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Post by pink12 on Jul 7, 2014 17:55:23 GMT -6
In response, I will offer that in recent years, GSU Academic Affairs have not operated or been administered beyond reproach in all aspects and in the best interests of all its stakeholders.
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Post by pink12 on Jul 7, 2014 16:43:08 GMT -6
No doors are closing. Fear-mongering or self-serving statement at best. Now, repurposing, reduction or altered primary mission, would not be closing the doors. Pink12 My intent was not too fear monger, but to report to this board what Dr. Pogue said.....If you are questioning whether he said that, then man you are really out of the loop.....I have no reason too say that unless I know that he said it. I am not sure how you discerned that my post is challenging the hearsay offered. The intent was to offer a comment, IMHO, on the potential context/content of the hearsay.
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Post by pink12 on Jul 7, 2014 11:13:17 GMT -6
No doors are closing. Fear-mongering or self-serving statement at best.
Now, repurposing, reduction or altered primary mission, would not be closing the doors.
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Post by pink12 on Jul 6, 2014 20:39:02 GMT -6
All hands are not clean.
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Post by pink12 on May 14, 2014 18:43:48 GMT -6
How about this?.....Write the ULS System President and ask her and report back to us.....That will beat your constant beetching, pessimism, and speculation on this board. Better yet go to the Presidential selection committee when they meet again on campus and ask the ULS Board in person. They all will be in attendance. In response, I will draft a letter NLT Monday, May 19, 2014 to the ULS Board/President with my questions and concerns, if any of you have any questions you would like included in this missive, please post accordingly for possible inclusion. I will try to submit the missive via Email and the United States Postal Service. I will copy and post the letter sent and any response received, accordingly. I will be pleasantly surprised if I receive a direct response towards GSU mission going forward, however, it does not hurt to ask.
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Post by pink12 on May 14, 2014 14:46:53 GMT -6
It is not any doubt, in my mind, a viable educational institution of higher learning will rest in Grambling LA. The state’s investments in the GSU’s resident halls, cafeteria, student union, museum, west campus, the beautification projects, and now the library are not happenstance. My concern continues to be what is GSU’s academic mission/profile going forward. Yes, GSU is a comprehensive university this day; however, will GSU remain as such and eventually be managed, administered and funded as such in the near future.
Personally, I believe the constituents of the great state of LA, no longer care to subsidized “separate but unequal” relative to higher educational opportunities, especially when the actual intent and the effects of such on the landscape is dwindling, somewhat. Coupled with the edict for more fiscal responsibility, it is inefficient to fund parallel missions/academic program and when viewed logistically and comprehensively relative to providing adequate educational opportunities to young people effectively and efficiently.
The state of LA Legislature changed the laws and standards for admissions and funding for higher education and attached accountabilities/measures.
Couple with the shortsightedness of embracing the changes and laws, some GSU stakeholders encouraged the GSU Administration to request waivers and, politic matters, concurrently many stakeholders said ‘pay now or pay later’. Well folks, later has knocked and entering.
Some Stakeholder suggested the longer GSU immolated the characteristics/standards of a community college /junior college eventually GSU would be treated and viewed as such.
The state law changed to where GSU could no longer serve as a comprehensive institution of higher learning, and concurrently, serve as a community college/junior college via a “Brown Hall.” I am a product of Brown Hall and very grateful for such. Such remedial offerings were not going to be (directly) funded any longer.
Many stakeholders argued that the new laws and increased admission standards were going to hurt GSU’s enrollment and limit educational opportunities for many young people, which GSU traditionally served, under the open door policy, valid concern. Well analyze GSU’s enrollment subsequently.
Thus, we have created the side-door admission via affiliations/agreements with community colleges/junior colleges and the powers-that-be are looking at GSU as a whole. In the process, these relationships have becoming a significant conduit and form of recruiting. I had a long time GSU employee tell me that across the board, GSU used to enroll more prepared students under the open enrollment policy than under the admission standards, if such is true, how is that possible? Such may equally reflect on the public schools’ effectiveness and proficiencies, as well.
