Grambling State University President Frank G. Pogue’s last spring convocation is Tuesday at 11 a.m., and he’s looking at it as the first of a few opportunities to say what’s on his mind and to thank those who helped him during his nearly five-year stay as president.
“This will be my last spring convocation at Grambling State University, and I plan to highlight some of the many accomplishments for which I am thankful, thankful to faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters for sticking with me and helping me get these things done,” said Pogue. “I’ll point to some things from a few years ago when we first started dealing with severe budget cuts and new performance expectations, and I’ll remind the audience about some things they may have forgotten.
The convocation will be held in the T.H. Harris Auditorium, the place where Pogue has led spring and fall convocations each year since 2009 when he arrived as a consultant and quickly became interim president before landing the job permanently.
The spring convocation theme is “Enhancing the Academic Profile of Grambling State University,” and Pogue will be the only speaker other than those providing a welcome or invocation. The university’s World Famed Tiger Marching Band will play twice.
Under the direction of choral director Natorshau Davis, the university choir is scheduled to perform “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” arranged by Lloyd Pfautsch, and “Oh, What a Beautiful City,” arranged by Stacey V. Gibbs.
Grambling State University’s eighth president, Pogue plans to talk about widely known accomplishments as well as some improvements that may have gone unnoticed.
“This can be considered a “State of the University” address,” added Pogue, who is scheduled to retire June 30.
“If anyone wants to know what specifically has been done in my nearly five years at GSU, join us at the convocation and you’ll hear about many of those things — and how I feel about Grambling State University and the many people who are committed to empowering us to enhance our academic profile,” said Pogue.