Grambling State News

Dear Grambling State University Community:

As we continue to make progress in 2025, I want to take a moment to share our key institutional priorities and the progress we are making to strengthen Grambling State University. Whether you are a student striving for success, a faculty or staff member shaping our future, an alum championing our legacy, or a board member guiding our vision—your role is invaluable in advancing our shared mission.

Through strategic partnerships, data-driven insights, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we are focused on five critical areas that will define this year’s progress. We also extend our deepest appreciation to the Partnership for Education Advancement and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund for their investments in our institution, which are helping us build capacity and sustain long-term success.

1. Defining and Elevating Grambling State’s Value

What makes Grambling State University the top choice for students, families, investors, and industry partners? We have partnered with Simpson Scarborough, a national leader in higher education branding, to conduct a Value Proposition Study that will provide insights into how we tell our story. Surveys and focus groups are currently underway, and we anticipate receiving formal recommendations in April that will shape future marketing, recruitment, and engagement strategies.

2. Strengthening Financial Sustainability

We are taking bold steps to ensure the long-term financial health of the university. Through our partnership with CFO Colleague, we are implementing new financial planning models to enhance budgeting, transparency, and resource allocation. The finance team is currently testing these models, with plans to integrate them into the next fiscal year’s budget process, ensuring stability and strategic growth.

3. Enhancing the Campus Experience

A thriving campus is the foundation of student success and alumni pride. We are in the early stages of developing a comprehensive Campus Master Plan to guide facility enhancements and future development. As that work progresses, immediate improvements continue, including the installation of new campus video technology to expand security measures and enhance safety.

4. Elevating Recruitment Through Technology

Grambling State University is embracing innovation to better connect with future Tigers. We are excited to implement Slate, a cutting-edge Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, which will revolutionize our admissions and recruitment process. This system will be launched this summer, streamlining communications with prospective students and making the recruitment process more personalized and efficient.

5. Supporting Student Success and Satisfaction

We remain deeply committed to helping our students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. By leveraging IntelliBoard, an advanced analytics platform, we are enhancing how we track student engagement and provide early intervention strategies to improve retention and academic success. Additionally, in response to student feedback, we are making adjustments to campus dining, ensuring a better, more diverse, and student-centered dining experience.

The Path Forward – Your Role in Our Success

As we move forward, I want to emphasize that these priorities are not just institutional goals—they are a shared commitment. Everyone plays a role in the continued success of Grambling State University.

• Students – Your voices shape our decisions. Stay engaged, share your feedback, and take advantage of the resources available to you.
• Faculty & Staff – Your expertise and dedication fuel our progress. Your role in retention, recruitment, and campus enhancements is critical.
• Alumni – Your pride and advocacy extend our legacy. Keep championing Grambling State and sharing your stories.
• Board Members & Partners – Your strategic leadership helps us grow. Thank you for your guidance and investment in our future.

We will continue to provide updates as these initiatives unfold. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Grambling State University—together, we are shaping the future of the #1 HBCU for social and economic mobility.

Sincerely,

Martin Lemelle, Jr., D.B.A.
President
Grambling State University