January 6, 2024
Grambling State University Names Connie Walton Interim President
Dr. Connie Walton previously served as Grambling's provost.
On Jan. 4, Grambling State University announced Dr. Connie Walton as its interim president. According to KSLA 12, Walton previously served the university as its provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Walton replaces Rick Gallot, who was named the University of Louisiana System president in October 2023. Gallot is chairing the committee leading the search for Grambling’s next president.
Walton issued a statement to KSLA 12 indicating excitement over the next chapter in her career as well as an understanding that the position is temporary. “This appointment provides an additional way to serve this great institution and help shape the lives of students,” Walton wrote. “My life is a testimony to the impact that this university can have on a student’s life. I knew as an undergraduate student at Grambling State University that I wanted to come back and be a part of the faculty.”
She continued, “This appointment provides an additional way to serve this great institution and help shape the lives of students. When the next president of Grambling State University is identified, I look forward to supporting that person’s strategic goals.”
Gallot supports Walton’s appointment, telling KSLA 12, “I am supremely confident that Grambling will be well cared for under Dr. Walton’s interim leadership. She has proven her dedication to the institution and its success through her commitment to advancing cybersecurity and nursing programs, both of which are now soaring, and I know she will bring that same determination to the interim presidency.”
In February, Grambling’s board of supervisors will vote on whether to ratify Walton’s appointment or not. Gallot told the Ruston Daily Leader that he had to do a little work to convince Walton, saying, “She was reluctant, but after good conversation she has agreed to serve in this interim term only.”
Gallot said his connection to Grambling still existed but in a different capacity, and that he was confident in Walton and the administration around her. He told the Ruston Daily Leader, “We’ve got an amazing cabinet, group of vice presidents who are all incredibly talented and will continue to move their respective portions of the university forward.”
Walton’s appointment was originally scheduled for Dec. 7 but was delayed due to waiting for Louisiana Tech’s new president and former University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson’s new contract to be finalized. The board was also waiting on Gallot’s new contract, which was finalized Dec. 31.
According to Grambling, the preferred deadline for applications for the open president position is Jan. 12. The search committee will choose semifinalists at its next meeting on Jan. 22. Following their nominations, interviews will be conducted Feb. 5, and the final selection will be made by Feb. 22.
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