Grambling State News

Appointment Advances Broader Commitment to Strategic Adaptability, Operational Efficiency, and Institutional Effectiveness

GRAMBLING, La. – Grambling State University has named Tasha L. Heard, MPA, as the Interim Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management, effective March 1, 2025. Heard will report directly to President Martin Lemelle, Jr., expanding her leadership in student success initiatives while strengthening efforts to support retention and graduation outcomes. She will continue in her role as Executive Director of Title III Programs.

This announcement is part of a broader leadership restructuring under Adapt and Advance: A Strategy for Modern Leadership, a framework introduced by President Lemelle to ensure Grambling State remains a nimble, forward-thinking institution that thrives in an evolving higher education landscape. This initiative emphasizes strategic adaptability, operational efficiency, and leadership alignment to enhance student success, institutional effectiveness, and federal program management.

As part of this effort, effective March 1, 2025, Grambling State is making key adjustments to its organizational structure. In addition to Heard’s appointment, Dr. Gavin Hamms will now lead the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which will ensure the university is well-prepared for its SACSCOC Fifth-Year Interim Review and continues to advance institutional effectiveness efforts. Additionally, the responsibilities for Title III Programs and Grants Administration will now be housed within Research and Sponsored Programs, under the leadership of Mr. Theodore Callier, to enhance federal program management and streamline operations.

“I am deeply honored to serve my alma mater as the Interim Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management,” said Heard. “This role is both a professional milestone and a personal commitment to giving back to the institution that has played a pivotal role in shaping my journey. As I transition into this position, I am committed to strengthening enrollment strategies, optimizing financial aid processes, and fostering a student-centered approach that aligns with institutional goals.”

With over 20 years of experience in grant management, program oversight, and student success, Heard has effectively led the administration of more than 20 federally funded projects, boasting an annual budget exceeding $10 million. Her leadership has enhanced compliance measures, improved internal controls, and streamlined processes that bolster institutional development. Additionally, she has played a crucial role in retention and academic advising by implementing strategies to support at-risk students and contributing to the university’s accreditation process with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Heard’s extensive background in higher education administration, grant management, and student success will guide her efforts in this role. She is committed to fostering an environment that prioritizes student success at every stage, from admission to graduation.

“Guided by my experience in higher education administration, grant management, and student success initiatives, I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff, and stakeholders to drive impactful enrollment strategies that support our students from admission to graduation,” Heard said.

Grambling State President Martin Lemelle, Jr. underscored the significance of this transition in the university’s strategic leadership framework.

“As we continue to position Grambling State for long-term success, we must ensure that our leadership structure reflects our commitment to student success and institutional effectiveness,” said Lemelle. “Tasha Heard’s experience in higher education administration, grant oversight, and student-centered initiatives uniquely qualifies her to lead this critical area. Her passion for student success and her deep understanding of enrollment management will help us refine our strategies to support students from recruitment to graduation.”

Heard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Public Management from Grambling State University. She is currently completing a Doctor of Education in Developmental Education with a focus on higher education administration and management.

“As Booker T. Washington once said, ‘Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed,'” said Heard. “This new opportunity is not just a professional milestone but a chance to break barriers, create access, and transform lives through education. I am excited for the journey ahead and eager to contribute to the continued success of our students and institution.”