Academics
At Grambling State University, “Everybody is Somebody,” which is a neat way of embracing the school’s founding principle of educational opportunity. In recognizing that individuality, the university affords students a range of options with more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs. There are also four distinct colleges and schools on campus, including two professional schools and a graduate school. Grambling State expects its graduates to “compete and succeed in careers related to its programs of study, to contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and to lead productive lives as informed citizens in a democratic society.” Fields like mass communications benefit from an assortment of real-world experience opportunities via the schools’ vibrant and active newspaper, radio station, and television studio. The school also puts a premium on career readiness and prepares its students “to apply critical thinking skills” to their future professions. This way of thinking appears to be working—it’s the top producer of computer information science graduates in Louisiana.
Career
Almost 75% of campus activities are planned and directed by students on the Favrot Student Union Advisory Board. Those who are interested in growing socially, culturally, spiritually, and philosophically are encouraged to join one of the board’s six committees to help lead the planning of formal dances, sports road trips, and specialized meet-andgreet events. Other opportunities to connect include clubs and organizations like student government, campus ministries, honor societies, and various dance teams. Greek life is also a prominent component of Grambling State’s culture. Two other points of pride come from the school’s gameday atmosphere. First, there’s the world-famous Tiger Marching Band, which has toured the world since 1926 (and performed at the first Super Bowl). Second, there’s the school’s football program, which from 1941 to 1997 was led by coach Eddie Robinson, now recognized as the NCAA Division I’s all-time winningest coach, and whose achievements are memorialized in the campus museum named for him.
Culture
National, regional, and local employers including The Orchard Foundation, Toyota, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), IBM, the FDIC, Teach New Orleans, and Urban Teachers recruit graduates from many of Grambling’s programs. Grambling is one of the country’s top producers of Black graduates and the top producer of Computer Information Science grads in Louisiana. Many others have gone on to successful careers throughout the world. Notable alumni include Grammy winner Erykah Badu, journalist and author Charles Blow, the NFL’s first Black Super Bowl MVP quarterback Doug Williams, and Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Ahmad Terry. Grambling State’s current president, Rick Gallot, is also an alum. According to Payscale.com, Grambling State graduates earn an average of $69,800 annually in mid-career.
Save School