I suggest even presently the GSU Stakeholders do not wish to put GSU primary mission first, which is delivering proficient and effective educational opportunities to young people, evening if such requires GSU to function at a level less than a “comprehensive” institution of higher learn or the status quo.
Personally, I would have preferred GSU had gone in the direction of a Tennessee State University or a Elizabeth State University when potentially such opportunities were ripe. Moreover, it is my desire to see GSU excel at its primary mission, which can be defined, fundable, politically supportable by providing concise educational opportunities which are greatly needed by many young people; rather than, being continuously deteriorated, and managed into capitulation.
I know some stakeholders will adamantly disagree and reject any notion of such; however, I do not believe maintaining the status quo is effective or efficient and provides viable options, which will be in the best interest of all stakeholders (i.e. students, parents, taxpayers, facility, staff, alumni, political concerns).
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Post by pink12 on May 14, 2014 10:11:37 GMT -6
This is were we differ because most schools are not failing our young people but the damn parents are not doing their job at home by making it mandatory you do your best in school with education comes first and foremost. A lot of our young African American males are not being taught at home first to be responsible and respectful. The teachers are having a rough time because if their is no structure at home then its hell at school. It all starts at home. I have always told other parents, teachers and my boys that my home isn't a democracy but a dictatorship and I'm the d@mn KING! Sir, I concur with you wholeheartedly. It starts at home. The tenor of my post was to share that accreditations do not necessarily reflect effectiveness and proficiencies. I look to my experience at GSU and compared it to what I hear and what I observe personably; and discern matters are materially different, and not, necessarily where it matters most. Yes, the cafe, student housing and student union and other amenities have truly improved; however, I do not ever recall entering a GSU classroom and told to sign a piece of paper as the roll for attendance purposes because no educator has been assigned to your class slot. This is two or three weeks into the semester. Yes, professors missed classes for personal or professional reasons. I recall industry and Government entities lining up for GSU's Computer Science students and many business students alike. I recall many students had several co-op opportunities/experiences before they left GSU. I recall an English Department/advance composition course that was quite rigorous, because this skill-set was important because your written and public speaking proficiencies represented Grambling State University; and you were going to be prepared accordingly or else. I will suggest that a proficient and well equipped, Science Dept. undergirds the School of Nursing, those students and their proficiencies and potential success on National Examinations. Visit Grambling Laboratory Schools, especially the Senior High School and examine its operations, and facilities. Historically, the lab schools have produced some of the best and brightest. What GSU stakeholder/Alumni would not have expected GSU to be more proficient in all aspect, compared to when he/she attended GSU or Grambling College especially where academic proficiencies and effectiveness are concern? I believe such is a natural sense and expectation, for continuous progress and improvements. Alternatively, at a minimum, maintain similar academic proficiencies and effectiveness, relatively speaking. I do not believe anyone expecting GSU to be a Harvard or the likes, although, daily and collectively we as stakeholder should be striving towards such standards, just be the very best GSU. Just recently, I saw where the outgoing president finally admitted that the funding situation (I add the changing management (President, VPs, Directors, and Deans) and mixed mission) has adversely affected academic programs. I suggest the assertion is real; however, the admission is delayed and the timeliness of may be self-serving. I am not trying to be dogmatic towards GSU in any manner; it is truly disappointing to me. Sincerely, I would prefer to tell a young person to “go to GSU” rather than “consider GSU” starting at home.
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Post by pink12 on May 14, 2014 8:12:54 GMT -6
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Post by pink12 on May 13, 2014 18:58:59 GMT -6
Yes sir. Thank you kindly for the advice. Carry-on.
