ISSUE 1 VOLUME 1 MAY 2010

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Grambling State WELCOME LETTER FROM DR. POGUE SOLEDAD O’BRIEN VISITS GRAMBLING HONORING LEGENDS UNIVERSITY PRIORITIES ACADEMIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS ACCREDITATION SEASON AT GRAMBLING University EDDIE ROBINSON MUSEUM GRAND OPENING PHOTOS FALL FOOTBALL SCHEDULE TIGER BASKETBALL COACHES ROGERS & WASHINGTON ALUMNUS KERRY BRIGGS ESTABLISHES ENDOWMENT SGA & MISS GRAMBLING ELECTIONS In focus “WHERE EVERYBODY IS SOMEBODY” Dr. Pogue Welcomes GSU Family to In Focus Welcome to the first edition of In Focus, a leadership to the Grambling community, publication produced to enhance communi- we have faced escalating budget reductions cation among students, faculty, staff, and have undergone numerous reaccredita- alumni, the administration, and others. In tions and evaluations. All of these efforts Focus will be produced monthly and will have been coupled with our efforts to contain information about activities, develop and implement more strategic Dr. Frank G. Pogue, Interim President accomplishments, as well as renowned planning processes to improve the quality Grambling events. of education and the coordination of ser- vices at Grambling. In November 2009, the UL System Board I want to take this opportunity to express appointed Dr. Frank G. Pogue to serve as profound appreciation to the Grambling I, along with my entire leadership team, am the Interim President for Grambling State State University family for the support you committed to providing each of you with University. After forming the presidential have provided to Dorothy and me since timely information about the positive search committee and launching a brief arriving at Grambling. We are excited events taking place everyday at Grambling. nation-wide search, the UL System Board about being members of the family. This is only the beginning of our efforts to unanimously agreed to pause the search ensure that the world knows that for a president to allow Dr. Pogue to This semester has been particularly Grambling State University is truly the continue his efforts in stabilizing the challenging. In addition to welcoming new place where everybody is somebody.  university.

Soledad O’Brien Visits Grambling On Sunday, April 11, 2010, Grambling State Univer- Grambling family. In a tremendous show of grati- sity’s Lyceum Committee and the Student Govern- tude, O’Brien presented Dr. Pogue with a check for ment Association sponsored “Pioneers Paving The $10,000 and agreed to continue providing internship Way for Tomorrow’s Leaders” featuring Soledad opportunities for Grambling students majoring in

Grambling Mayor, Martha O’Brien. mass communications. Andrus (l); Soledad O’Brien (r) O’Brien, recently named Journalist of the Year by

the National Association of Black Journalists, Which Pioneer Would You Like See Visit offered students and the community pearls of Grambling State University? wisdom as she spoke openly about her personal Please Email Your Suggestions to: background and her career in broadcast journalism. [email protected]

O’Brien was pinned by Dr. Pogue following her Miss Grambling, Ahvery Thomas (l); Dr. Pogue (c); O’Brien presentation as the newest addition to the extended Page 1

focus on...Legends IN LOVING MEMORY OF Grambling State MRS. MARY University...Honoring HOBDY Legends and Legacies DECEMBER 15, 1925 “At Grambling State University, creating and honoring - APRIL 15, 2010 legends are planned activities,” said Interim Presi- dent Frank G. Pogue. Coach Eddie Robinson In February, Grambling remains one of the welcomed the Eddie G. winningest coaches in Robinson Museum to the collegiate football. Grambling campus, as part of the African American On May 13, 2010, Heritage Trail. Coach Grambling will continue the Robinson takes his place tradition of honoring alongside other famous legends by dedicating the African-Americans who Assembly Center to In recognition of the Conrad Hutchinson made their mark either from Grambling legend Fredrick their birth in or C. Hobdy and the New contribution of Mrs. Mary during their careers. Performing Arts Center in Hobdy to Grambling State honor of Conrad Hutchinson. University and the Grambling According to Interim community, the foyer inside of President Frank G. Pogue, Their greatness and historic the Fredrick C. Hobdy “There is no better place for efforts while at Grambling Assembly Center will be the museum’s location, other State University will live named in her honor. than right here at Grambling forever in the hearts, minds, State University.” and souls of countless men and women. 

