Dear, GSU President Search Committee.

I sure hope that this time an actual search for Grambling’s next President will be conducted unlike seven years ago. The next President does not have to be a Grambling graduate. They already tried that. However, if should happen to be a Grambling graduate, make sure they understand and actually promote HBCU/Black culture and Black consciousness at Grambling State university on a daily basis. 

For the next President, would it be possible to select a person with a Ph.D, who has years of experience in working at a university especially a HBCU as a Professor, a VP for Student Affairs, VP for Academic Academic Enhancement, VP and Provost, a Dean of students or a President of a university, especially a HBCU?

Would it possible that the next President of Grambling to have some knowledge of recruitment of Black students? Not only in certain parts of Louisiana, but all over the country? Grambling is a national and global phenomenon. Could the next be a person who sees great value in having Lyceum and Convocations returned to the campus for the cultural environment of the students at GSU? 

The next President should possess the knowledge and understanding of how important it is to not only push and promote the female students, but also the male students who attend the university. A specific program to recruit more male students and the creation of a Mr. Grambling title would be a great start.

Should the next President of GSU just happens to be another member of a black Greek letter organization, I hope this person is able to refrain from the Greek nepotistism practice when hiring top administrators at the University. It’s not a secret that non Greek affiliated black professional do exist and that they are COMPETENT in position of leadership. 

Please select a President with an open door policy who also understands that the students’ presence and their tuition money make it possible for the President, the administrators and the university to exist. Make sure that this new President has the personality, communication ability and social skills to bring the entire GSU Alumni body together for the purpose of pushing Grambling State University forward and beyond. 

This includes being welcoming to alumni at the university in leadership positions and creating a system where alumni in the professional world are often invited back to the campus to put on workshops and/or presentations for the current students to give them a glimpse into what is expected of them in the future upon graduation in their chosen majors. Also, unlike the past couple of homecoming weeks at GSU, BE MORE WELCOMING of the alumni. Last year’s homecoming week was dismal. Just plain sad. 

Please select a President who understands that at a HBCU, it’s important for Black students to see the image of themselves in the classroom. Meaning, the mass majority of Professors need to be culturally sensitive and AWARE Black men and Black women especially in the STEM classes. 

Please select a Black President who understands how important it is form academically cooperative relationships with other HBCUs not only in the SWAC but across America. These relationships help to form a much needed bond with HBCUs as a collective. Trust me. The students will benefit greatly. 

Finally, please in the select of the next Black president of Grambling State University, please select some one who has a proven record for FUNDRAISING! Not just a thousand here, a thousand there. I’m talking millions with every handshake. 

Sincerely, 

Rico Rivers

Grambling State University Alumnus 

Class of 1994 & 1996

@RicotheOpinionist

Cash App. $RicotheOpinionist

PayPal/RicotheOpinionist

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