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Post by pink12 on May 13, 2014 13:38:49 GMT -6
I suggest there was a time where the possibilities existed where GSU may have become the likes of a present Tennessee State University; hearsay indicates, such was met with some resistance/fears from some of GSU stakeholders. That window to progress may have closed, now. Now, I lament will GSU become the likes of a Kentucky State University or West Virginia State University, or will GSU go full circle, and operate more aligned with its original mission, when it initially became a state funded higher educational institution of higher learning in 1928. Carefully read the history: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GramblingEither WE progress or regress! When it comes to the likes of you it has become what you typed. However, I say some of the things which you type on this board are a load of crap! Grambling State has improved over the last ten years and it will continue to improve as long as we have Alumni like myself, Carl, Gmanwest, Ray Higgins, Cflemon, Tigerdiva and others that care so much for our beloved university. I'm always telling kids to consider Grambling and don't believe all the negative sh@t they hear. Also I have always told my sons that Grambling isn't perfect but it sho ain't half as bad as some have lead others to believe. Now once the Library gets renovated which the ULS Board has approved the $10 million for the renovation and the new improved Intramural/Wellness Center comes on line then we will have more great facilities to show future recruits. In all my years of talking to students in Texas and South Arkansas is that academics didn't keep them from attending Grambling but it was those horrible dorms and other facilities. Long Live Grambling State University and it will! All I will say, any potential students and parents should be very concerns about the academics, I believe most people/families, especially black folks, attend college and sacrifice accordingly to learn, to prepare, to obtain additional life-skills, to apply subsequently towards education endeavors or to apply towards earning a livelihood, and not just for the experience. Remember GSU's primary mission/objective is to provide adequate educational opportunities, first and far most. For us as Alumni/stakeholders to discount or trivialize the importance of academics is reckless, selfish, irresponsible, and ungodly; especially after many of us have received our education via a much different or more proficient GSU.
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Post by pink12 on May 13, 2014 13:20:27 GMT -6
I suggest there was a time where the possibilities existed where GSU may have become the likes of a present Tennessee State University; hearsay indicates, such was met with some resistance/fears from some of GSU stakeholders. That window to progress may have closed, now. Now, I lament will GSU become the likes of a Kentucky State University or West Virginia State University, or will GSU go full circle, and operate more aligned with its original mission, when it initially became a state funded higher educational institution of higher learning in 1928. Carefully read the history: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GramblingEither WE progress or regress! With alumni like you unfortunately we can only regress.....Carl and Ed are posting positive stories and you are giving us information about Grambling not being good enough for your offsprings and that our current students are coming from shot gun houses and projects.....You need to look within yourself if you really care about Grambling.....Most of us on here understand the history of Grambling and still support it.....You can't support us with just keystrokes. www.thenewsstar.com/article/20140508/NEWS01/305080037/GSU-president-could-selected-by-October?nclick_check=1Interesting timeline to appoint a President, October 2014, when considering GSU’s academic term, and this indicated at least 90 days or more with an interim President, no sure is a vacancy period required by in retirement situation. One can only lament will GSU get another appointee off the beach or placeholder. Or just may they have identified somebody and the person may not be avaialbe until the end of this calendar year. We all have some sense of frustration and it is very easy to aim low and shoot a messenger; although, such will not make the message and the adversities and results go away. As mentioned above, we, as stakeholders can bury our heads in the sand, plug our ears, shake our heads, and hope for some things to change and not acknowledge the realities at GSU. On the other hand, we, as stakeholders can be proactive and try to understand the changes and plans for GSU and to the extent possible, influence the course of change, to the best interests of all stakeholders, collectively. Refrain from shortsightedness and selfishness, take some of the emotions out of it, and look at matters more objectively relative to providing adequate and effective educational opportunities to young people. Your talents and energies may be more useful writing the ULS Board/President, and ask why they may be unable to appoint a GSU President until October 2014 and let us know. Keep shooting the messenger, if such is therapeutic for you, I am not bulletproof; however, I am thick skinned. Either way, changes are occurring.
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Post by pink12 on May 13, 2014 9:39:32 GMT -6
I suggest there was a time where the possibilities existed where GSU may have become the likes of a present Tennessee State University; hearsay indicates, such was met with some resistance/fears from some of GSU stakeholders. That window to progress may have closed, now. Now, I lament will GSU become the likes of a Kentucky State University or West Virginia State University, or will GSU go full circle, and operate more aligned with its original mission, when it initially became a state funded higher educational institution of higher learning in 1928. Carefully read the history: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GramblingEither WE progress or regress!