Fredrick C. Hobdy To date, Coach Robinson University Priorities Established

In January, Interim President Dr. Frank G. Pogue established priorities to guide Grambling State University:

1. To build on the academic strengths and accomplishments of the University; 2. To improve the financial and operational management of the University; 3. To improve the organizational efficiency of the University; 4. To develop a comprehensive enrollment engagement plan; 5. To identify and implement marketing and public relations strategies that will enhance the image of the University; 6. To identify and develop additional strategies to achieve fundraising and friend-raising initiatives and goals; 7. To explore and implement initiatives to ensure employment opportunities for graduates; 8. To identify additional ways to recognize and reward the achievement of excellence among faculty, students, and staff; 9. To enhance Graduate Studies and Research; 10. To improve facilities based on institutional and academic priorities; 11. To prepare the campus for new presidential leadership. 

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focus on...Academics 2010 Academic Accomplishments Grambling Recognized

for Community Service A. O. Kuku, William W.S. Clayton Endowed Professor of Mathematics Grambling State University Grambling was the first UL Group Theory: Classes, Rep- was named to the 2009 Presi- System school to establish an resentations, Connections dent’s Higher Education Office of Service-Learning and Applications. (Chapter 2) Community and the first to (2010) NOVA Science Pub- Service Honor Grambling State make ser- lishers, 41-82. Roll. This award University, “Where service vice-learning a represents the requirement of and learning are the Dr. Wynetta Lee, Dean of highest level of graduation. Last College of Education Dr. Lawanna Gunn-Williams recognition a hallmarks of year, Grambling Assessment in Higher Educa- college or excellence.” faculty and staff tion. Pearson’s Learning So- university can volunteered lutions. (2010). Boston, MA. receive for its commitment to 46,500 hours, and students volunteering, service-learning, contributed 101,000 hours Dr. Marianne Fisher- and civic engagement. towards enhancing the com- Giorlando, Professor of munity. Criminal Justice Colleges and universities Awarded the Evelyn Gilbert across the county are Dr. Frank G. Pogue, Interim Unsung Hero Award by the recognized each year for their President, stated that service Academy of Criminal Justice impact on service-learning, learning will continue to be a Minorities and Women Sec- volunteerism, and civic goal of this institution. tion. engagement. Grambling State

University was one of two Dr. Rory Bedford is the Di- Dr. Beatrice McKinsey schools, along with Tulane rector of Service Learning at Assistant Professor of University, in Louisiana to Grambling State University. Dr. Rory Bedford English receive the Honor Roll with The program is supported by (Presentation) Distinction award. Title III funding and Learn “Alice Walker’s The Color and Serve America.  Purple: Fairytale or Spiritual Transformation” a t Mississippi Philological Accreditation Season at Association Conference. Hattiesburg, MS, February Grambling 19, 2010.

This is accreditation season for accreditation or reviews by the Dr. Lurie Thomason, Grambling State University as following : Department of Criminal the university undergoes four Justice reviews during the Spring International Association Ad- Appointed to the National semester. Grambling has 42 vance Collegiate Schools of Association of Blacks in accredited programs, which Business (AACSB) February Criminal Justice National Dr. Connie Walton, represents 97.8% of all degree 21-23 Board for the Southern Re- Provost and Vice programs and 100% of all gion, 2010-2011. President of Academic graduate degree programs. National Collegiate Athletic

Affairs Association (NCAA) March Yvonne Calvin, Assistant Grambling is accredited by 18 14-16 Professor Department of separate accrediting associa- KSLS tions, is a member in good Southern Association of Col- Appointed by Governor standing in 20 organizations, leges and Schools (SACS) Bobby Jindal to the and is 100% accredited in all April 6-8 Louisiana State Park and programs required by the Recreation Commission. Louisiana Board of Regents. Title III, Mid-Year Evalua- tions April 15-16 At the close of the spring SACS Accreditation luncheon semester, Grambling will have National Council for Accredi- undergone reaffirmation of tation of Teacher Education (NCATE) April 24-28  Page 3

Eddie G. Robinson Museum Banquet

The Friends of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum hosted the first annual Corporate Banquet for the Eddie G. Robinson Museum on February 12, 2010.

