Dr. Martin Lemelle Appointed New President Of Grambling State University

By Quintessa Williams

The University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors unanimously voted on Thursday to appoint Dr. Martin Lemelle as the next president of Grambling State University.

The Grambling Presidential Search Committee narrowed the field to three finalists, Dr. Gregory Ford, Dr. Monica Williams, and Lemelle after interviewing six semifinalists on Grambling’s campus earlier this month.

“Dr. Lemelle’s appointment as the 11th president of Grambling State University guarantees a leader well-prepared on day one,” said Rick Gallot, who left the Grambling presidency to assume the role of UL System President and CEO at the start of the year.

“I am confident that under President Lemelle’s leadership, Grambling State University will continue to thrive with its best days yet to come.”

“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,” Lemelle said.

Lemelle is a 2006 graduate and former student government association president of Grambling. He has most recently served as executive vice president & chief financial officer at Maryland Institute College of Art. Prior, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at GSU from 2016-2021.

Gallot and Board Chair Dr. Jimmy Clarke will negotiate Lemelle’s start date.