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Post by pink12 on May 12, 2014 20:15:38 GMT -6
I suggest such will depend on enrollment, mission, experience and what stage the candidate is in its career; however, I suspect as with any state funded position, state of LA guidelines exist and will prevail.
I do not ever recall GSU losing a Leader/President to a more lucrative professional opportunity elsewhere. I am not sure whether or not Dr. Johnson left GSU for more money. I suspect the next GSU's President compensation package will be comparable to the other ULS Members' President.
The more important question to lament is how much will be appropriated for senior management at GSU (President, VPs, Directors) to administer, manage and lead comprehensively and competently.
Will the next appointee be allowed to recruit, select and hire its senior management team?
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Post by pink12 on May 12, 2014 18:59:03 GMT -6
On this day (Monday, May 12, 2014), in good consciousness, could you advise a young person to bypass higher ranked and proficient (labs, resources) schools of nursing to attend GSU’s school of nursing, in its present state and giving considerations to GSU’s nursing graduates readiness and results on required professional examination. Moreover, subsequently feel equally as comfortable that this persons is reasonable prepared and competent to administer their trade via their knowledge/exposure to you and or your love ones? (Yes or No?) I could not and did not encourage such in good consciousness and out of my actual concerns/reservations at GSU and directly related matters, coupled with my personal desires for this young person to have a bright future and be prepared and proficient, or at least have a good start/opportunity at such. The best I could offer based on my mind and heart, as a GSU stakeholder and thinking about the deceased parent’s dreams for the young person, was to ask the young person to “consider” GSU as you make your evaluations of higher educational institution and prepare yourself to pursue your goals and dreams. Admittedly, 10 or 15 years ago I may have had a much different tenor and approach. Not proud at-all, however, that is the reality of things/decisions folks, bitter pill to swallow. Many may view being a GSU stakeholder like religion. I am not there. It is relative. BTW, the young person’s deceased parent bled black and gold (GSu Alum). Pink12 I know Gramblinites that felt just like you 20 years ago and one grew up next door to me.....She and her husband got rich off of a GSU education, but it wasn't good enough for their offsprings.....The reason being is because after they graduated 40 years ago they never came back....Ed raised his son to attend Grambling and he seem like a very caring father. I do have a legitimate concern about our nursing program, but I am not quite as pessimistic as you by thinking that we will become a community college soon and thinking that only marginal students from impoverished backgrounds attend Grambling.....My niece is a current nursing student at Grambling and both of her parents earn over 6 figures.....There go your theory. I would suggest your neighbors owe GSU generous annual contributions, if such is affordable as a means of appreciation/stewardship; however, no GSU stakeholder should ever believe it owes GSU to where they knowingly sacrifice their off-spring by compromising the off-sping’s very best interests in any manner. I work with people that attended the major state universities; however, their off-springs are attending highly respected private universities, and these educational opportunities were considered as positives and progress relative to the potentials/exposure and the opportunities/experiences afforded my co-workers. Again, it is all relative. Now, unlike many of us (me, for the most parts, I hope to improve in time) these particular co-workers conveyed they give generous gifts annually (by my standards/income anyway) to their Alma Mater, although, one did shared with me, the gifts have been reduced while the off-springs are in college, very understandable. LoL We must not ever forget from which we come, practice altruism; however, we must progress and grow concurrently and continuously. Mamma cooked with fatback in the greens, however, many of us may do otherwise/substitute due to health concerns, quality of life and increased awareness, does that mean momma’s greens are not “good enough”, if you prefer not to partake?
