New Grambling president expected in April
Grambling State University would have a new president selected in April under the new timeline approved by the search committee Thursday.
The timeline includes a Feb. 13 application date, semifinalist interviews in March and finalist interviews and selection in April.
University of Louisiana System President Sandra Woodley and Executive Vice President and Provost Karla Hughes have met with Grambling supporters and alumni groups, including those in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit and Houston.
They also attended the Grambling National Alumni Association's annual meeting in Shreveport. A November meeting is scheduled in Los Angeles.
"These discussions with Grambling's core supporters have been invaluable to me in this process. I have learned so much from the dialogue and am grateful to experience firsthand the positive energy for Grambling from all across the nation. I wish I could bottle the passion and pride that pours from the alumni members I have been privileged to meet," Woodley said.
The search firm, Hollins Group, has been selected to conduct a national search for Grambling's new president.
Grambling alumnus Steven Jackson attended Thursday's meeting to voice his concerns about the search process and the fact interim president Cynthia Warrick can apply for the position.
He said on several occasions it was reported Warrick would not be able to apply, but Woodley said that was inaccurate.
Jackson voiced concerns having an interim president apply, saying it would give that person an unfair advantage. He requested the committee not allow Warrick to apply because of this advantage.
Several committee members said Warrick can apply.
"I don't think we should restrict anyone from applying," UL System board of supervisors chairman Gerald Hebert said.
Woodley said there is no stipulation restricting Warrick from applying.
"We are looking for the best person and if she is the best person we want her there," Woodley said.
Dr. Herbert Simmons, GSU faculty representative on the search committee, said this selection might be the most important one in Grambling's history.
"If Grambling doesn't get it right this time I fear for Grambling's future," Simmons said.
Hollins Group will select the best candidates for the search committee to consider. All applications will go to the Hollins Group, which also will recruit candidates and provide the top recommendations to the search committee.
"We felt it was important to have a noted search firm with specific contacts and skill sets to find the best candidate for Grambling's president," Woodley said.
Voting members of the Grambling Presidential Search Committee include UL System Board Members Andre Coudrain of Hammond, Edward Crawford, III of Shreveport, David Guidry of Natalbany, Board Chair E. Gerald "T-Boy" Hebert of Kenner, Student Member Adam Lefort of Thibodaux, Jimmy Long, Sr. of Natchitoches, Board Vice Chair Jimmie "Beau" Martin, Jr. of Cut Off, D. Wayne Parker of Choudrant, Mark Romero of Lafayette, and Winfred Sibille of Sunset. Also serving as a voting member is Grambling Faculty Senate President Herbert Simmons.
Serving as advisory, non-voting members are Grambling National Alumni Association President Melissa Bickham, community representative Wilbert Ellis, community representative Mildred Gallot, and SGA President Erik Johnson. UL System President Sandra Woodley will serve as the non-voting committee chair.