Grambling State News

Grambling State University Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Gavin R. Hamms is part of a 37-person cohort for the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) 2024–25 Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) program.

ELA is a yearlong program to develop the next generation of college and university presidents. The program is jointly sponsored by CIC, AASCU, and the American Academic Leadership Institute (AALI).

Since 2009, more than 100 of the participants who completed the ELA program have been appointed as presidents or chancellors, and many more have advanced to other senior administrative positions. The ELA program develops the wide-ranging skills that new presidents and senior executives need to meet the challenges of today’s educational environment.

“Preparing the next generation of leaders is essential,” said CIC President Marjorie Hass. “As we have seen, leadership requires a complex combination of skill, character, and vision. I’m proud that CIC has such wonderful partners in AASCU and AALI to continue offering the ELA program that encourages diversity in higher education leadership. The program has evolved over the past 15 years to ensure that new leaders from varied backgrounds will be equipped to serve all students.”

Hamms, who was selected by the AASCU to participate in the program, said he was proud to be part of this year’s Executive Leadership Academy cohort.

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen for this prestigious and highly competitive national program,” Hamms said. “This selection highlights the exceptional caliber of professionals cultivated by Grambling State University.

“The Executive Leadership Academy has a distinguished history of developing numerous college and university presidents, and as an aspiring president, it is crucial for me to acquire all the essential tools to become an effective leader.”

A native of Winnfield, Louisiana, Hamms earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Management from Grambling State University in 2010.

In 2012 he obtained his Master or Business Administration degree from the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

After beginning his career in Higher Education as the Manager of Default Prevention at Grambling State University in 2011, Hamms was inspired to pursue a Ph.D in Urban Higher Education.

While pursuing his Ph.D, Hamms was promoted to serve as GSU’s Director of Financial Aid. During his time as the Director of Financial Aid, Hamms streamlined several services for the enhancement of Student Services.

Using his research to help develop financial literacy initiatives for student success, Hamms is widely recognized for his passion for serving students and improving process efficiencies. He was the inaugural Content Expert for the University of Louisiana System in the content area of Financial Aid.

Hamms received his Ph.D in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University in 2016. His dissertation title was “Institutional Factors that Influence Student Loan Default at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”

While serving in financial aid, Hamms developed a unique understanding of Enrollment Management and Student Success and has utilized his knowledge of financial aid to help his institution grow enrollment and provide access for marginalized populations.

Hamms’ highly respected skillset led him to be appointed as the Chair of the Strategic Enrollment Management Council before then selected as the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management at GSU.

Since that promotion, GSU’s new freshmen population has grown by 26%.

Hamms is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and says he is passionate about empowering, educating, and encouraging the masses.