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Post by pink12 on May 12, 2014 16:12:25 GMT -6
Instead of you giving us paragraphs of your rhetoric, why don't you tell us how many members of your family are currently at Grambling that could have gone elsewhere?....It is naïve of you too think that only project kids are at Grambling.....I have plenty of friends from middle to upper income levels that have sent their kids to Grambling.....What is sad is that some of you only think Grambling is for certain type of kids......How in the hell are you guys raising your kids?.....I have knowledge of family members that sent their kids to Grambling and they went on to have more success than the kids they sent to LSU.....The bottomline is that a kid can be successful whether they attend GSU or LSU.....An "A" is an "A".....Corporate America only cares about whether most graduates can get the job done.....An African-American graduate out of the University of Texas that is incompetent is no better than an incompetent one out of a HBCU.....I have worked with graduates of all colleges and universities. I totally agree with you on this West. It pisses me off that a lot our alumni don't encourage their children to attend GSU. I raised my two sons to bleed the Black and Gold and it has paid off with my son being accepted for the fall 2014 who made the scores to attend other PWI's. On this day (Monday, May 12, 2014), in good consciousness, could you advise a young person to bypass higher ranked and proficient (labs, resources) schools of nursing to attend GSU’s school of nursing, in its present state and giving considerations to GSU’s nursing graduates readiness and results on required professional examination. Moreover, subsequently feel equally as comfortable that this person is reasonably prepared and competent to administer their trade via their knowledge/exposure to you and or your love ones? (Yes or No?) I could not and did not encourage such in good consciousness and out of my actual concerns/reservations at GSU and directly related matters, coupled with my personal desires for this young person to have a bright future and be prepared and proficient, or at least have a good start/opportunity at such. The best I could offer based on my mind and heart, as a GSU stakeholder and thinking about the deceased parent’s dreams for the young person, was to ask the young person to “consider” GSU as you make your evaluations of higher educational institution and prepare yourself to pursue your goals and dreams. Admittedly, 10 or 15 years ago I may have had a much different tenor and approach. Not proud at-all, however, that is the reality of things/decisions folks, bitter pill to swallow. Many may view being a GSU stakeholder like religion. I am not there. It is relative. BTW, the young person’s deceased parent bled black and gold (GSU Alum).
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Post by pink12 on May 12, 2014 12:48:11 GMT -6
I concur and I agree with such decisions completely. It is wrongheaded to ever begrudge anybody or any GSU Stakeholder that supports or endorses educational opportunities selections and decisions, with the best interests of their offspring at the forefront. For example, many of the GSU graduates in last 30 years may not live in a like neighborhood or surroundings they were reared, do we begrudge them for not living on the same block. No, why would education selections of off-springs be any different, especially, when you are not comparing apples to apples relative to the tangibles. Sacrifice your off-spring due to the The-Black-enough (not loyal) guilt-trip. Such would be unfair, reckless and irresponsible as a parent, in my actual opinion/experience. Living in a shot-gun house had to be 'good-enough' for many of us, however, I don't want my off-springs to experience such, if I am blessed to provide better conditions/opportunities based on utilizing my GSU education/opportunity and sweat-equity. Particularly in the United States of America, life is a perpetuation and about progress. Such is the by-product of capitalism and natural, where adequate educational opportunities, hard work and sound personal choices afford you and your off-springs to change places and fit differently on the pyramid. Pink12 I guess I get it that you think that GSU is good for all kids that come out of the projects and were also reared in shot gun houses.....So if their parents live in nice houses in the suburbs, then GSU is not good enough for them?.....I have to admit, you really took me back with that. I thought GSU was diverse and kids came to it from all backgrounds( poor, middle class, and wealthy).....I didn't know that all kids came to GSU with bad grades and impoverished backgrounds.....That is news to me....I also don't get your black-enough guilt trip(sounds very republican like to me).....I always thought that we sent our kids and off-springs to Grambling to carry on traditions and to get a quality education.....Like I said, a lot of you Gramblinites think Grambling is for other people kids, but not your own.....I guess now you know why I pull so hard for DJ because he had other educational and athletic choices, but chose Grambling. www.dallasnews.com/news/metro/20140511-with-grambling-state-diplomas-family-clinches-a-world-record.ecewww.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/norma-adams-wade/20140211-dallas-woman-leads-familys-quest-for-a-guinness-world-records-title.eceI wonder if there would be any correlations among, social and economic opportunities/progress in the USA, individual proficiencies of skill-set, increased-expectations due to exposures and time, if annually trend, relative to impact on GSU due to funding, management and capabilities (relatively speaking) to deliver safe, quality and proficient educational opportunities and experiences to young people. This family's generational enrollment (headcount) at Grambling State University is unequalled. I believe this family has one student presently enrolled at GSU. I wonder if there are any other rising or enrolled college students elsewhere and why? Based on this family’s historical enrollment, commitment, and family tradition relative to attending GSU over several generations, if interviewed, and data analyses performed, such may make an excellent case study, and provide the ULS Board/President, GSU Administrators, and GSU Stakeholders with measureless and very practical information. We must hope, trust and respect that parents influence choices towards their off-spring with the off-spring's very best interests at the forefront, both for the short term and long-term, and not, for any selfish, political, or shortsighted reasons. As African Americans, we must be very careful to not perpetuate or project a “crab”, retarded, and selfish, outlook or mentality/dialogue towards educational, social and economic opportunities/progress. I suggest as with GSU, either an entity or person progress individually and collectively, or the entity/individual will retard and regress.