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Eddie G. Robinson Museum Grand Opening

Family, friends and supporters gathered on February 13, 2010 for the ribbon cut- ting ceremony for the Eddie G. Robin- son Museum.

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focus on...Athletics 2010 FOOTBALL 2010 Port City Classic SCHEDULE Tigers vs. Bulldogs Sept. 4 Louisiana Tech (Port City Classic) In the gridiron matchup between the Tigers and the Bulldogs, Grambling and Louisiana Tech will meet in Sept. 18 Jackson State the Port City Classic on Labor Day weekend in Sept. 25 Prairie View A&M Shreveport. ()

Less than 4 miles separate these two men where we are. Anytime will be profitable financially Oct. 2 Alabama A&M UL System schools. Both profess you can play up, you improve and emotionally for the Tigers. dedicated alumni, active fans, and your ability to be competitive “To say that I am a little excited Oct. 9 Alabama State

eager students, all thirsty for brag- when it matters most,” said would be an understatement,” Oct. 16 Alcorn State ging rights. Yet, 2010 marks the Grambling head football coach said Grambling fan Robert (High School Day) first time in history these two will Roderick Broadway. Clark of Monroe. “I know compete for “just desserts”. summer comes first, but I am Oct. 23 Mississippi Valley really ready for football season. Designated as a home game for It’s my favorite time of year. I Oct. 30 Arkansas-Pine Bluff Grambling, the battle kicks off at 6 love Grambling and I love (Literacy Day)

p.m. at Independence Stadium, in Grambling football.” Nov. 6 Concordia College Shreveport, LA. (Homecoming) The matchup between Gram- “I’m looking forward to competing bling State and Louisiana Tech Nov. 13 Southern against Tech. The fact that they have will mark the head coaching more financial support to accom- Grambling Athletic Director J. debut for new Louisiana Tech Nov. 27 () plish the same goals makes this a Lin Dawson is looking forward head coach Sony Dykes. 

good opportunity to show our young to the matchup and hopes that it Bold denotes home game Coach Rogers Named Coach of the Year & Coach Washington Named Head Men’s Coach Grambling State Lady Tigers head basketball but defeated number one seed, Jackson State, coach Donnita Rogers was named Southwest- before losing to Texas Southern , the winners of ern Athletic Conference women’s basketball the SWAC conference tournament. coach of the year. Coach Washington said, “I was very pleased Rogers, in her second year at the helm of the with the performance of the team. I knew they Lady Tigers program, led Grambling to a 10- had it in them. The most challenging part of the 8 conference record this season including a season was taking the helm after the tragic loss seven-game mid-season winning streak that of a player. My goal for next year is simple: helped her squad secure the #4 seed in the recruit well, practice hard, and win.” 2010 Farmers Insurance SWAC Tournament. Coach Rogers in action during J. Lin Dawson, athletic director, was pleased a home game. Rogers said she was “fully blown away” and with the season overall, but has even higher contends that “behind every great coach is a hopes for the upcoming year. “As we look ahead great team and staff equally dedicated to to the 2010-2011 season, our major focus is on success.” enhancing our ability to provide our student- athletes with the tools they need for success both First-year Tiger head basketball coach Bobby on and off the court.” Washington took the helm of the men’s bas- ketball following the departure of Coach Dawson went on to say, “Our ability to provide Duckett and was recently named the head student-athletes with a positive academic experi- men’s basketball coach for the 2010-2011 ence is essential. This year, we are putting more season. time and energy into our fundraising efforts. We must ensure that we are able to provide these Coach Washington (c, kneeling) Under Washington’s leadership, the Tigers young men and women with every opportunity entered the SWAC tournament an underdog possible for success.”  calls the shots during time-out.

