Grambling State Appoints Lori Williams as Associate Vice President for Operations & Chief Human Resources Officer

Former Texas A&M Senior Administrator to Assume Executive Leadership Role at Grambling State

Grambling State University announced that Lori Williams will be the new Associate Vice President for Operations & Chief Human Resources Officer starting, January 27, 2020.

“We are excited to welcome Ms. Williams to the executive team,” said Grambling State President Rick Gallot. “Her breadth of experience across collegiate and legal leadership provides a unique blend of insights that make her a great fit for this dynamic role.”

In this position, Williams will provide executive level direction for the University’s strategic investment in talent management and organizational transformation. Additionally, she will have executive oversight of Business Services, Risk Management, Title IX and Human Resources departments.

“In order to continue providing an exceptional educational experience for our students, we must source and retain top talent across all University departments,” said Executive Vice President Martin Lemelle. “Given Ms. Williams’ record of success and versatility, we are looking forward to having her lead this charge.”

About Lori Williams

Williams brings years of leadership in law, university athletics, and academics to Grambling State. Most recently, Williams served as Senior Associate Athletics Director and Senior Woman Administrator at Texas A&M University (TAMU). Prior to joining the Athletics Department, Williams served as TAMU’s first full-time Title IX Coordinator.

Before her return to the university setting, Williams was Vice President and Partner with the Michael L. Buckner Law Firm assisting clients with issues relating to intercollegiate athletics, risk management and higher education law.  Prior still, Williams served as the associate athletics director for risk management at the University of Kansas.

A long-time resident of Houston, Williams was formerly with the NCAA where she served as Director of Membership Services and was later named the Director of Academic Certification and review at the newly established NCAA Eligibility Center.

Prior to her stint with the NCAA, Williams was the assistant director of compliance and legal assistant to the associate commissioner at the Big 12 Conference in Dallas.

Licensed to practice law in the state of Texas, Williams earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration at Baylor University and her Doctorate of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University School of Law.  Williams has also earned an associate of risk management designation from the American Institute of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters.

For more information, please contact mediarelations@gram.edu or call (318) 274-2866. To learn about open positions at Grambling State University, visit gram.edu/careers.