Latest news with #GramblingStateUniversity
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
HBCU Creates Research Foundation to Power Itself to R2 Status
Grambling State University has launched a bold initiative to strengthen its national research profile. On July 2, the Louisiana-based HBCU introduced the Grambling Research and Resource Foundation, known as GR2. This new nonprofit aims to accelerate the university's push toward R2 classification, deepen its research efforts, and create long-term financial stability. The foundation is a core part of Grambling State's upcoming 2026 strategic plan, which emphasizes innovation, graduate education, and strategic partnerships. By establishing GR2, the university signals a clear intent to lead among HBCUs in research, resource development, and academic excellence. "GR2 is the engine behind our next chapter," said Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr., President of Grambling State. "It represents not just a commitment to excellence, but a belief in the transformational power of HBCUs to lead in discovery, technology, and equitable access." Grambling State has seen consistent growth in fundraising over the past few years. For example, its most recent 1901 Day of Giving generated a record-breaking $711,907. Annual campaigns have also shown increased participation, reflecting stronger engagement from alumni and supporters. "Our top fundraising priority remains what it has always been-scholarships for our students," Lemelle added. "Now, GR2 gives us the tools to think bigger and build smarter. Whether we are supporting a first-generation college student, launching a new research lab, or establishing an endowed faculty chair, this foundation allows us to drive forward." The GR2 Foundation will be governed by a diverse and experienced board. The group includes alumni with law, finance, healthcare, and engineering expertise. Their combined insight strengthens the foundation's ability to make strategic decisions quickly and effectively to pursue R2 classification. The board features: Jon-Al Duplantier ('89), a corporate board director and former energy executiveAdonis Ducre ('04), a healthcare entrepreneur and M&A strategistEric Moses ('01), a finance leader at Shell North AmericaKourtni Mason ('08), a legal and risk management expertPortia Singh ('07), a biomedical engineer and HealthTech innovator In addition, the Grambling State University has appointed faculty, staff, students, and finance representatives. Brandon A. Logan, Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation, is now GR2's Executive Director. "This foundation gives us the agility to act on opportunity," Logan said. "We now have the infrastructure to scale our impact and the vision to shape the future of this HBCU." Grambling State has secured more than $12 million in recent research-related funding. The university received $7 million from the National Science Foundation and $500,000 from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. These funds support faculty innovation, graduate research, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. "Our recent growth in external funding is no accident," said Theodore Callier, Vice President for Research and Sponsored Programs. "It reflects careful planning and bold execution. GR2 allows us to expand even further. We can now move faster, form stronger partnerships, and respond more strategically to new opportunities." The Carnegie Classification designates R2 status for universities that demonstrate high research activity. To qualify, institutions must: Spend at least $5 million annually on researchAward 20 or more doctoral degrees each yearSustain graduate-level infrastructure and support Grambling State is already aligning with these standards. Its Ph.D. in Criminology and Justice Administration is active, and the university is expanding doctoral offerings in sustainability, quantum computing, and nursing. "With GR2, we can now better support our doctoral programs," said Dr. Connie Walton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "We'll offer more research funding, fellowships, and facilities. R2 is not just a title-it's a benchmark of our progress." Through GR2, Grambling State University is making its intentions known. The university is ready to compete nationally, partner strategically, and grow sustainably. "GR2 is our promise," Logan said. "To every investor, researcher, and partner: Grambling State is ready. Whether you're contributing to a scholarship, backing a research fellowship, or investing in campus development, you can count on this HBCU to deliver results." Grambling's investment in GR2 marks a critical step in its evolution. More importantly, it sends a message: this HBCU is focused, future-ready, and built for long-term impact. The post HBCU Creates Research Foundation to Power Itself to R2 Status appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
HBCU Set to Receive Over $20 Million in Additional State Funding
