a movement of ideas, creativity, and courageous leadership

Across history, presidential speaker series and honorary awards have served as platforms to uplift truth, honor excellence, and engage communities in the pursuit of knowledge, culture, and justice. At Grambling State University, we proudly step into that tradition—adding our own voice, values, and vision to the legacy.

We are pleased to announce the launch of The Grambling Vanguard—a bold, presidential initiative designed to bring the world to Grambling and take Grambling to the world. At its core, this is more than a series of events. It is a movement of ideas, creativity, and courageous leadership.

Rooted in our mission as a top-rated HBCU, The Grambling Vanguard will feature artists, scholars, and practitioners from across the globe. Each semester, the initiative will include immersive educational experiences such as lectures, residencies, performances, and curated dialogues that inspire, challenge, and activate all who engage.

“The Grambling Vanguard builds on our legacy of excellence and innovation by creating opportunities that empower our students, elevate our institution, and enrich the communities we serve. Following the launch of our Endowed Scholarship Program for Global and Experiential Education, this initiative reaffirms our commitment to providing transformative learning experiences that prepare our students to thrive on the world stage.”
 — Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr., President, Grambling State University

Join the Movement

The Vanguard is built to be experienced—and your involvement makes it stronger. Here’s how you can take part:

The Speaker Series

At the heart of The Grambling Vanguard is the Speaker Series—a dynamic forum showcasing artists, scholars, and practitioners whose voices shape the future of education, culture, and innovation.

The name Vanguard embodies the spirit of the series: to lead conversations that challenge assumptions, elevate ideas, and open doors to new possibilities. These gatherings bring the world to Grambling, offering students and our community a chance to learn directly from those driving change across disciplines.

Presented each semester, the series delivers thought-provoking lectures, performances, and residencies that spark dialogue and inspire action well beyond the stage.

 

The Vanguard Award

As a companion to the series, we are also introducing The Vanguard Award—a prestigious new recognition honoring individuals who stand at the forefront of progress for Grambling State University.

The name Vanguard reflects our deepest aspirations: to lead from the front, to break barriers, and to illuminate paths for others to follow. This award will be presented to changemakers—those whose influence, vision, and commitment to service have made a lasting impact on our students, our community, and our mission.

Presented through The Capital View, a traveling extension of The Grambling Vanguard, this honor will be given in select host cities across the country to distinguished community members whose lives and leadership embody Grambling’s values in action.

Coming January 2026 | The Podcast: From Intent to Influence

The Grambling Vanguard lives on beyond the stage through its podcast—capturing the wisdom of trailblazers, amplifying their stories, and extending the impact to alumni, investors, and partners across the globe. From Intent to Influence isn’t just another leadership podcast—it’s a front-row seat to the aha moments that spark transformation. Hosted by Dr. Martin Lemelle, Jr., each episode follows a trailblazer from their moment of inspiration to the milestones that cemented their influence. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes pivots, the personal victories that mattered more than industry applause, and the lessons they’d pass on to rising leaders. Think of it as a masterclass in vision, resilience, and the real stories that redefine what impact looks like.

The Opening Event

The series begins with an unforgettable presentation by acclaimed journalist and author Charles Blow on September 18, 2025, in the Digital Library at 6 pm. His voice, rooted in truth and vision, will set the tone for what the Vanguard represents: fearless dialogue, transformative insight, and an unwavering commitment to progress.

Charles Blow is a New York Times Op-Ed columnist and former Graphics Director for the paper, where he led an award-winning team. He has also held positions at National Geographic Magazine and The Detroit News. His bestselling memoir, Fire Shut Up in My Bones, received the Lambda Literary Award and the Sperber Prize before being adapted into the first opera by a Black composer at The Metropolitan Opera. His second book, The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto, continues to spark national dialogue on systemic racism. A sought-after commentator on politics and society, Blow is a powerful voice for justice, equity, and change.

Register to Attend >>

" "

A New Chapter Begins

 

With The Grambling Vanguard, we are writing a new chapter in Grambling State University’s story—one that honors our past, celebrates the present, and dares to dream boldly about the future. This initiative reflects the very best of who we are: innovative, intentional, and unafraid to lead.

We invite you to stay tuned, join the journey, and stand with us at the vanguard of change.