Grambling, La. –October 5, 2025 – Grambling State University (GSU) President Martin Lemelle, Jr. has often said the institution he leads is building. The university is building on its infrastructure. It’s building on its course and degree offerings – and most importantly, GSU is building leaders.
Recently, 57 of those future leaders were recognized and celebrated as Grambling State University’s President’s Student Leadership Initiative (SLI) inducted Cohort IX for the program that began in the fall semester of 2015.
President Lemelle urged the new inductees to continue building on their future.
“As I look across the cohort, many of you are already highly involved across campus in your respective majors, within SGA, athletics, opportunities to tell the university’s stories as ambassadors, Call Me MiSTER — you name it,” Lemelle said.
“So, you have the catalyst for change in this cohort. And so, I want you to continue to build upon that and strengthen your relationships and always represent Grambling State University to the best of your ability. I’m proud of you and I want to celebrate you tonight.”
The SLI leadership development program strives to build leadership skills, improve retention, persistence and successful graduation rates among first-year freshman students by promoting leadership, professional behavior and academic excellence through hosting events and workshops featuring service-learning opportunities and guest speakers aiming to inspire SLI members to become active and successful leaders in the community.
Current SLI President Austin Small-Jones explained the process 125 student applicants went through trying to become of the 57 meeting the criteria to be inducted into the organization.
“These 57 young leaders went through a series of trials,” Small-Jones said. “First, they had to do an application. And it’s old-school — a paper application. They have to listen and follow strict instructions because it has to be in a certain type of envelope; it has to have a certain type of wet signature on it; it has to have recommendation letters with it from faculty, staff and other student leaders from any other organization on campus.
“On top of that, me, (SLI Advisor Kendra) McMurray and (SLI Vice President Heather) Williams set aside three days of interviews — three days long from 9 a.m. all the way to 4 p.m. every single day. Let me just tell y’all, there were 125 people who signed up to be in this organization, and we have 57 who rose to the top and who met all types of criteria in order to be be in the seat they are in, and I couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of you that are within the sound of my voice.”
Williams said that when she was inducted, she was told she was the “cream of the crop.”
“You are now the cream of the crop,” Williams told the new cohort. “You represent the President’s Office, so we have to uphold ourselves as that. This is a journey we’re all beginning together. I’m glad I can take this journey with you, and I hope we can all grow as leaders together. This is the beginning, but not the end, and I can’t wait to grow with you.”
The following are the new Cohort IX members of Grambling State University’s President’s Student Initiative: Acheampong, Leslie; Azubuike, Madeline; Baker, Equaja; Banks, Tristen; Bartholomew, Sedtasia; Blackburn, Aneesia; Boahene, Louis Boyd, Taylor; Claybrooks, Ashari; Colvin, Alana; Cooper, Javieon; Cooper, Ma’lunda; Davis, Myshell; Davis; Dozier, Michael; Ebbs, Edneshia; English, Joy; Ferrand, Tierra; Gates, Kaiden; Gayetaye, Heathrebka; Gladney, Camella; Grayson, Elijah; Guillory, Paul; Hamilton, Jaleigh; Hampton, Caleb; Jackson, Jayde; Jackson, Troyneka; Jones, Chiara; Jones, Kimora; Kennedy, Jalen; Locks, Danylle; Long, Kinnidi; Milons Perkins, Madison; Monroe, Kelly; Moody, Kaylah; Moses, Ry’ale; Morris, Mya; Muhammad, Khaalidah; Nador, Bernard; Nchekwube, Prevailer; Ngoma, Grace; Nwofor, Precious; Oki, Ayomide; Patton, Sydney; Reed, Jordyn; Rhodes, Jada; Sullivan, Justice; Sullivan, Troi; Sweet, Cheryl; Taylor, Diondria; Taylor, Morgan; Turner, Jael; Watkins, Tatianna; Watson, Logan; White, Kamaurre; White, Kaylen; Wisham, Durriyah.
