(Over the course of the next few weeks, the Lincoln Parish Journal is republishing some of its most memorable stories from the past year … some of our readers favorites).
By T. Scott Boatright
Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.”
In that case, consider DeVaria Hudson Ponton one of the freest souls around.
Whether it’s giving back to her hometown of Grambling, universities stretching along Interstate 20 in north Louisiana, or simply anyone who needs a helping hand, Ponton is nothing short of a force to be reckoned with.
One of Ponton’s many services is serving as a member of Grambling’s City Council, and Mayor Alvin Bradley knows how much Ponton means to his community.
“She’s special,” Bradley said. “She is so talented and hard-working. She does so much beyond serving as a member of the City Council. She and her husband (David ‘Rusty’ Ponton) run a community garden here in Grambling that provides needed food for anyone who needs it.
“DeVaria is such an asset to Grambling. She helps write grants. She grew up and knows everyone here. She’s willing to do anything — never says no to anything anyone requests of her. She’s just special.”
Ponton says helping others is something she’s done for so long it’s second nature for her.
“My parents were always like that, my husband is like that — I know it sounds cliche, but I just like helping people. It makes me happy,” Ponton said. “This is my home. I was born here, I was raised here. Giving back is something important to me.
But while her love for all things Grambling runs deep — she was recently named Interim Director of International Student Affairs at Grambling State University, where she earned a Master’s in Sports Administration and a PhD in Education, Student Development and Personnel Services — Ponton began her college career at Dillard University in New Orleans, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Administration.
“I didn’t want to start college with all of my old Grambling Lab classmates,” Ponton said. “That would have been like 13th grade. I wanted to explore some. I’ve always liked to travel and try different things, which is why I love being in international services because I love the cultural exchange with different things.
“So, I graduated from high school and had two cousins who went to Dillard on the Hudson side of my family. And Dillard just attracted me with the small campus life with a family feel. The campus is beautiful. And I got to live in New Orleans. I love it. That’s my second home. That was just something I wanted — needed — to experience and it was the perfect choice for me at that point in my life.”
She also spent around 15 years in Florida, where she started working in and learned to love student affairs and working with international students.
“I would have to work with different consulates and embassies and different ministries in order to help students pay for their schooling
Before taking on her new role at Grambling State, Ponton previously served as Director of Admissions at GSU, Director of International Services & Programs at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Louisiana Representative for NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and Director of Multicultural Affairs at Louisiana Tech University.
Ponton says working at ULM, Louisiana Tech and Grambling State has given her a perspective not many have.
“They are each uniquely and beautifully different,” Ponton said. “I think I’m in a very unique position because I can bring something from each one of those because they’re all on a regional level under the ULS (University of Louisiana System), plus they’re all just unique campuses on their own. They’re all great institutions of higher education.
“So, I still love being ‘Better on the Bayou, Ever Loyal Be, and GramFam.’ I have an affinity for all of them and I still reach out to my contacts at each university. I’m good at building and keeping relationships. And I’m not afraid to reach across the table and ask, “How did you do this? Or how’s that working out?’ I’m so happy it all worked out full circle and now I’m at GSU.”
Growing up in the part of Grambling called The Heights only made Ponton’s love of being back in her hometown and giving back even stronger.
“Thelma Williams lived in The Heights, Ruby Billups lived in The Heights, Jean Brown was my neighbor in The Heights,” Ponton said. “Mrs. Mary Cheeks, who worked in the cafeteria, the Whitakers, who taught on campus, Ms. Humphries all lived there. My first grade teacher was Ms. Miles and her husband taught science on campus.
“We had the Barbers over there. The Moores, and right across the street from me was Mr. White. It was a really well-knit community. It poured so much into me. If I got locked out of the house, because I would forget my key and my parents were still working, I would go to one of their houses. Me and Coach Donell Cowan would play checkers. And he did not spare me and would jump right over me with his pieces.”
The daughter of Edward Monroe Hudson and Remonia Gorree Hudson says it was from her parents that she learned to love giving back to others.
“Giving back is kind of intrinsic to me, but it was also taught to me,” Ponton said. “My mom did Vacation Bible School and was over the youth department at Springhill Baptist Church in Simsboro for the longest. My dad always gave back to others, including his home church.
“It’s about how you treat others. God and Jesus told us we should serve each other. So, I think that’s the basis — the foundation — of what my parents taught me. If you are to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, and if you are reading his word and living his word, then you’re going to be loving to others. That’s what you’re supposed to do. That’s what I’m supposed to do. So, that’s what I do. I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do.”