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Post by pink12 on May 11, 2014 18:08:47 GMT -6
I conclude it is complicated and truly not as simple as even I want it to be or imagine. There are many moving pieces and concerns. Step-back for a moment and look at matters objectively and progressively, as a whole, relative to access and lack thereof to educational opportunities historically and the results of such generationally. It's really pretty clear to me.....The state of Louisiana and some of our own alumni don't really appreciate the value of an education at HBCUs.....Most of GSU alumni think GSU is not good enough for their kids with good grades or their kids that are excellent in athletics.....They want others to send their kids, but they don't feel it is good enough for theirs. I concur and I agree with such decisions completely. It is wrongheaded to ever begrudge anybody or any GSU Stakeholder that supports/funds or endorses educational opportunities selections and decisions, with the best interests of their offspring at the forefront. For example, many of the GSU graduates in last 30 years may not live in a like neighborhood or surroundings they were reared, do we begrudge them for not living on the same block. No, why would education selections of off-springs be any different, especially, when you are not comparing apples to apples relative to the tangibles. Sacrifice your off-spring due to the The-Black-enough (not loyal) guilt-trip. Such would be unfair, reckless and irresponsible as a parent, in my actual opinion/experience. Living in a shot-gun house or public housing (projects) had to be 'good-enough' for many of us, however, I don't want my off-springs to experience such, if I am blessed to provide better conditions/opportunities based on utilizing my GSU education/opportunity and sweat-equity. Particularly in the United States of America, life is a perpetuation and about progress. Such is the by-product of capitalism and natural, where adequate educational opportunities, hard work and sound personal choices afford you and your off-springs to change places and fit differently on the pyramid.
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Post by pink12 on May 11, 2014 6:01:31 GMT -6
I conclude it is complicated and truly not as simple as even I want it to be or imagine. There are many moving pieces and concerns. Step-back for a moment and look at matters objectively and progressively, as a whole, relative to access and lack thereof to educational opportunities historically and the results of such generationally.
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Post by pink12 on May 10, 2014 22:26:02 GMT -6
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Post by pink12 on May 10, 2014 11:38:50 GMT -6
Mr. Evans:
Thank you very much for your very informative response.
Without FIOA requests to GSU or ULS is there any public forums where GSU's vital statistics may be viewed relative to GSU's graduation rates and related detailed data?
Again, distancing from out-of-state and international students may be apart of the broader agenda. It appears undermining. Just saying.
It appears that the percentage of out-of-state students (28%) enrolled at GSU has decreased compared to the historical averages.
I suggest the adverse impact of the management and administering of GSU and it affairs are cumulative and far reaching. I continue to believe with earnest efforts and unmixed mission with attached funding/oversight/intentions the ship can be righted at GSU towards providing adequate educational opportunities with proficient results, to young people, in some format.
I am not one that easily discern that highly educated, well paid, and successful people get dumb or incompetent overnight. Now, yes, we may slow or lose a step or two with father time; however, the relationship with the Government of St. Lucia and it students just does not happen accidently, especially when these students are excelling at a high level and value-added to the University's Brand. I must believe some dialogues took place beforehand and discounted with purpose.