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2010 focus on...Alumni TIGER Grambling Alumnus Kerry Briggs CARAVAN Establishes $100,000 Endowment The Grambling Department of Athletics has established the Tiger Caravan. Grambling alumnus Kerry Briggs has established two $100,000 professorships each year for four

a $100,000 endowed professorship in the Depart- year campuses. Briggs’s initial gift of $60,000 Upcoming dates: ment of Engineering Technology in honor of his will be matched by $40,000 from the Board of Jonesboro, LA—April 29 former professor and spouse, Mr. & Mrs. Clayton Regents. 6:30 p.m. A. Wiley. Jackson Parish Alumni Chapter “Alumni sup- Briggs, a native of port is critical Birmingham, AL—May 7 Little Rock, AR, to the success 7:30 p.m. graduated from of this institu- Birmingham Alumni Chapter Grambling in 1979 tion. Briggs’s with a bachelor of support is a Atlanta, GA—May 8 science degree in great represen- 12:00 p.m. Industrial Technol- tation of the Metro Atlanta Alumni Chapter ogy. He is the ability and CEO and President willingness of Shreveport, LA—May 13 of Briggs Field G r a m b l i n g 6:30 p.m. Services, Inc., a right of way acquisition company alumni to support this great institution and the Shreveport Alumni Chapter

that he founded in 1992. work that we do in educating future generations,” said Interim President Frank G. Pogue.  For more information on the The Louisiana Board of Regents established the Tiger Caravan endowment program to expand the opportunities In the Photo: Alumni Chapter & Dr. Contact for faculty enhancement on diverse campuses. & Mrs. Pogue (c). Kerry Briggs (left, center behind Mrs. Pogue) Dr. Steve Favors The program guarantees support assistance for at 318-274-2303 or [email protected]

focus on...Students GRAMBLING Student Leaders STUDENT Prepare for Transition AWARDS

Grambling students recently I will miss it dearly.” elected new SGA leadership and Imani Jackson a new Miss Grambling. Newly elected SGA President, Junior in Mass Communication Steven Jackson Lamark Hughes served as SGA received the AT&T Advertising SGA President, 2009-2010 This year’s exchange will be Vice President for the 2009-2010 Excellence Scholarship in the particularly poignant, as school year. Solange Sayers was amount of $6,000 for the spring Grambling will say “good-bye” voted Miss Grambling. and fall. Ms. Jackson is the to an extremely active student editor of the Gramblinite. government body. Other elected officers include: William Burge, SGA Vice Presi- College of Business Steven Jackson, Grambling’s dent; Arsenio Wilborn, SGA students received $20,000 in SGA President also served as the Secretary; and Cemia Kahlek, scholarships from Wal-Mart. student representative on the UL Miss Senior. Scholarship recipients are System Board of Directors. Chantel Wilson-Lawrence, Incoming SGA President La’Nel Goshen, Ulrick When asked about her reign as Lamark Hughes stated that under Joseph, Derwin Emmanuel, Miss Grambling, senior Ahvery his leadership the SGA will seek Rachel Davis, Ashley Ramierz, Thomas said, “It was beautiful to identify additional research Olayinka Mary Ademola and Ahvery Thomas because I am so blessed to opportunities for students, Garvin Casimir. Miss Grambling, 2009-2010 have had the opportunity, improve communication with yet stressful because of the administration, and improve duties and responsibilities. student retention rates.  Page 7

