He’s a third generation alumnus!
The University of Louisiana System (ULS) Board of Supervisors has named Dr. Martin Lemelle as the new president of Grambling State University (GSU), Gram.edu reports. A third generation GSU graduate, Lemelle graduated in 2006 and previously served as student body president, Shreveport Times reports. He was one of three finalists interviewed for the GSU president position, Lemelle chosen as the 11th president of the historic university.
“Dr. Lemelle’s appointment as the 11th president of Grambling State University guarantees a leader well-prepared on day one. I am confident that under President Lemelle’s leadership, Grambling State University will continue to thrive with its best days yet to come,” said former University president Rick Gallot.
Gallot has served as University president since 2016, leaving January 1st to become president of the University of Louisiana System. Lemelle previously worked as Gallot’s second in command at GSU from 2016-2021, serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Under the duo’s leadership, they were able to improve the financial health of the university by 200%. The university also launched innovative programs in cybersecurity, nursing, and cloud computing under Gallot and Lemelle’s leadership.
Dr. Lemelle has currently been serving as executive vice president and chief financial officer at Maryland Institute College of Art. He also launched a 2020 bid for Louisiana’s 5th Congressional District seat. Returning to Grambling as president is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for Lemelle, one he calls “a seminal moment.”
“To this illustrious Board, to our Gram Fam across the globe, to our students, current and future, to our alumni community, my family, friends, and supporters…This is our story. This is the Grambling State University story,” said Lemelle.
Cover photo: Dr. Martin Lemelle Appointed as New President of Grambling State University/Photo by Grambling State University