History of the Honors College

The Honors College was established in 1990 in response to a verbal directive from the third president of Grambling State University, Dr. Joseph B. Johnson.  President Johnson selected Dr. Helen L. Richards-Smith to plan and implement the Earl Lester Cole Honors College with the designated title as Associate Dean of Academic Administration and Director of the Honors College. The assignment was given, Fall 1989, the Inauguration was held Fall, 1990 and the Charter Graduating Members of the Earl Lester Cole Honors College was Spring, 1994.  After the Honors College was established, Dr. Helen Richards- Smith became the first dean of the Honors College.  When she retired, Dr. Richards-Smith was named Dean Emeritus of the Honors College.  Dr. Ellen D. Smiley became the second Dean to serve the Earl Lester Cole Honors College.

Dr. Helen Richards-Smith
Dr. Helen Richards-Smith

Contact:

Dr. Ellen D. Smiley, Dean
Earl Lester Cole Honors College
Grambling State University
GSU Box 4208
Grambling, Louisiana  71245
(318)274-2114
smileye@gram.edu

Dr. Steve A. Favors, Faculty
Earl Lester Cole Honors College
Grambling State University
GSU Box 4208
Grambling, Louisiana  71245
(318)274-2303
favorss@gram.edu
Miss Jackie Newsome, Administrative Assistant
Earl Lester Cole Honors College
Grambling State University
GSU Box 4208
Grambling, Louisiana  71245
(318) 274-2114
newsomej@gram.edu