GRAMBLING, La. (General) – Grambling State University President Richard J. Gallot, Jr. introduced the university's newly appointed athletic director, Paul A. Bryant, on Tuesday morning. A press conference was held to formally present Bryant to the campus and alumni in the Doris Robinson Room at the Eddie G. Robinson Museum.
To begin the press conference, Pres. Gallot welcomed the public and proceeded to introduce the newly named University of Louisiana System (ULS) President Jim Henderson. Henderson told an anecdote about how at the Holiday Classic in Shreveport where many fans from North central and Central Louisiana had their attention elsewhere. He stated that many in the arena were on their mobile devices watching the Tigers claim the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl on Dec. 17.
"For that moment, everyone in the arena was a Grambling State University fan. That tells you about the power of athletics to build a brand and carry that brand. Grambling State University is such a vital part to the State of Louisiana, really it is a vital part of our nation. Grambling State University must be vibrant, must be strong, and it must grow," exclaimed Henderson.
Once ULS Pres. Henderson wrapped up his welcome, Pres. Gallot stood to thank Dr. Obadiah Simmons, Jr. for his service in the role of interim athletic director for the last two years. After giving praise to Dr. Simmons, he proceeded to give the final presentation of Athletic Director Bryant to the university and community. Gallot regaled the journey of searching the nation for a permanent athletic director.
"When I began my journey as president on Aug. 1 of last year, one of the many high priority matter was facing us was the need to choose a permanent leader for the department of athletics," said Pres. Gallot, "The first step was to assemble a search committee who would have the awesome responsibility to vet potential candidates and make a recommendation for this position."
Gallot further explained the important task of recommending someone who would "reflect and represent stakeholders and individuals who are highly qualified in areas important to this decision."
The search committee consisted of:
Chairperson David Aubrey - Former GSU Student Government Association President, AT&T State Director
Michael Meadows – Grambling current SGA president
Will Reed – GSU and National Basketball Association Legend
Wilbert Ellis – GSU and National Collegiate Athletic Association Legend
Al Dennis – GSU and National Football Association Standout
Leon Sanders – GSU Vice President of Finance and Administration
Dr. Bobby Burkes – GSU Faculty Athletics Representative
Cathy Conwright – 1981 GSU graduate and National Vice President of the Grambling University National Alumni Association (GUNAA)
Dr. Jerry Baldwin – Pastor of New Living Word Ministries and well seasoned NCAA football coach
Ray Higgins – Grambling native and editor of GoGrambling.com
Jim Oaks – Former athletic director at Louisiana Tech University
Dr. Laney Dornier – Chair of the Kinesiology department at Louisiana Tech University
Pres. Gallot gushed about the lengthy selection process and how he also asked the committee to find him a "superstar". Out of two dozen candidates, Athletic Director Bryant, rose head and shoulders above the other applicants.
"In his final interview, he delivered an impressive presentation that clearly reflected his knowledge and understanding of the business of athletics, rules and regulations of athletics, understood the importance of Academic Progress Rate (APR), marketing and promotion to drive ticket sales and negotiating contracts that are favorable to the university," stated Gallot.
Upon being announced, Mr. Bryant gave his first address to the Grambling family and wished everyone a "Great Tiger Morning". He thanked God, his family, Pres. Gallot, and the search committee for the opportunity. Athletic Director Bryant, then, began to lie out his plan to revamp the GSU department of athletics and bring it to the forefront of the country.
"We're going to continue [Pres. Gallot's] vision, and I can assure we will continue to recognize the brand, world wide, that we have," said Bryant.
Athletic Director Bryant gave kudos to GSU Head Football Coach
Broderick Fobbs and GSU Track & Field / Cross Country Head Coach
Bertram Lovell and stated that he wanted to make sure all other sports followed suit on the field as well as the classroom.
"Under my leadership, we will begin to pay more attention to the details of athletics and operate as a business," asserted Bryant, "Far too many times, we get caught up making emotional decisions and that can not be our mantra moving forward."
Bryant also expressed his mission to immediately fill the vacancies in the positions of Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Academic Enhancement, will focus on being complaint in all areas of the department, and to be the best program in the conference.
"Our department will W.I.N. W, work harder than anyone in our conference. I, integrate ourselves into the campus and surrounding communities. N, never get complacent with our success or failures," affirmed Athletic Director Bryant.
He also stated that an Athletic Director Honor Roll would be implemented to highlight the academic achievements of student-athletes, enhance GSU's civic engagement by being more visible in Grambling and surrounding areas, and will increase the philanthropic approach to our business by monetizing things we give away.