Grambling State University, one of Louisiana's most storied public HBCUs, will receive more than $20 million in additional state funding. This follows a slate of budget approvals recently signed by Governor Jeff Landry. The new investment, passed by the Louisiana Legislature earlier this month, signals strong support for the university's future in academics and athletics. The funding package comes from multiple legislative acts tied to Louisiana's Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget. It combines operational support with capital investments to modernize facilities, expand academic programs, and strengthen the campus infrastructure at the HBCU. "These appropriations represent more than fiscal support; they reflect trust in Grambling State's direction and future," said President Martin Lemelle, Jr. "This isn't just about improvement-it's about transformation guided by discipline, purpose, and an unwavering belief in what our university can achieve." The funding includes several key components: $1.5 million in operational funding from House Bill 1 to support academic and administrative operations.$6.7 million for renovating and expanding athletic facilities, plus $200,000 to repave College Avenue Road, funded by House Bill 460.$2.7 million from House Bill 2 for a new Criminal Justice and Ph.D. in Criminology academic facility, part of an overall $18.7 million project. An additional $9.9 million from the same bill will upgrade utilities, repair critical infrastructure, and modernize the campus.$2 million in projected gaming revenue from House Bill 639 to enhance athletic programs. This marks the most significant single state investment in Grambling State University in recent memory. Grambling leaders credit this achievement to focused advocacy efforts. University officials, alumni, and University of Louisiana System members worked closely with state lawmakers throughout the legislative session. Events like HBCU Day at the Capitol and University of Louisiana System Day proved vital in showcasing the university's needs. "We are especially thankful to the Senate, House leadership, and our alumni in the Legislature who continue advancing our priorities," Lemelle said. The funding arrives at a pivotal time for GSU athletics. "This is a critical moment for GSU Athletics," said Dr. Trayvean Scott, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. "These facility upgrades are essential for supporting our student-athletes and ensuring our programs align with the university's mission. We will execute them with discipline and purpose." Meanwhile, the investment in academic facilities signals a push to expand graduate programs. Specifically, the new criminal justice building supports Grambling's launch of a Ph.D. in Criminology. This expansion reflects a growing national trend of HBCUs serving as engines of social mobility, research, and workforce development. This commitment from Louisiana comes as HBCUs nationwide continue calling for equitable state and federal funding. For Grambling State, the money addresses long-overdue infrastructure needs and boosts competitiveness in attracting students, faculty, and athletic talent. President Lemelle emphasized, "We thank Governor Landry and the entire Louisiana Legislature for prioritizing higher education. They clearly recognize the vital role Grambling State plays in expanding opportunity, strengthening Louisiana's workforce, and preparing the next generation of leaders." Grambling's success offers a potential model for other HBCUs. It shows how strategic advocacy, political partnerships, and clear institutional goals can secure the resources, ie, state funding, needed to fuel academic growth, athletic success, and long-term community impact. The post HBCU Set to Receive Over $20 Million in Additional State Funding appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man arrested in connection to 2014 Baton Rouge shooting, killing 7-year-old boy
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office arrested a suspect in connection with the deadly shooting of a 7-year-old in a 2014 shooting. On Monday night, deputies arrested Rashad Montreal Turner, 32, for the connection in Terrez Coleman's death in the 8900 block of Prescott Road on Aug. 16, 2014. According to the affidavit, Coleman and his family were driving on Prescott Road when a vehicle passing in the opposite direction reportedly fired a shot. The family learned that an 11-year-old female in the backseat was grazed by the bullet, and Terrez had been struck. The family sought medical attention from a nearby fire station. On Nov. 22, 2016, deputies conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in the 6100 block of Antioch Road. The driver was identified as Turner. During the stop, deputies recovered drugs and a stolen Smith and Wesson handgun. Turner was arrested on drug and gun charges. On March 24, 2017, detectives were alerted that the Smith and Wesson handgun had led to a fired bullet casing at the scene on Prescott Road. The affidavit states the handgun was reported from Ruston during a vehicle burglary around Sept. 16, 2013. Detectives learned that, at the time, Turner was a student at Grambling State University, which is located near Ruston. After reviewing Turner's cell phone records, cellular towers placed him in proximity to the vehicle burglary. Using newly available investigative tools and technology, including digital forensic analysis and open-source intelligence software, detectives linked Turner to both the weapon theft and the homicide. Evidence placed Turner at the scene of the shooting in 2014. Turner was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on charges of first-degree murder and four counts of attempted first-degree murder. Newlab to open innovation lab in New Orleans, aiming to boost energy and tech sectors Man arrested in connection to 2014 Baton Rouge shooting, killing 7-year-old boy Dad's Day at the Capitol highlights importance of father figures Episcopal Church halts refugee partnership with feds over white South Africans Senate GOP weighs safety, legal concerns over Trump Qatar jet gift Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Grambling State announces changes to 2025 Spring Game
