Angelia Young Jones, PhD 3902 Palm Street

Houston, Texas 77004

July 5, 2016

Dr. Dan Reneau, Interim President University of Louisiana System Board

Dear Dr. Reneau:

I respectfully submit this letter of application for the position of President

of Grambling State University. As my resume reflects, I have a vast amount of

experience as an educator and administrator in many capacities at the university

level, and in the government sector. I grew up in the Grambling community,

graduated with honors from Grambling State University Laboratory High School

and Grambling State University (GSU), and spent many years of my professional

career as a tenured member of the faculty, and as an administrator at Grambling

State University. I also have been engaged and continue to be engaged in a

variety of civic and volunteer activities in the Grambling community. I own a

home in Grambling, Louisiana and still maintain the city of Grambling, and the

state of Louisiana as my official residence.

I was fortunate enough throughout my career to be mentored by or worked

with many of the most successful leaders in the Grambling community, Grambling

State University, and Louisiana. I have sat at the feet and learned from former

Presidents – the late Dr. Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones, the 2nd President of GSU,

Dr. Joseph B. Johnson, the 3rd President of GSU, and Dr. Neari F. Warner, former

Acting President of GSU. I have worked with many of Louisiana’s elected political

leaders such as the late Representative Pinkie Wilkerson, Senator Bob Kolstelka,

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo, former Senator Mary Landrieu, former Grambling

Mayor Martha Andrus, former Ruston Mayor Dan Hollingsworth, and Grambling

Mayor Edward Jones on various projects over the years. I was also mentored by

and had the pleasure of working with the late Dr. David Wright who served for

many years as the President of the Lincoln Parish School Board and a member of

the University of Louisiana System Board and the late Mr. George Mack, Sr.,

Educator and Community Advocate in Lincoln Parish. And, of course, I learned

from the example of my parents, the late Dr. Phillip L. Young, (former Head of the

Biology dept., Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Founding

Dean of the College of Science and Technology at GSU) and Mrs. B. Jewel Young

(Librarian at GSU and Grambling State University Laboratory High School). Also, in

my role as an administrator at GSU, I had to engage with the ULS Board staff and

administration, and often I was tasked to represent GSU with the business

community in the Grambling-Ruston-Monroe area.

As a result of these and other experiences, I am uniquely prepared to

provide innovative and visionary leadership for Grambling State University that

builds on its heritage and rich traditions to meet the higher education needs and

challenges of the future. As Grambling embarks upon the selection of its next

President, it is critical that the new President not only meet the minimum

qualifications and experiences for the job, but also have a love for GSU and have

an understanding of the culture, history, and uniqueness of Grambling State

University and its relationship to the Grambling community and the state of

Louisiana. She/He will need to hit the ground running and have a plan on what

must be done to reinvent, revamp and revive her (GSU) to meet its unique role in

shaping higher education opportunities for its students moving forward. I feel

that I have the preferred qualifications and characteristics to lead Grambling State

University and make a difference in the lives of all persons associated with the

university.

My attached vitae shows that I have steadily moved up the ranks in the

academy – beginning my higher education career as an

Instructor/Counselor/Humanities Coordinator with the TRIO programs at Texas

Southern University in Houston, Texas. At Grambling State University, I served in

a variety of administrative positions beginning in August, 2002 (while at the same

time, I was a tenured Professor of Public Administration and Political Science, and

a member of the Graduate faculty), when I was appointed by then Acting

President, Dr. Neari F. Warner and the Board of the University of Louisiana

System to serve as Executive Assistant to the President. In this position, I

functioned as a senior advisor to the President, represented the President on

behalf of the university at different local, state, and national events, and as

directed or assigned by the President, provided supervision and oversight for

various units such as Institutional Advancement, Athletics, Student Affairs, etc. I

also served as the Grambling State University State Farm Bayou Classic

Coordinator, Acting Vice President for Student Affairs, Director of the Title III

Program (concurrently), all of which were in need of capable and competent

leadership. Upon the arrival of a new President in July, 2004, I returned full time

to the President’s office as Executive Assistant to the President for Special

Projects and successfully coordinated the transition and all new projects assigned

to me.

