Courtesy of GSU Communications
Grambling State University recognized 32 distinguished faculty members and academic leaders during an Emeritus Faculty Recognition Breakfast on Thursday, Oct. 29, at the Student Success Center. Held in conjunction with the University’s 125th Founder’s Day observance, the ceremony honored educators whose careers in teaching, scholarship and academic leadership have contributed to the University’s growth and the success of generations of students.
The Emeriti Faculty Class of 2026 represents a broad range of disciplines, including education, business, mathematics, science, engineering, the humanities and performing arts. Among those recognized were longtime professors, department heads and deans who served the University throughout its history.
“As we commemorate 125 years of Grambling State University, it is important that we honor the people who helped build and sustain this institution,” said President Martin Lemelle, Jr. “These educators dedicated their careers to preparing students, advancing academic programs and strengthening our University. Their contributions are part of Grambling State’s history, and we are proud to recognize them.”
Emeritus status is an honorary distinction recognizing retired faculty members and academic administrators for their distinguished service and professional contributions. The designation acknowledges their accomplishments and honors their longstanding association with the University.
Dr. Connie Walton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, addressed the significance of emeritus status during the breakfast. Walton joined President Lemelle and Dr. Roshunda Belton-Cardoza, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, in presenting certificates of recognition and gifts to the honorees.
“Faculty members help define the academic experience of a university, and their influence often extends well beyond the classroom,” said Walton. “The individuals recognized today have contributed through years of instruction, research, mentorship and leadership. This distinction is an opportunity to acknowledge their accomplishments and thank them for their service to Grambling State.”
The ceremony included a welcome and blessing from Dr. Kenyatta Shamburger, Chief Operations Officer, and music by the Grambling State University Orchestra under the direction of Mr. Ye Tao.
The University also paid tribute to three faculty members honored posthumously: Dr. Loretta Walton Jaggers, Mr. Karl Norman and Dr. Yenumula B. Reddy.
Emeriti Faculty Class of 2026
The following individuals were recognized:
- Dr. Subhadra Abraham, Associate Professor Emerita of Psychology
- Dr. Arun Agarwal, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics
- Dr. Reginald A. Bess, Associate Professor Emeritus of Foreign Languages
- Dr. Willie Daniel, Professor and Head Emeritus of Kinesiology, Sport & Leisure Studies
- Dr. Ronnie Davis, Professor Emeritus of Sociology
- Dr. Tsegai Emmanuel, Professor Emeritus of Business
- Dr. Elaine Foster, Associate Professor Emerita of Education
- Dr. King Godwin, Professor Emeritus of Theatre
- Dr. Andolyn Harrison, Dean Emerita of Education
- Dr. Raymond Hicks, Professor Emeritus of Education
- Dr. Felix Ifeanyi, Professor and Head Emeritus of Biology
- Dr. Uju Ifeanyi, Associate Professor Emerita of English
- Dr. Glenda Island, Professor Emerita of Family and Consumer Sciences
- Dr. Loretta Walton Jaggers, Professor Emerita of Education (Posthumous)
- Dr. Patricia Johnson, Associate Professor Emerita of Education
- Dr. Ghebre Keleta, Professor and Head Emeritus of Business
- Dr. Shueh-Ji Lee, Professor Emeritus of Engineering Technology
- Dr. Bennie Lowery, Professor Emeritus of Education
- Ms. Donna McGee, Professor Emerita of Art
- Dr. Nanthalia McJamerson, Professor Emerita of Education
- Dr. Benny Miles, Professor Emeritus of Biology
- Mr. Karl Norman, Associate Professor Emeritus of Theatre (Posthumous)
- Dr. A. K. Nur-Hussen, Professor Emeritus of Education
- Dr. Olatunde Ogunyemi, Professor Emeritus of Education
- Dr. Larry Pannell, Department Head Emeritus of Music
- Dr. Pamela Payne, Associate Professor Emerita of Education
- Dr. Yenumula B. Reddy, Professor Emeritus of Computer Science (Posthumous)
- Dr. Parashu Sharma, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics
- Dr. Mahendra Singh, Professor and Head Emeritus of Criminal Justice
- Dr. Frances Staten, Professor Emerita of Sociology
- Dr. Donald White, Dean Emeritus of Business
- Dr. Russell Willis, Professor Emeritus of Sociology
