GRAMBLING, La – October 31, 2019 – Grambling State University receives recognition by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors and the Louisiana Board of Regents for a Center of Academic Excellence in Mathematical Achievement for Science and Technology (CeMAST).
The new Center has a goal of broadening STEM participation through the implementation of special programs. K-12 outreach will be expanded by specifically targeting underserved, rural communities that have high poverty rates. Opportunities will be provided for GSU STEM students to earn an additional workforce credential by offering certificate programs. The Center will host institutes that will bring STEM leaders from across the country together to identify strategies for diversifying the STEM workforce. It will continue to promote innovative teaching and learning strategies.
“We were successful in obtaining this designation as a Center of Academic Excellence as a result of the commitment that Grambling State University faculty has historically had in training highly-prepared STEM graduates. This commitment has led to the implementation of student success strategies that support STEM graduates excelling in careers that include those in the medical profession, legal profession, education, and STEM related industries,” said President Rick Gallot.
Nine (9) colleges in the state of Louisiana, including Grambling State University, have Centers of Excellence that are recognized by the Louisiana Board of Regents. GSU is currently the only Center of Excellence that has an academic designation. The other centers have a research or workforce focus.
“We initially started working on an application for re-approval of a center. When I looked at the application process for obtaining recognition as a Center of Academic Excellence and reflected upon STEM at GSU, I knew that we would be able to meet the more stringent requirements. Therefore, we changed our focus from a center to a Center of Academic Excellence. The designation that we received is due to the hard work of our faculty and students,” said Interim Provost Dr. Connie Walton.
The Center supports the six STEM undergraduate degree programs housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, and one program in the College of Business. These programs are biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering technology, mathematics and physics, and computer information systems. Mrs. Corisma Akins will serve as the Director of CeMAST.
Grambling State University prepared the proposal seeking a Center of Academic Excellence designation during the summer of 2019. The proposal was reviewed and approved by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors on August 27, 2019. On October 23, 2019, the Louisiana Board of Regents gave conditional approval of the designation for a Center of Academic Excellence. The University will be required to submit a report in 2021 to the Board of Regents that, if approved, will remove the conditional status.
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