Grambling, LA – Grambling State University was dealt a serious blow the end of January when Governor John Bel Edwards announced a mid-year budget reduction of $262 million to all state agencies, with $131 million of that number to affect Louisiana’s institutions of higher education. Grambling’s personal financial loss from these budget cuts equates to $2,509,045.

Though we are feeling particularly vulnerable here at Grambling, we are not alone. In fact, a state-wide economic downturn and budget cuts are putting Louisiana’s entire higher education system at risk for a number of reasons. A January 23, 2016 article in The Advocate listed these disquieting facts since past Governor Jindal took office eight years ago:

• State aid to Louisiana universities has been slashed by 53%.
• On a per student basis, Louisiana has cut support of higher education more than any other state in the nation, or 41%.
• Louisiana tuition and mandatory attendance fees were lifted faster than any other state.
• Due to rising costs, more students are now opting not to seek bachelor’s degrees.
• The number of Black students attending any of Louisiana’s universities is down by 8%.
• Enrollment at Louisiana’s four-year public HBCUs is down by a combined 15%.
• Louisiana is one of three states with the smallest percentage of adults who have earned a college degree—with only 18.9% of its Black population having a college diploma.
• Merit-based scholarship programs, such as TOPS, are not always awarded equally with White high school graduates three times more likely to receive TOPS than Black graduates—and three-quarters of recipients come from families who earn more than the state median income of roughly $40,000.

These are the facts. Grambling is facing tough times right now. We cannot continue to run Grambling State the same way and expect things to get better or even stay the same. It is time for change, and with everyone’s help—faculty, staff, alumni and students—we can keep Grambling State University viable and strong. Anything is possible as long as we believe and are willing to accept change. Change is possible. Change can be good. A perfect example, who would have thought there would ever be an African-American U.S. president?

   Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek. — President Barack Obama, First African-American U.S. President

                Jeff Denneen and Tom Dretler have written a paper entitled, “The Financially Sustainable University,” which outlines a focused strategy to help colleges and universities reinvent their industry and stop spending beyond their means. They recommend the following four strategies: 1) developing a clear strategy, focused on the core; 2) reducing support and administrative costs; 3) freeing up capital in non-core assets; and 4) strategically investing in innovative models.

I have already started the process at Grambling by establishing a Budget and Priorities Committee to develop criteria for budgetary decision-making and to review previous reductions, current spending levels, priorities and needed plans to protect the core missions of our institution. This will definitely help Grambling deal with the budget cuts. Please, if you have any cost-saving suggestions to offer, do not hesitate to email them to gsusavings@gram.edu. Grambling is also looking for ways to reinvent itself and take advantage of the latest technology and innovative learning techniques available today.

I also believe we can use some of the previous list of negatives to our advantage. For example, knowing only 18.9% of Louisiana’s Black population has a college degree means there is an untapped pool of 81.1%. We are a historically Black university, so maybe night classes that cater to a working adult community is something we need to consider, in addition to an online platform. Feel free to send me your thoughts on programs or learning models you think would work here at GSU.

Since 2008, the overall number of Black students attending any of Louisiana’s universities is down by 8%. HBCUs are known for helping the underserved in a nurturing environment. Do you know a student or school you can promote Grambling State University to? More important, is everyone at Grambling doing his or her best to make sure this a welcoming and nurturing environment where all students can succeed? Always remember, the students are the reason we are here.

Volunteerism is so very important and the only cost is one’s time. Are you capable of tutoring or mentoring? Do you have time to serve on a committee or fundraise? Can you help research scholarship opportunities? As a student, could you serve as a student ambassador in the Admissions Office or on a student forum to answer new student questions? Everyone, ask yourself, is there something I can do to help?

Finally, regarding our sports teams—one of our alumni groups recently contributed a sizeable amount to our football program and coaching staff in recognition of their hard work and winning season. This was an unexpected but much appreciated gift. If you are able to contribute time or money—fundraising or in donations—to keep this important part of our college going culture, we need you now. Again, contributing ideas or making contacts with someone you might know on how we can get our teams to also generate income would certainly be beneficial.

Let’s all do our part to help preserve Grambling State University. During these tough times, keep your spirits high and enthusiasm up for your sake and the sake of Grambling. I leave you with the words of the first African-American appointed as the U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell, “Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.”

Go Tigers!

With Great Enthusiasm,
Willie D. Larkin, Ph.D.
President

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