GSU gets new Faculty Senate president

Dr. Herbert Simmons Jr.  was recently elected as Faculty Senate president at Grambling State University.  

The Faculty Senate represents the interests of faculty members on issues involving salaries, tenure and promotions, teacher "teaching load", extra services and other faculty related issues.  

"I am acutely aware of the daunting challenges that lie before us as we attempt to move ahead in a climate where state funding for universities has been drastically reduced.  Even so, it is an honor to represent the faculty at such a time as this," Simmons said.

He is no stranger to higher education and community service having served in the capacity of both  professor and department head at Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C. As director of the nation's capitol, Office of Consumer Protection and as under-secretary, Louisiana Department of Social Services under Gov. Buddy Roemer administration, Simmons feels he will be able to continue his tradition of working hard to make a difference for the university family. 

Simmons headed GSU's Office of Alumni Affairs for nearly 10 years and coordinated the Bayou Classic football game for the university for five years.

Simmons was born in Hodge, and is a graduate of Grambling College, Howard University School of Law, and the University of the District of Columbia School of Mortuary Science.