In August, 2008 I was selected via a national search to become Vice

President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Langston University

in Langston, Oklahoma where Dr. JoAnn W. Haysbert was President. In this

position, I had oversight of operations on three (3) campuses – Langston, Tulsa,

and Oklahoma City, supervised 50 full-time professional staff and managed $10

million of the University’s $34 million dollar budget. The Registrar’s Office, the

Office of Enrollment Management (which includes Admissions, Recruitment, and

Outreach), the Financial Aid Department, University Housing, Judicial Affairs, the

Office of Student Life, Student Activities and Organizations, Intramural Sports,

University Health Services, the Professional Counseling Center, and the Upward

Bound program reported to me. Under my leadership, some of the key

accomplishments made within the Division were:

Successfully restructured the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment

Management

Moved from manual to electronic processes for all work products within

the Registrar’s office

Successfully implemented electronic degree audits for all academic

departments

Improved Transfer Evaluation processes to enable transfer students to

know the course equivalency within the 1st semester of enrollment

Introduced an implemented document imaging of student records

Successfully partnered with the Department of Public Relations,

Academic Affairs and Institutional Advancement to implement Pre-

Enrollment campaigns each semester that have enhanced the

universities course offerings

Increased the number of students who pre-enrolled from 14% to 54%

within three years

Changed notification policy for students applying for graduation to

ensure that all graduation requirements are met which increased the

number of students who successfully graduated

Developed and implemented an In-House Professional Development Fall

and Spring retreat for all staff within the Division

Revised the University’s “Satisfactory Academic Progress” (SAP) policy

for clarity for our students, faculty and staff

Expanded the use of technology to communicate financial aid

information to students and parents

Improved the reconciliation process so that all federal programs are

now reconciled within 30 days

Led all universities in Oklahoma in enrollment increase in Fall 2011

Increased enrollment on all three (3) campuses each year of my tenure

Opened a new Student Success Center which houses offices for the Vice

President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Admissions,

Recruitment, Financial Aid, Student Government Association, Seminar

Room, Computer Room, Game Room, Dining Facilities, and the

University Bookstore

Opened a renovated Multi-Purpose Building that houses intramural

activities and campus fitness center

Throughout my thirty (30) plus years in higher education, I have learned

and understood that a dynamic academy serves a multitude of constituents and is

made of many parts. I am a team-oriented individual, community minded, and I

have the ability to maintain effective communication with all persons and

stakeholders involved to get the job done. I am considered by my colleagues,

students and others with whom I have worked as one who is a strong, creative

and persuasive leader with the ability to engage a diverse group of individuals and

organizations to unite and unify behind a shared mission.

Fiscal responsibility, fund-raising, expertise in budget management have

always been major components of my areas of responsibility during my

professional career. At every level, in both education and government, I have

demonstrated success in budgeting and managing fiscal resources. Also, my

fundraising experience has been demonstrated most clearly with my leadership of

the State Farm Bayou Classic, managing large budgets, and cultivating sponsor

relationships with corporate entities such Coca-Cola USA, McDonalds, Inc. Ford

Motor Company, Johnson Publishing Company, Ebony/Jet Magazines, and AARP.

I have been identified and recommended by three (3) university Presidents

to participate in some of the nations’ top Presidential training programs for future

College Presidents/Chancellors and other top higher education

leaders/administrators. They felt that I possessed the requisite temperament,

interpersonal skills, knowledge of university operations, enrollment management

and student success, fund-raising & friend-raising and government relations that

are critically important to successfully leading a college or university in the 21st

century.

In 2012, I was selected as an AASCU (American Association of State Colleges

and Universities) Millennium Leadership Protégé. This year long program is one

of the leading providers of executive leadership training for the next generation of

higher education leaders. In 2004, I was selected as one of ten (10)

Kellogg/NAFEO MIS Leadership Fellows. This year long program was a

Presidential Leadership initiative designed to train senior level administrators for

leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), and/or other minority

serving institutions. I also participated in the Executive Leadership Summit at

Hampton University in 2003 under the leadership of Dr. William Harvey, one of

the longest serving HBCU Presidents, and currently, part of the leadership team of

the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Because of these experiences and others, it is my belief that I possess the

knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead Grambling State University into the future.

As a scholar and academician, I celebrate opportunities to provide resources for

faculty and student scholarship, recruit the best qualified faculty, and increase

diversity among faculty, staff and students. As an administrator, I possess a

seriousness of purpose in problem-solving, establishing top quality university

services, strategic budget management, in the provision of advanced technology

to enhance learning outcomes, and a zealous and dedicated commitment to

academic excellence. My team oriented approach allows individual creativity and

the innovative capabilities of faculty, staff and students to emerge. This approach

has resulted in proven successful outcomes with university, regional, state, and

national constituents and the immediate community.

I believe that a 21st century educational leader must be one who can

advance and enhance a vision to move students toward developing totally so that

they can compete in an increasingly complex world. Your consideration of my

interest in the position of President of Grambling State University is very much

appreciated. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with members of the

selection committee.

Sincerely,

Angelia Young Jones, PhD.

