GSU launches first cloud computing degree in La.

By Ryan Whirty
Contributing Writer

Following initial approval from the state last month, Grambling State University has put its efforts to create Louisiana’s first bachelor’s degree in cloud computing into overdrive, a key initiative undertaken by one of the highest-profile HBCU’s in the country and Louisiana’s largest producer of African-American computer-science graduates.

The cloud computing program is a four-year degree program. Grambling hopes to enroll its first group of students for the cloud-computing program as early as fall 2019, after the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors on Oct. 24 gave its OK for the effort.

The next and final formal step would be approval from the state Board of Regents.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot said in a press statement that the cloud-computing degree would fill a significant and growing need for trained employees in Louisiana. The program, if OK’ed, would be the first degree of its kind in the state.

“We know Louisiana students are well-positioned to fill today’s market needs,” said Gallot. “We, at Grambling State, are grateful for the continued support of our partners in government and industry who help us continue to drive innovation.”

The launch of a cloud program would mark Grambling’s second unique computer-science degree program, after a cybersecurity bachelor’s of science track that was started last year.

The creation and nurturing of the proposed cloud-computing program has been led by Dr. Yenuluma B. Reddy, a member of the Grambling State faculty and of the Louisiana Cybersecurity Commission, who played a crucial role in the evolution of the university’s cybersecurity degree program. Yenuluma serves as head of the department at Grambling.

“Our many professors in technology-related disciplines, including Dr. Reddy and team, are continuing our long legacy of educating students on the cutting edge,” said the University’s interim provost Dr. Connie Walton in the press release. “From computer science and cybersecurity to this proposed new degree, their work in research and industry are helping grow educational quality and internships for our students.”

This article originally published in the December 2, 2019 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.