BATON ROUGE – The Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System today unanimously voted to appoint Frank G. Pogue Grambling State University ‘s eighth president. UL System President Randy Moffett presented Pogue to the Board as the Grambling Presidential Search Committee’s recommendation.
“The Grambling community rallied around and supported Dr. Pogue’s tenure as Interim President.
“He is a strong, focused leader with a proven track record of top leadership in higher education.
“He possesses the skills to foster cohesive relationships between the university and its community and alumni.
” In the short time he has been at Grambling he has brought stability, and it is evident that we should allow him to continue to do that good work,” said Moffett.
Pogue has served the last six months as Grambling’s Interim President.
During that time, he developed a strategic planning process for the university, led the efforts of multiple accreditation visits, oversaw the opening of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum , reached out to the community and alumni and mended several fences.
“It has been an extraordinary six months. My wife, Dorothy, and I have been blessed to work in a variety of settings and in all we have felt supported.
“However, we have never felt more supported than we have at Grambling,” said Pogue. “My goal is to bring people together so the focus can be on the students.
” I am pleased you have placed trust in me to lead Grambling State University . We are going to do the best for Grambling and higher education, and we are going to do it together.”
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 , 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.
In 2009, 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.
American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) President Muriel Howard referenced that work and others in her nomination of Pogue for the Grambling presidency.
“I have known Dr. Pogue for over 25 years as a mentor, a colleague and a friend.
” He has served the public higher education community for over 40 years and is nationally known .
“I believe that his devotion to students, his love of higher education and his extensive experience make him the ideal candidate to serve as the next president of Grambling State University,” wrote Howard.
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).
He also taught at six colleges and universities, presented numerous lectures, is well published, has extensive experience with accreditation and is an expert on diversity.
His academic credentials include a doctorate in sociology from the University of Pittsburgh , a master’s degree from Atlanta University and a bachelor’s degree from Alabama State University .
Founded in 1901 as a private industrial school to education 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.