By Willie D. Larkin, Ph.D.
President
Dear friends, colleagues, faculty, students, community and alumni,
As I reflect, deeply, on the many opportunities and challenges our venerable institution has endured over the past 114 years, I am left to ponder a number of immutable questions that give me pause to think, critically, on our legacy, present-day operations and future.
Join me on a journey of discovery and reflection as we ask age-old questions, “What if…?”
- What if, by all or most measures, Grambling State University was identified as America’s best university?
- What if administrators responded to all inquiries, questions, comments or complaints with the same zeal, tenacity and innovation as the best customer-service administrators nationally?
- What if faculty changed class-seating arrangements to make the learning environment more engaging, exciting and thrilling?
- What if Grambling had private-sector, sponsored and endowed Chairs, Directors and/or Scholars?
- What if faculty would write more research proposals to help increase indirect cost for Grambling?
- What if students participated in classroom discussions more openly, freely and with confidence?
- What if students felt comfortable to approach faculty and ask for mentorship?
- What if prospective students viewed Grambling as the University of Choice?
- What if all faculty and staff contributed to the Grambling State University foundation annually?
- What if all alumni starting giving $20 per month or $240 per year?
- What if more alumni volunteered on campus annually?
- What if greater numbers of alumni created fundraising campaigns through innovative projects?
- What if Grambling’s retention, progression and graduation rates increased 100 fold?
- What if faculty provided more hands-on mentorship to all students?
- What if businesses in the local and surrounding community partnered more with Grambling by donating materials, paints, landscaping and other resources to beautify the campus?
- What if the news media focused on Grambling State University’s positives more often?
- What if the State of Louisiana viewed Grambling State University as a vital asset?
- What if the State of Louisiana gave Grambling a competitive budget to eliminate some of the intractable infrastructure and financial challenges for the university?
- What if the city of Grambling were to transform their community to become even more appealing?
- What if Grambling State University could build new structures on campus, such as a brand new Student Support Services Building, a new library and new academic buildings?
- What if the community no longer had Grambling State University?
- What if Grambling State University no longer existed….?
- What if…? What if…?
Together, we all have the answers to the question of “What If?” Join me and let’s make a bold statement to the world. Grambling is here to stay.