GRAMBLING, LA – August 28, 2019 – Today, Grambling State University announced a series of approvals from the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System (UL System) acknowledging its progress in student academics and staffing updates.

New Home of One of Louisiana’s Only Center for Academic Excellence

Grambling State’s Center of Excellence in Mathematical Achievement in Science & Technology (CMAST) received approval from the UL System to become one of few Louisiana Center for Academic Excellence.

The Center will next seek approval from the Louisiana Board of Regents.

“The student innovators in the CMAST program have gone on to represent our University well in industry and in academia,” said President Gallot. “We are excited for this additional support to impact more students and academic achievement.”

College Insider’s 2019 Coach of the Year Contract Renewed at Grambling State

In his first season, Coach Donte Jackson guided the Tigers to their first SWAC Regular Season Championship in nearly 30 years (1988-1989). Since then Jackson, a 2019 Skip Prosser Man of the Year Finalist, guided Grambling State to a 17-15 overall record during his second season and helped secure the Tigers its first back-to-back winning seasons since 2004-2006. This season, Jackson surpassed 150 career coaching victories and currently has a 34-29 mark at Grambling State.

“Coach Jackson is a dedicated member of our student’s experience both on and off the court,” said Athletic Director Dr. David Ponton. “We are fortunate to have his leaderships’ impact on the lives of our student-athletes.”

Women’s Basketball Coach Contract Renewed After Third Winning Record

Coach Freddie Murray, who leads Grambling State’s Lady Tigers basketball program, has signed on to continue the team’s SWAC and NCAA recognized work. Murray’s successes include leading Grambling State to its first women’s basketball NCAA Tournament appearance in 19 years and three winning-record seasons.

“Coach Murray’s impact is best seen in the caliber of players his leadership continues to attract and produce,” said Athletic Director Dr. David Ponton. “We know that there are great things ahead for the Lady Tigers.”

Grambling State Appoints Martin Lemelle Executive Vice-President And Chief Operating Officer  After leading, the University’s finance, operations, and strategic initiatives since 2016, Mr. Martin Lemelle has been appointed the University’s new Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer. The new appointment follows Lemelle’s leadership through historic progress including 100 percent growth in the Grambling’s fiscal health score; increased cash reserves from $50,000 to $4 million dollars; $1.6 million in annual long-term debt savings; and numerous IT and infrastructure updates.

“Mr. Lemelle is a proven leader and champion for Grambling State University and all of our students,” said President Rick Gallot. “We are excited about the growth to come in both our efficiency and progress.”
For a full list of actions, please visit https://www.ulsystem.edu/news-and-events/aug-19-board-action/.

For interviews or more information, please contact mediarelations@gram.edu or (318) 274-2866.

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