History of Grambling State University

Grambling State University emerged from the desire of African-American farmers in rural north Louisiana who wanted to educate Black children in the northern and western parts of the state. The 375-acre campus is nestled in the heart of Grambling, Louisiana, a small but growing community located in Lincoln Parish. The University is five miles west of Ruston and is within easy driving distance of the large cities of Shreveport and Monroe.

Grambling State University combines all the strengths of a major university with the personality of a small college, thereby allowing students to grow and learn in a serene and positive environment. The campus houses students in its 19 residence halls, enhances and promotes student life through its impressive student union and bookstore, and appeals to other areas of life and improvement through buildings such as the dining hall, library, intramural center, and health center. More than 800 courses and 68 degree programs are offered at Grambling. There are five colleges, including an honors college, two professional schools, a graduate school, and a Division of Continuing Education. National and local employers recruit graduates from Grambling's excellent nursing, computer science, teacher education, and other programs.

A wide variety of student clubs and organizations at Grambling ensure that every student will find an activity of interest. Honor societies, sports, art, religion, politics, and Greek organizations are just a few of the organizations that appeal to a diverse group of students.

One of the most popular campus organizations is the Tiger Marching Band, touted as the number one collegiate show band in the world. Formed in 1926 by President R.W.E. Jones, the Mighty Tiger Marching Band has become a household name. The band has been featured in television ads, the major motion picture Drumline, appeared as guest entertainment on television shows, and entertained Liberian President William R. Tolbert at his 1972 inauguration. In 1999, the band was selected to represent the Pageantry of Bands section of the NCAA Hall of Fame. Through an impressive list of accomplishments and honors, the Grambling Tiger Band has become known as "The Best In The Land."

Intercollegiate athletics has also made Grambling State University a household name among national universities. The football program has been successful in landing a prominent coaching staff over the years. Professional football player, Doug Williams, a Super Bowl Most Valuable Player, served as head football coach, succeeding Coach Eddie Robinson, the "winningest coach in the history of football." Known as the "Cradle of Pros," Grambling also produced the first black football player in the NFL and the first black quarterback to start in the NFL.

Presidential History

1901 - 1936  Charles P. Adams

1936 - 1977  Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones

1977 - 1991  Dr. Joseph Benjamin Johnson

1991 - 1994  Dr. Harold W. Lundy

1994 - 1997  Dr. Raymond A. Hicks

1997 - 1998  Dr. Leonard L. Haynes III (INTERIM)

1998 - 2001  Dr. Steve A. Favors

2001 - 2004  Dr. Neari Francois Warner (INTERIM)

2004 - 2009  Dr. Horace A. Judson

2009 - Present  Dr. Frank G. Pogue (INTERIM)