty Advisor: Janet McDonald

Estelle Mensman, Communication Disorders and Interdisciplinary Studies (Individualized Studies)
Faculty Advisor: Eileen Haebig

Veronica Nguyen, Psychology and Biological Sciences
Faculty Advisor: Heather Lucas

Jayden Perry, Psychology and Communication Disorders
Faculty Advisor: Whitney Sutherland

A'shawna Smith, Sociology (Criminology) and Communication Studies
Faculty Advisor: Lisa Hebert

Abigail Williams, International Studies (Global Diplomacy)
Faculty Advisor: Scott Madere

Erykah Williams, Sociology
Faculty Advisor: Dasny Hunt

Crysania (Rei) Zimmerman, English (Literature) and Liberal Arts (Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies)
Faculty Advisor: Lisa Hebert

Visit https://www.lsu.edu/cxc/recognition-awards/students/distinguished-communicator-program/index.php to learn more about the LSU Distinguished Communicator Program.