Grambling State News

University Leadership Drives Louisiana’s Digital Programming in Higher Education with Forthcoming Cloud Computing Degree 

GRAMBLING, La – February 28, 2020 – President Rick Gallot announced the formation of Grambling State University’s inaugural Friends of Technology Advisory Board to pioneer advancement in technology. The Board, comprised of thirteen top executives from technology industry giants including NASA, Salesforce, and Microsoft, serves as a key point of direction for ongoing systematic development and advancement of University initiatives in tech. 

“As we round the final corner of approvals for the University’s Cloud Computing degree program, I’m leaning on insights from this hand-selected group to learn what’s next in the industry,” said President Gallot. “Grambling State is changing the face of higher education in Louisiana as we cater to our students’ future need for education in technology and digital learning.”    

New Technology Advisory Board Leads Innovation at GSU 

The University’s Friends of Technology Advisory Board members include:

Several Grambling State alumni have joined the ranks of the University’s new Friends of Technology Advisory Board membership. Board members include:

• Marysharon Owens, Head of Global Creative Studio at Illumina; 
• Willie B. Williams, Research Portfolio Manager at NASA – ’71;
• Dean Jones, Program Ambassador at Microsoft for Startups – ’86;
• Dr. Jamika D. Burge, Design Leader at Capitol One & Tech Founder at BlackComputeHer; 
• Michael Palmer, Chief Information Security Officer at Hearst; 
• Terry Owens, Chief Information Officer of the Congressional Budget Office in the United States Congress ’89;
• David Chatterton, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at Salesforce; 
• Joe Brenner, Chief Information Officer at Sally Beauty; 
• Jamie Hamilton, Sr. Vice President of Technology at Revegy ’94;
• Upen Sachdev, Principal at Deloitte & Touche LLP
• Eric Moses, Capital and Planning Manager at Shell Exploration & Production Company – ‘01;
• Alana Ward Robinson, President and CEO of Robinson Group Consulting, Inc. – ’72; 
• and Dr. Adrian Butler, Chief Information Officer of Dine Brands Global – ’92.

The Board recently convened for the kick-off meeting and will assist in the planning and execution of University initiatives in cutting-edge science and technology with attention to the goal of ensuring that students gain the utmost preparation to enter tomorrow’s workforce. Grambling State aspires to position itself to align students as innovators who will create the next generation of digital experience. 

Pioneering Science and Tech in Louisiana Higher Education 

The University’s proposal to offer Louisiana’s first bachelor’s degree in Cloud Computing was recently approved by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. Next, the program will be reviewed by the Board of Regents for final approval. In addition to remaining the top-producer of African American Computer Science graduates in Louisiana, the University currently offers the only 4-year cybersecurity degree program in the state and is developing the state’s first Digital Library.  

“Cybersecurity and cloud computing are just the beginning,” said Dr. Connie Walton, University Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “This is a critical time in higher education when students need to be prepared for a workforce that looks very different than any previous generation. It’s imperative that we have industry experts to help build our curriculum toward tomorrow’s technology trends.” 

Champions for Student Success and Employed Graduates

In addition to advising University Leadership on curriculum and campus advancement, the Board also exists to provide direct student support. Grambling State students with tech majors attended the Friends of Technology’s first meeting, where they received career insights and mentorship. 

“The board is an outstanding resource for students like me to gain career placement, internships, and scholarships,” said Alexis White, Senior Cybersecurity major. “I’m extremely grateful to have access to such an exceptional and willing group of executives to coach me as I enter the technology industry.” 

Grambling State University expects that the Friends of Technology Advisory Board will ensure the continued trajectory of cutting-edge technological advancement and cloud-based thought leadership in the coming years. 

To learn about Grambling State’s science and computer technology programs, visit gram.edu.