As the old-timers say, politics got GSU in this mess, just maybe, politics will get GSU out of this mess, in time.
Your responses are eye opening and perplexing when considering what would appear to be the best interests of GSU, its stakeholders, moreover, GSU's effectiveness as a proficient provider of higher educational opportunities to young people.
I really appreciate your time to respond.
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Post by pink12 on May 10, 2014 7:54:51 GMT -6
It was alarming as a stakeholder to learn that "The Place Where Everybody is Somebody", GSU’s graduation rate is 31 percent.
I was aware of some difficulties with the student-athletes, but, this appears to be an university problem.
My focus is what are the reasons and what is happening with the 69 percent?
What is the percentage of the 69 percent that transfer to other institutions of higher learning to complete their requirements and earn a degree? Are these students leaving GSU due to increased desires/concerns for the quality of the educational opportunities offered or lack thereof at the 3XX and 4XX levels; coupled with parental influence and/or the students' increased maturity and awareness of the future, being prepared and qualified to compete in the marketplace or acceptance in professional schools.
What is the percentage of 69 percent that dropout of college due to personal reasons, such as, lack of interest, lack of proficiencies, professional opportunities, economics, family/personal crisis or hardship. This distinction is important to consider because if a significant number of these students are transferring after getting their basic coursework or demonstrating he or she can handle the rigors of the coursework at college level to qualify for admissions elsewhere, is not GSU functioning more or less like a junior college or community college, in actuality and effectiveness. This is not in any way to discount the merits of the 31 percent that earned a degree from GSU.
I am presuming that a great percentage of the degrees awarded (31% graduation rate) are Bachelor Degrees awarded opposed to Associate Degrees awarded. If that 31 percent graduation rate includes a material percentage of Associate Degrees awarded, such only further undergird the actual transitioning/repurposing of GSU as a "comprehensive" institution of higher learning in the state of LA. If 50 percent of the 69 percent leave due to academic concerns/shortcomings, such would exceed the 31 percent graduation rate. This is systemic and problematic.
Am I wrongheaded, overstating matters or missing something?
I sincerely apologize as an inherent steward/stakeholder of GSU for being so unaware of what is really important, and actually happening on the ground.
I continue to contend that GSU is being managed and budget whipped/shaped in a manner towards repurposing.
GSU is being managed via organized chaos and constant change. When such ends, it appears no one knows.
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Post by pink12 on May 10, 2014 7:53:50 GMT -6
Deleted - edited below.
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Post by pink12 on May 9, 2014 21:28:23 GMT -6
Mr. Evans:
Again, thank you very kindly for your insight and perspective. I suspect my expectations are too high or naïve.
Do you believe Grambling State University will remain a “comprehensive” institution of higher learning?
Do you believe there is any plans/designs/desires by the ULS Board/President independently or via the Governor Office to reduce/repurpose Grambling State University from a “comprehensive” institution of higher learning to an institution with a primary mission of a community college, junior college, or quasi-comprehensive with limited Bachelor Degree Offerings?
Do you believe a scenario can ever exists where GSU is appropriated/budget more funds to support 1XX and 2XX coursework (i.e. general studies/ basic requirements) than 3XX and 4XX coursework? I intently watched the search committee conference at GSU on May 8, 2014 and the speakers were as polite and politically correct as vested Gramblinites/stakeholders can be; however, the above questions/matters need to be talked about publically and address directly by the ULS Board/President.
Call me paranoid or skeptical, if matters were forthright towards GSU and the search for the next leader of GSU, let us address Grambling State University as a whole beforehand, in all aspects, in an open forum Town Hall Forum with representation from the Governor’s office, ULS Board/President and Elected Officials/Political Representatives and GSU Stakeholders (Students, Parents, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Friends).
Let us discuss what the Governor’s plan is for GSU and its mission relative to the comprehensive/master plans for the higher education landscape, in the state of LA.
Once these types of dialogues are held in earnest, then, it would be more appropriate to dialogue on leadership and president. The leader and president of what or just another baby-sitter/placeholder while the stakeholders hope/pray for an administrative change, in the Governor’s Office and there is not any guarantees in the state of LA, the successor does not follow suit based on the current political leanings of the state.