Angelia Young Jones 3902 Palm Street

Houston, Texas 77004

(713) 993-6130 (H)

(318) 789-4209 (C)

ayjones33@yahoo.com

EDUCATION

Ph. D. Political Science/Public Administration (1999)

University of Missouri

Columbia, Missouri

M.P.A. Public Administration/Policy and Personnel (1984)

Texas Southern University

Houston, TX

B. A. French/English (1978)

Grambling State University

Grambling, Louisiana

Certificate French (1977)

Catholic University of Anger

Angers, France

ADVANCED LEADERSHIP STUDIES

AASCU Millennium Leadership Protégé, (2012, Presidential)

Kellogg/NAFEO MSI Leadership Fellow, (2004-2005, Presidential)

Executive Leadership Summit, Hampton University, (2003, Presidential)

Gus T. Ridgel Chancellor’s Fellowship for Doctoral Study

ADMINSTRATIVE AND ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

Langston University, Langston, OK (2008 - 2012)

Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management

Grambling State University, Grambling, LA (1997 - 2008)

Tenured Professor of Public Administration & Political Science

Executive Assistant to the President for Special Projects

Acting Vice President for Student Affairs

Acting Director of Title III Programs

Bayou Classic Coordinator

Chief of Staff/Executive Assistant to the President

August 2014 – Present

Adjunct Professor of Political Science

Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences

Prairie View A & M University

Prairie View, Texas 77446

Provide undergraduate advisement and instruction in Political Science and Legal

Studies

August 2012 – May, 2014

Visiting/Adjunct Professor of Public Administration & Political Science

Barbara Jordan/Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs

Texas Southern University

Houston, Texas 77021

Provide graduate and undergraduate advisement and instruction in Public Administration and

Political Science

September 2008 – July 2012

Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management

Langston University

Langston, Oklahoma 73050

o Responsible for management and supervision of the Division of Student Affairs & Enrollment

Management.

o Supervise and provide leadership for the following areas: Financial Aid, Registrar, Student Life,

Student Housing, Judicial Affairs, Admissions, Recruitment and Outreach, Professional

Counseling Center, University Health Center and the Student Success Center.

o Prepare and manage all budgets for the Division totaling more than $10 million.

o Established and implemented Recruitment and Retention Plan.

o Planned and implemented new security safeguards for students, faculty, and staff.

o Member of the President’s Administrative Council. o Member of the President’s Executive Council.

o Member of COSA (Council of Student Affairs).

January 1997 - September 2008 (Various/Concurrent Positions)

Grambling State University

Grambling, Louisiana 71245

Associate Professor (Tenured)

Department of Political Science and Public Administration

August 2002 – September 2008

o Provided graduate and undergraduate instruction in Public Administration, Public Health, and

Political Science; participated on committees, councils, task force; served as guest speaker for

various organizations and wrote articles on community based interventions and empowerment

programs.

Acting Vice President for Student Affairs

August 2002 – July 2004

o Responsible for management and supervision of the Division of Student Affairs.

o Supervised and provided leadership for the following areas: Student Life, Student Housing,

University Police, Judicial Affairs, Admissions, Recruitment and Outreach, Professional

Counseling Center, University Health Center, Student Union, University Food Services, Retention,

Student Government and Intramural Sports.

o Prepare and manage all budgets for the Division totaling more than $20 million.

o Established and implemented Recruitment and Retention Plan.

o Planned and implemented new security safeguards for students, faculty, and staff.

o Member of the President’s Cabinet.

o Member of the President’s Executive Council.

Executive Assistant to the President for Special Projects

July 2004 – February 2006

o Advised the President on strategies and methods to improve the University’s operational

effectiveness; ensured that policies and procedures approved by the University’s administrators

were implemented; executed presidential and University special projects as assigned by the

President and, on behalf of the President, worked to implement executive level decisions on internal

matters to accomplish the mission of the University.

o Established the Foundation for International Programs by developing a scholarship program,

establishing the criteria for scholarships, developing brochures and handbooks for international

programs, establishing and executing recruitment efforts for international students, and developing

initial applications.

o Initiated, planned, and coordinated the President’s Breast Cancer Awareness Program in

conjunction with the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus (October, 2004).

o Served as liaison for an Articulation Agreement between Hostas College, Bronx, New York and

GSU resulting in GSU accepting Hostas College curriculum credit hours, creating a more diverse

campus for GSU as mandated by the State and an increase in enrollment for GSU.

o Coordinated student outreach activities from the President’s office with other colleges and the

community in an effort to increase visibility and strengthen the University’s brand.

