Grambling installs youngest HBCU President

By Fritz Esker
Contributing Writer

Grambling State University honored its new president, Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr., in an investiture ceremony on campus on September 6.

The investiture ceremony was the first of its kind at Grambling. It was held at the Fredrick C. Hobby Assembly Center. The tradition of an investiture ceremony dates back to the Middle Ages during which a new leader was “vested” with the power of an office. Grambling named Lemelle as its eleventh president on February 22 of this year, succeeding Rick Gallot.

Lemelle is the youngest person currently serving as the president of an American HBCU. He is a third-generation alumnus of Grambling, and served in positions including executive vice president and CFO of the Maryland Institute College of Art before returning to Grambling. He also worked as an executive vice president and COO at Grambling from 2016-2021. The school’s fiscal health score improved by 200 percent during his tenure as COO.

Lemelle was humbled by the university’s vote of confidence in him.

“Being entrusted with the role of president at Grambling State University is a profound honor and responsibility,” said Lemelle. “It is a unique opportunity to champion the ambitions of our students and help them turn their aspirations into significant achievements. I am committed to building a future for our university where we continue to educate, empower and inspire leaders who will shape our world for the better.”

Grambling administrators and alumni expressed enthusiasm for Lemelle’s hire.

“With a clear vision for growth, President Lemelle is poised to elevate our institution’s impact across communities in Louisiana and the nation. I am honored to witness the profound impact he will have on the institution’s legacy,” said Dr. Connie R. Walton, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Grambling State University.

“As proud alumni, we share a deep connection to the rich heritage of Grambling State University, and we are excited to support our new president, Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr., a fellow alum, as he begins this inspiring chapter of leadership,” said Dr. Tammy Richardson, president of the Grambling State University National Alumni Association. “His dedication to academic excellence, innovation and unwavering focus on student success reflects the core values of our beloved institution – ‘where everybody is somebody.’ With Dr. Lemelle leading the way, we are confident that GSU will continue to rise to new heights, fostering growth, opportunity, and progress for students, faculty, staff, and the entire GRAMFAM community.”

Lemelle earned a B.S. in accounting, magna cum laude, from Grambling, an MBA from The George Washington University, and a doctorate in business administration from SKEMA Business School in Paris. He is a former student government association president of Grambling. His professional associations include Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and the United Way of Central Maryland Board of Directors.

This article originally published in the September 9, 2024 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.