Dr. Woodley appears genuine and astute, however, she works for a ULS Board that members are appointed by the Governor’s Office.
After the ULS Board/President has defined or reassured GSU’s mission, I would like to see a 2014 version of Dr. Joseph B. Johnson with some experienced VPs. Or, an experienced President on the back end, with a young successor in waiting appointed concurrently, assessing, cultivating preparing to lead in 12 or 24 months, a comprehensive and sustainable managerial/leadership approach.
It is my understanding that a young mid 30ish Dr. Joseph B. Johnson was at Grambling State University for almost a year cultivating and assessing matters before succeeding President R.W.E. Jones. It was before my time, but, I do not believe President Jones was in the twilight of his career or close to 70, when he became the President of Grambling College.
I recalled progressive, innovative, interactive and prideful, and yes, chippie leadership at Grambling State University.
Looking at the YouTube video left me more confused than ever, because it reminded me of a similar video I watched about 10 plus years ago, led by Dr. Sally Clausen, Former ULS President.
Some of the old timers around Grambling shared a saying when discussing GSU matters/problems, “politics got us in this mess; "politics" will get us out.”
My concern is it appears the “politics” in the state of LA has drastically changed. No Governor Edwards to GSU's rescue, and the 2014 Gov. Bobby Jinbal and his constituents’ "politics" are much different/divisive than former Gov. David Treen’s and his constituents, when GSU continued to progress, and flourish in spite of the inequities.
The tough questions need to be asked and adequately addressed by the ULS Board/President before addressing leadership.
Hell, how does the ULS Search Committee truly identify and convey to the search firm the desired skill-set, qualities and temperament, kind of experience, to lead/administer WHAT........... a comprehensive institution of higher learning or something less?
It is time to address Grambling State University in comprehensive and forthright manners, for the sake of all stakeholders, especially for the young people/parents and the taxpayers, relative to providing adequate educational opportunities effectively and efficiently.
The University's Brand and academic programs/offerings are deteriorating. The visions, sweat equity and sacrifices, of the Grambling, Adams, Jones, Johnson, Robinson, Cole, Nicholson, Hutchinson, etc. are being negated, instead of being advanced.
Either GSU progress or GSU retrogress.
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Post by pink12 on May 9, 2014 7:04:26 GMT -6
Mr. Evans:
I sincerely apologize for my misstatements and incorrect conclusions.
Thank you very kindly for this information shared.
This appears to be an example of incompetence or negligence; or, was the administration bullied or browbeaten into creating and entering into a noncompliant contract and evading normal protocols? It appears that the former GSU AD did pay a price for this condition/recommendation or was he used as a fall guy/scapegoat and sacrificed?
I continue to lament why Dr. Pogue was ever appointed to lead GSU for five years.
I hope history does not repeat itself with a similar interim/permanent appointment, commencing on July 1, 2014.
Are we as GSU stakeholders are to presume that Head Coach Fobbs' and his staff's employment contracts or personal service contract, as applicable, are compliant, and meet state of LA guidelines? On the other hand, are GSU looking at the same personnel/contract situation down the road? The student assessment funding will only for so far and GSU cannot forget about meeting Title IX requirements. What is GSU's primary academic mission going forward, in your opinion?
Where do you see GSU's future in the higher educational landscape, in the state of LA?
Again, thank you very kindly for sharing your input and insight.
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Post by pink12 on May 8, 2014 17:40:33 GMT -6
So the Board approved a contract; and, subsequently directed/approved a personnel action to redress an approved-noncompliant contract, due to subsequent determination that the contract was outside the state of LA guidelines. We are supposed to believe or accept those circumstances at face-value as happenstance and coincidental? Really?
Question: Would not a personal service contract of this nature and considering the visibility of the position and person involved go through extensive legal review by both parties?
Confused, but that is okay for now.
What is purchased or attached to the premium (and supposedly unsustainable) compensation to the present football staff?
Organized chaos!
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