In 1969, a group of students, led by Mr. Edward Ward, Jr. of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Mr. Jerry L. West of Haynesville, Louisiana, approached the late Rev. Louis Askins, who was then a counselor at the Freshman Complex (Old Jones, Dunn, Boley), with the hope of forming a Gospel Choir on the campus of Southern University. From that meeting, The Southern University Interdenominational Gospel Choir (SUIGC) was formed.

In 1972, the late Mr. Daryl Washington of Lake Charles, Louisiana, formed the Baptist Student Union Choir, which became a driving force locally and in the National Baptist Student Union Retreat. This choir was led by noted directors such as Mr. Tim Thorn of Houston, Texas, the late Mr. Baron Keith McGlothan (Bah Bah) of Memphis, Tennessee, and many others.

In the mid-1980s, Mr. Reginald Collins of Clinton, Louisiana, carried the choir to new heights. From the mid-1980s to 2010, Mr. Collins led the choir to become a major force in the Gospel Music Community, locally and nationally. After his long and faithful tenure ended in 2010, the name was changed to the Southern University Gospel Choir (SUGC). Several persons served as director thereafter: Mr. Reuben Griffin, Mr. Jerrell Gray, Mr. Arthur Gremillion, and Ms. Marcella Ratcliff.

In the summer of 2013, Elder Ernest Bowman, Jr., formerly of Alexandria, Louisiana, was appointed as Advisor/Director of the Southern University Gospel Choir. For 11 years, he faithfully served in both roles, leading the choir with dedication and vision. In 2024, Elder Bowman appointed student leader James Elliott to serve at the helm of SUGC, guiding its musical direction while Elder Bowman continued to serve as Advisor. Now, with that season completed, Elder Bowman has resumed full leadership of the choir, continuing to provide musical direction, mentorship, and spiritual guidance to ensure the choir’s legacy and impact for generations to come.