Head Coach

Honda All –Star Challenge Team

August 2001- May 2006

o Prepared GSU students to participate in local, regional, and national academic quiz bowl

competitions; provided guidance and advice on strategies and methods to improve the team’s

overall effectiveness; planned and conducted campus and regional tournaments.

Bayou Classic Coordinator

August 2002- February 2006

o The State Farm Bayou Classic is a multi-million dollar weekend activity that features two rival

football teams, Grambling State University and Southern University A&M College. This

spectacular event attracts crowds in excess of 80,000 patrons, and generates profits that exceed

more than $100 million. Duties and responsibilities of the Coordinator for this monumental activity

included, but were not limited to:

o Managed event with a state/local economic impact in excess of $150 million.

o Coordinated all logistics including contract negotiations for use of the Superdome, hotel

rooms, conference rooms, food & beverages, etc.

o Coordinated and supervised more than 10 separate events associated with the Bayou Classic

Weekend.

o Supervised event ticket sales, distribution and profits.

o Supervised and coordinated program content, program sales, and all aspects of vendor

participation.

o Supervised all sponsor appearances and financial endeavors.

Acting Director of Title III Programs

February 2005- February 2006

o Ensured the success of the Title III Programs. Managed all phases of the program, such as planning,

development and implementation; supervised budget management; maintained communication

among key personnel, and assisted staff to evaluate project products and performance. Established

and maintained effective communication with the President to ensure that the program’s operation

was consistent with the goal of the overall institutional development plan.

o Ensured the development of efficient and effective evaluation systems to measure total institutional

development. Executed a liaison function between project component leadership personnel and the

President. Coordinated the activities in such a way as to facilitate maximum utilization of staff and

other program resources. Assisted the President in his efforts to respond effectively to the

requirements of an approved reporting system. Was selected to serve as a member of the HBCU’S

Title III Administrators’ Executive Board’s Public Relations Committee.

Executive Assistant to the President

Office of the President

August 2001- July 2004

o Advised the President on strategies and methods to improve the University’s operational

effectiveness; ensured that policies and procedures approved by the University’s administration are

implemented; conferred on behalf of the President with University governing boards; interacted

and negotiated with administrative officials, business executives, legislators, government officials,

community and civic groups and alumni to promote the University’s goal, objectives and policies

as well as public service objectives; investigated conflicts and problems within the University, and

on behalf of the President, worked to implement executive level decisions on internal matters to

accomplish the mission of the University.

Assistant Professor

Department of Political Science and Public Administration January 1997 – August 2002

Provided graduate and undergraduate instruction in Public Administration, Public Health,

and Political Science; participated on committee, councils, task forces and conferences, made

speeches, wrote articles on community based interventions and empowerment programs.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

January 1995 – January 1997

Bureau Chief

Bureau of Chronic Disease Control

Missouri Department of Health

Columbia, Missouri 65203

o Managed community empowerment and surveillance programs; monitored the development of

statewide coalitions; supervised program coordinators responsible for statewide programs

directed toward high risk populations; provided guidance in the development of program

objectives, implementation activities, and intervention; and provide guidance in determining

accomplishment and program evaluation. Was responsible for preparation of budget,

monitoring expenditures, preparation of contacts, consultant to health organizations and other

interested in chronic disease program prevention activities.

September 1991 – January 1995

Diabetes Coordinator

Missouri Diabetes Control Program

Bureau Chronic Disease Control

Missouri Department of Health

Columbia, Missouri 65203

o Planned, directed and evaluated the non-medical aspects of the statewide

Diabetes/Cardiovascular disease program through prevention, detection, education and

nutritional assessment ; prepared written document and reports to include state plans, project

proposals and other special reports from contraction agencies in Kansas City, St. Louis and

Southeast Missouri, as requested by the

Bureau chief

o Monitored a system of program evaluation through the establishment of reporting procedures,

appropriate data analysis and on site visitations with concentration on nutritional guidelines

toward preventing diabetes and high blood pressure; monitored and evaluated diabetes and

other chronic disease programs directed toward the elderly and low-income throughout the

state of Missouri; participated on committees, councils, task forces and conference, made

speeches, wrote articles/reports and conducted meetings on CVD/Diabetes programs.

August 1990 – May 1995

Graduate Instructor

University of Missouri-Columbia

Columbia, Missouri 65211

o Provided academic instruction in Introductory Political Science courses; provided academic

advisement and counseling.

September 1986 – May 1987

Instructor (Adjunct Faculty)

Department of English

Grambling State University

Grambling, Louisiana 71245

o Provided academic instruction in all areas of English; provided academic advisement and

counseling; developed tutorial support activities for the Division of Humanities.