focus on...Giving THANK YOU Giving Societies FY 2009 FOR YOUR SUPPORT! President’s Club ($1,000 -$9,999) ExxonMobil Foundation, Inc. Clarkson Aerospace Corp. President’s Inner Circle Wilton A. Barham Denny’s Inc. Freddie L. Colston ($100,000 & Above) Grambling State University Martha Adams Alumni Chapter Wayne McConnell GSU Matching Grant $184,581 Tiger Marching Band Alumni Shreveport Federal Credit Union Aramark Corporation Board of Regents $120,000 Foundation Horace Judson Cleco Support Group John E. Maxwell Eleanor L. Lowery Larry Pannell John E. Thomas R.W.E. Jones Society JP Morgan Chase GSU Morehouse Chapter (GUNAA) Sylvia Davis ($25,000-$99,999) /Fort Worth Alumni Chapter Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Lucy J. McIntosh Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation (GUNAA) Primary Healthcare Associates, LLC Ruby Weekly Billups Dominion Foundation The Clark Company Inc. $30,000 Amos P. Kennedy Farm Credit Bank of Texas Vickie Guillory Ambling University Foundation Annie M. Brown Kathleen Ellis The Norfolk Southern Good $26,000 BASF Corporation Mandeleine G. Trichel Government Foundation Community Trust Bank Edward Price Mark Doughton The Lifepoint Community Foundation Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund $25,000 Matthew Guidry Ezil Bibbs Fitzgerald Contractors, Inc. The American Society for Cell Biology Connie Walton Fred Irby Dr. Helen Richards-Smith Society Neari F. Warner MCIO Video Bingo Gaming Fred J. Marsh ($15,000-$24,999) Allen Williams Monroe Ouachita Alumni Chapter Glenn R. Ross Greater North Louisiana CDC (GUNAA) Kellogg’s $20,000 Ivory V. Nelson Red River Bank Southwestern Athletic Conference ChevronTexaco $18,500 Jeanette A. Hutchinson C. O. Simpkins Washington DC Alumni Chapter Tom Joyner Foundation $18,500 Kevin Bolds Marianne Fisher-Giorlando (GUNAA) Richard Rayford $16,155 Lula King American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Abdulalim Shabazz Marcia R. Givens Exco Partners Operating Partnership LP Willie Daniel Michele Pearson Eddie Robinson Sr. Society Michelle O. Willis Stacey Duhon Otto O. Myers ($10,000-$14,999) Benjamin Williams Michael Lyons Shell Oil Company Foundation Palmetto Property Estate Jan M. Hamlin St. Matthew Baptist Church Studs Club, Inc. Road Runner Masonry, LLC Collegiate Licensing Company $11,556 Veeda G. O’Connor Vincent Jackson Alvin R. Bradley Emma C. Wilson Virgil Robinson Douglas L. Williams Alumni Chapter Leon Whittaker $10,125 West Monroe High School Band (GUNAA) BanCorpSouth Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Boosters Club $10,000

Grambling State University Mission Statement Grambling State University is a comprehensive, historically-black, public institution that offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs of study. Through its undergraduate major courses of study, which are undergirded by a traditional liberal arts program, and through its graduate school, which has a decidedly professional focus, the University embraces its founding principle of educational opportunity. With a com- mitment to the education of minorities in American society, the University seeks to reflect in all of its programs the diversity present in the world. The University advances the study and preservation of African American history, art, and culture. Grambling State University is a community of learners who strive for excellence in their pursuit of knowledge and who seek to contribute to their respective major academic disciplines. The University prepares its graduates to compete and succeed in careers related to its programs of study, to contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and to lead productive lives as informed citizens in a democratic society. The University provides its students a living and learning environment which nurtures their development for leadership in academics, athletics, campus governance, and in their future pursuits. The University affords each student the opportunity to pursue any program of study provided that the student makes reason- able progress and demonstrates that progress in standard ways. Grambling fosters in its students a commitment to service and to the improvement in the quality of life for all persons. The University expects that all persons who matriculate and who are employed at Grambling will reflect through their study and work that the University is indeed a place where all persons are valued, “where everybody is somebody.”

Grambling State University Division of Institutional Advancement Office of Public & Media Relations 100 Robinson St. P.O. Box 4268 Grambling, LA 71245

Phone: 318-274-2560 Fax: 318-274-3330 www.gram.edu [email protected]