Story by: Grambling State Athletics GRAMBLING, La. | The 2025 Grambling State University Football Black & Gold game is scheduled for 2 p.m. on March 29 at Harris-Williams Field at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium. Admission to the game as well as parking is FREE. Free General Admission parking is located in Lot E. Tailgating for the Spring Game is FREE and is ONLY permitted at the GSU Softball Complex with LIMITED spaces available. The Tailgating lot will open at 10 a.m. on game day. For those interested in tailgating, please email athleticsdevelopment@ to confirm your space. The deadline to reserve tailgating is March 26 at 5 p.m. Current Premium RV and Roaring Tiger members can park and set up in their normal parking areas (Lot A) and should confirm their spaces by emailing athleticsdevelopment@ by March 26 at 5 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
03-03-2025
- Lifestyle
- USA Today
'The unique culture': What to know about Mardi Gras and the celebration in New Orleans
Mardi Gras comes to a close on Tuesday night, and soon, those who celebrate will exclaim 'Laissez les bons temps rouler,' or 'Let the good times roll' for the last time this Carnival season. It's a phrase often said during Mardi Gras celebrations as revelers enjoy the vibrant colors and the laughter of loved ones surrounding them, said Adrienne Webber, dean of the Digital Library and Learning Commons at Grambling State University in Louisiana. Webber, a New Orleans native, said Mardi Gras isn't just a party but a cultural celebration in Louisiana. Mardi Gras allows people to celebrate before the Lenten season, where people become more disciplined and give up habits for 40 days. 'It's a pre-Lent party to go into something that is very sacred to many people,' she told USA TODAY. 'It's a time to rejoice. It's a time to express yourself.' Here's the rundown on Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, and how it came to be. March 2025 holiday schedule:Mardi Gras, Daylight saving time, St. Patrick's Day, more How did Mardi Gras begin? Many people mistakenly believe that Mardi Gras is just one day, said Christy Garrison-Harrison, an assistant professor of history and women, gender, and sexuality studies at Southern University and A&M College. But Mardi Gras is an entire season, often called Carnival. It begins 12 days after Christmas on Jan. 6 and lasts until Fat Tuesday, or the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Mardi Gras began in medieval Europe, starting in Rome and making its way to France, she told USA TODAY. The tradition then made its way through the colonies, and around 1699, French Canadians arrived in what is now Mobile, Alabama, Garrison-Harrison said. Back then, people celebrated 'Boeuf Gras,' meaning 'fatted calf.' It's a time for people to enjoy things such as fatty foods, sugar, alcohol and other items considered 'decadent.' They'd give themselves until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, or what is often called Fat Tuesday, to indulge. 'In the early colony days, an actual calf or an animal would be rolled down the street or paraded in the community to signify, 'This is what we're giving up. We're going to sacrifice this calf or this bull or this animal, and we're going to feast,'' she said. This period was also known as a time of 'extreme fasting,' said Sarah McDonald, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. 'People were encouraged to use up butter, oil, and meat products to not have them on hand because they could not be eaten during Lent – hence Fat Tuesday got its name,' she told USA TODAY. Records show that around the 1730s, some wealthy families held balls for Mardi Gras. According to Garrison-Harrison, the celebrations were being documented in newspapers by the 1780s. Krewes, parades, and souvenirs Mardi Gras celebrations feature parades that kick off as early as January, while the largest parades happen on Fat Tuesday, according to Webber from Grambling State. Webber said that groups, called krewes, organize parades and distribute beads featuring characters such as kings and witch doctors. Krewes also host masquerade balls, which include kings and queens. Krewes also hand out signature items specific to their group, such as themed coconuts that are brightly decorated with glitter and paint, chalices, and shoes, said Webber. 'Everybody wants to get a coconut,' she said. 'It is very much so one of the most sought-after Mardi Gras souvenirs.' Which food is considered unique to Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras is not complete without a sugary, sweet and colorful king cake. Originally part of a Christian tradition, king cakes celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Bethlehem, also known as Epiphany. Over time, the king cake has taken many forms. The classic French version, the galette des rois, is a puff pastry cake usually filled with frangipane—a sweet cream made from almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs. Today, the modern New Orleans-style king cakes are shaped like rings and covered in purple, yellow and green sugar. In both versions, small charms, usually plastic baby figurines that represent Jesus, are hidden somewhere in the cake, and the person who finds the charm will have good luck and the task of bringing a king cake to the next party. Contributors: Rachel Taylor Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@