January 1981- August 1986

Instructor/Counselor/ Humanities Coordinator

Special Services Program

Texas Southern University

Houston, Texas 77004

o Provided academic advisement, counseling and instructional aide in areas of expertise ( Public

Administration, English and Developmental Education); supervised all tutorial activities;

developed, promoted and scheduled all non-credit courses conducted through the Special Services

Program; Identified new course area and developed seminars and workshops in response to

program needs; wrote program brochures; wrote, edited and published newsletter regarding all

program and university activities relating to the Special Services Program.

GRANTS FUNDED

$5,000,000, 2012 – 2017 – Department of Education (TRIO) - Langston University Upward Bound

Program

$ 650,000, 2010 – 2012 – Oklahoma Department of Health - Langston University Professional

Counseling Center

$ 150,000, 2009 – 2010 – Department of Health and Human Services (Aids Education & Prevention) –

Langston University Professional Counseling Center and University Health Clinic Services

$ 200,000, 2010 -2011 – Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education – Langston University

Admissions and Recruitment Travel Grant

$4,800,000, 2006 – 2010 – Department of Education (Title III) – Grambling State University Title III

Program

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

“The Role of Mentoring and its impact on Developing Effective Student Affairs Professionals in

Historically Black Colleges and Universities”, Oklahoma Association Annual Meeting of Student

Affairs Professionals, Oklahoma State University, (Stillwater, Oklahoma), August 2011.

“Division of Student Affairs and its relations to Student Success in the Academy”; Oklahoma

Council of Student of Affairs Professionals Annual Meeting, Oklahoma State Board of Regents,

(Oklahoma City, Oklahoma), January 2010.

“The 2008 Presidential Election and the Role of Race in American Society”; Louisiana Political

Science Association Annual Meeting, University of Louisiana-Monroe, (Monroe, Louisiana),

April 2008.

“The Differences in fruit and Vegetable Daily Consumption Between Whites and African-

Americans”: Tenth Region VII Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Conference: “Partners for

Health Disease Prevention: A Call to Action “(Omaha, NE), June1996.

“Health Care and Risk Management in Downsizing Environment”: Conference of Minority

Public Administration 1995 National Conference, (Savannah, GA) February 1995.

“Public Policy Diabetes, and the Missouri Black Community: Developing Public Policy for the

Future”: New constituency integration in the Policy Process, American Political Science

Association 90th Annual meeting. (New York, NY), September 1994.

“Diabetes-Related End-State Renal Disease in Missouri: Trends and Variations by Age and

Race”: Missouri Medicine, June 1994 Vol. 91, No.6, Page, 287. Urriola-Acheson, A, sharp DJ,

Kruse KH, Austin DE, Weaver .AY Brownson RC

“Reducing Health Disparities and Reaching Year 2000 Goals: An Overview of the Prevalence of

Diabetes in Minority Populations Using Missouri Health Data “. Diabetes Prevention and

Control: Formula for the Future, 1994 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Diabetes

Translation Conference, (Atlanta, GA), May 1994.

Statewide Surveillance Systems: Sampling Problems for Minority Health Data”: Diabetes and

Minorities: Access to Health Care and Education, 1994 National Conference sponsored by

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, ( Washington, D.C.) April 1994.

“Missouri Diabetes Control Program”: diabetes and Blindness Seminar, diabetics Division of the

Diabetes”: Missouri Medicine, December 1993 Vol. 90, No. 12, Page 751. Weaver AY,

Brownson RC, Wilkerson JC, Akinbola, PA Jackson-Thompson J.

“Strategies for Successful Diabetes Interventions”: Missouri Local Health Department

Administrators, (Jefferson City, MO), September 1992.

“Health Issues in the Black Community”: African-American and Health Care in Missouri,

University of Missouri-Columbia, sponsored by Black Studies Program and the Black Culture

Center (Columbia, MO), November 1991.

SCHOLASTIC HONORS

Lambda Iota Tau Literacy Honor Society

Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society

CODIFIL French Government Scholarship to Study Abroad

BOARD/COMMISSION MEMBERSHIPS

Member, Wesley Foundation at Langston, Oklahoma (2011 – present)

Member, Council of Oklahoma Student Affairs Vice Presidents (2008 – 2012)

Member, Lincoln Total Community Action Center Board (2001-2008)

Member, Lincoln Parish 911 Commission (2001-2008)

Member, Lincoln Parish Long-Range Planning Commission (2001-2008)

Member, National African American Coalition for Health (1991-1997)

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

American Society for Public Administration

NAFEO (National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education)

Academy of Management

American Diabetes Association

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

REFERENCES UPON REQUEST