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Grambling, La. – Grambling State University’s seventh president, Horace A. Judson, announced today his decision to end his tenure after five years of service. Citing family reasons, Judson tendered his resignation to the University of Çàɬֱ²¥ System effective Oct. 31.

“When I began as president at GSU, I made a commitment to serve for five years. The extraordinary progress that has been achieved in every facet at GSU over the past five years has been validated. I believe that this is a good juncture for me to complete my tenure and focus on my family,” said Judson. “I am proud of all that has been accomplished, and I consider it a privilege to have served as President of GSU.”

“Dr. Judson contacted me at the beginning of the semester about his desire to explore other career options. We were hopeful he would be able to stay on through the semester and are saddened that a close family member’s illness accelerated his decision,” said Çàɬֱ²¥System President Randy Moffett. “Indicative of his leadership, President Judson insured all pending accreditation reports were completed prior to any public announcement. Grambling is a thriving institution thanks to his service.”

“Dr. Judson’s presidency came at a pivotal time in Grambling’s history, and we are grateful for his innovative leadership that will leave many lasting positive changes,” said Çàɬֱ²¥System Board Chair Elsie Burkhalter.

Hired in 2004, Judson’s five-year tenure at Grambling saw many successes including stabilizing enrollment, early introduction of admissions standards, higher ACT scores of incoming freshmen, the creation of Grambling’s Center for Mathematical Achievement in Science and Technology, leadership in the area of service-learning and tremendous upgrades to campus facilities.

“Undeniably, President Judson has left his footprint on our Grambling campus. Under his tenure the university has built state-of-the-art dormitories, a student union, assembly center, and many other improvements,” said Mildred Gallot, Çàɬֱ²¥System Board Member.

“I have enjoyed working with Dr. Judson and wish him much future success,” said Çàɬֱ²¥System Board Member D. Wayne Parker.

Constitutionally charged with hiring university presidents, the Çàɬֱ²¥System Board will discuss next steps during its Oct. 23 meeting in Baton Rouge.

Founded in 1901 as a private industrial school to educate African-American citizens in north central Çàɬֱ²¥, Grambling is a comprehensive university offering undergraduate, graduate, professional and continuing education programs. Situated on a 383-acre campus in the small town of Grambling, the historically black university has almost 5,000 students.

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EIGHT UNIVERSITIES STRONG: The largest higher education system in the state, the Çàɬֱ²¥System enrolls almost 82,000 students at Grambling State University, Çàɬֱ²¥ Tech University, McNeese State University, Nicholls State University, Northwestern State University, Southeastern Çàɬֱ²¥ University, the University of Çàɬֱ²¥ at Lafayette and the University of Çàɬֱ²¥ at Monroe.