Louisiana Board of Regents Approves Funding Adjustments at Top HBCU 

GRAMBLING, La – May 15, 2020 – The Louisiana Board of Regents recently approved five new endowed scholarships and professorships at Grambling State University. 

The new scholarships and professorships include: 

•  Dr. Adrian and Gilonda Butler Endowed Professorship in Cyber Security 
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Delta Iota Endowed Scholarship 

• Ruby Billups Standard of Excellence Scholarship (Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) 
• Lonnie B. Smith Endowed Scholarship 
• Ruston Alumni Chapter’s Family of Coach James Wicks Duncan Sr. Endowment 

“What makes this program unique is that we were able to utilize funding from outside sources to grow the value of our endowments,” said Marc Newman, Vice President for Advancement. “Combining Title III funding as a 1 to 1 match, combined with the Board of Regents program that offers an 80/20 match for the endowed programs, has made the difference.”  

The University continues to report record breaking enrollment. After many public institutions took large financial hits during COVID-19 response, smart advancement tactics such as these couldn’t come at a better time to ensure that the University’s steadily growing numbers are supported with student aid funding and more. These compounded endowments come on the heels of the University’s successful Dr. Joseph B.  Johnson Endowed Professorship established by the Gamma Psi Chapter Alumni of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. 

“We are grateful to all of the trailblazers who are proving what’s possible with endowment funds,” said President Gallot. “With this funding,  we will continue to support the academic advancement of our students and faculty so they can continue leading the state in technology and innovation.” 

The University’s growing partnership with Argent Financial Services has made the planned giving and scholarship foundation more convenient than ever. GSU alums like Lonnie B. Smith, Jr. have gone above and beyond to guarantee the program’s continued success. 

“This is only the beginning of the growth we envision for Grambling State,” said Newman. “These endowments present an excellent opportunity for our alumni and supporters to turn their gift into a lasting legacy.”  

To learn how to start an endowment, contact the Grambling State University Office of Advancement at advancementservices@gram.edu.