Baton Rouge, LA.—-The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System today appointed Frank G. Pogue to serve as Interim President of Grambling State University. Pogue, President Emeritus of Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and a higher education consultant, was recommended by UL System President Randy Moffett.”While searching for the right interim leader for Grambling, Dr. Pogue’s name consistently came up as the top choice from several national higher education sources,” said Moffett. “A product of Historically Black Colleges and Universities coupled with his successful experience as a long-serving president, a system administrator and an interim president make him uniquely qualified.”
Pogue earned a doctorate in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh. He also holds a master’s degree from Atlanta University and a bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University in the same field.
Accolades follow Pogue’s distinguished 47-year career in higher education. After serving 11 years (1996-2007) as the first African-American President of Edinboro University, a predominately white institution in Pennsylvania, he was granted President Emeritus status. Recognized for his efforts towards tremendous campus facility upgrades, the university’s Student Center was named in his honor. Also, The Greentree Gazette credited him with moving Edinboro University “from grievance toward graciousness,” citing his openness and nurturing style.
“If you expect me to come to Grambling with a preconceived plan, that is not the way I work,” said Pogue. “My first priority is to spend time with the administration, students, faculty, alumni and the state system to develop a comprehensive, inclusive planning process. We must keep the University moving forward and work with all constituents to make sure that we are creating an environment conducive to high quality academic learning.”
Earlier this year, the Illinois General Assembly passed House Resolution 384, congratulating Pogue on his successful tenure (2008-2009) as Interim President of Chicago State University. In just one year at Chicago State, he developed an inclusive planning process, established 10 university-wide goals, enhanced a spirit of cooperation throughout the university, developed a strategic enrollment and retention plan, enhanced community outreach activities, and worked to create a civil and trusting academic community that focused on the needs of students.
Pogue has held numerous other higher education positions including Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Special Programs at State University of New York’s System Administration (1986-1996); Interim President at State University of New York College at Cobleskill (1992-1993); Vice President for Student Affairs at State University of New York at Albany (1983-1986); and Associate Vice President for Research and Educational Development and Dean of Undergraduate Studies at State University of New York at Albany (1982-1983).
In addition, he has taught at six colleges and universities, presented numerous lectures, is well published, has extensive experience with accreditation and is an expert on diversity.
“We need a leader who can maintain Grambling’s momentum in areas such as accreditation, while also identifying long-term needs for the institution as the Board conducts a national search,” said UL System Board Chair Elsie Burkhalter.
Grambling’s seventh president, Horace A. Judson, resigned on Oct. 31 after five years at the helm.
UL System Board Rules outline an extensive search process for hiring a permanent university president, which involves an open, national search. At least one meeting will be held on campus early in the process to obtain input from students, faculty, staff and alumni regarding desired qualifications for candidates.
Founded in 1901 as a private industrial school to educate African-American citizens in north central Louisiana, Grambling is a comprehensive university offering undergraduate, graduate, professional and continuing education programs. Situated on a 383-acre campus in the small town of Grambling, the historically black university has almost 5,000 students.