5 Things You Need to Know About Grambling State University

When people hear “Grambling State University,” their minds usually go straight to football classics, packed stadiums, and the unmistakable sound of the World-Famed Tiger Marching Band. And while that legacy is absolutely earned, it’s only one piece of a much bigger picture.

Grambling State University has quietly been doing something extraordinary for more than a century: evolving for the future. From education and technology to culture and community impact, Grambling has consistently responded to what Black students actually need: modern skills to meet the demands of today’s workforce, state-of-the-art resources for efficient and reliable access, and a campus culture unlike any other. 

At HBCU Leggings, we make sure you’ve always got the facts, so here are five things you really need to know about Grambling State University.

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Lee Hall built in 1939

1. Grambling Was Built With Purpose

Grambling State University opened its doors on November 1, 1901, originally known as the Colored Industrial and Agricultural School. The mission was straightforward and powerful: provide Black students with education that led to real opportunity in a segregated South.

Over the decades, it evolved and went through several changes:

• By 1905, it relocated to its current campus and became the North Louisiana Agricultural and Industrial School.
  
  
• In 1928, it began awarding professional certificates and diplomas as a state junior college.
  
  
• By 1936, Grambling had shifted its focus toward teacher education, responding to the urgent need for trained Black educators across Louisiana.
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  In 1944, the university awarded its first bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
  
  

What started with three teachers and 125 students has grown into a global alumni network of more than 40,000 graduates. That growth didn’t happen by accident. Grambling has always adjusted its academic focus to match the realities its students would face after graduation.

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2. Grambling Is a Serious Force in STEM

If you think Grambling’s reputation stops at athletics, think again.

Grambling State University is one of the top producers of African American graduates in Computer Information Science in the country and the number one producer in Louisiana. Even more notably, Grambling is the only university in Louisiana offering a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering—and it has produced more African Americans with B.S. degrees in Nuclear Engineering than any university nationwide.

Those are not small accomplishments. They reflect long-term investment in programs that place students directly into competitive and high-demand industries. At Grambling, STEM education isn’t a trend. It’s built into the mission and opens doors to careers where Black representation is still critically needed.

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Grambling State University Library

3. Grambling’s Impressive Fully Digital Library

If we were to measure schools by the strength of their libraries, Grambling State University would take the cake. Take a moment and imagine walking into a library where nearly everything you need, academic journals, research databases, historical archives, is accessible digitally, without waiting for limited copies or physical access barriers.

Grambling State University is home to the only fully digital library at an HBCU, a move that quietly changed how students access information and conduct research. This matters, especially for students in computer science, cybersecurity, education, journalism, and business, where current data and digital fluency are essential.

The digital library reflects Grambling’s understanding of modern learning. It removes friction, increases access, and prepares students for research environments they’ll encounter in graduate programs and professional settings.

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Erykah Badu at the 1998 Lady of Soul Awards

4. Grambling Alumni Shape Culture Across Industries

Grambling’s influence doesn’t stop at campus borders. Its alumni have shaped sports, music, journalism, film, and public leadership in ways that reach far beyond Louisiana.

Among Grambling State University’s alumni are:

• Erykah Badu, Grammy Award–winning artist whose work has influenced generations of musicians
  
  
• Doug Williams, Super Bowl–winning quarterback and a central figure in Black college football history
  
  
• Willis Reed, NBA Hall of Famer and championship leader
  
  
• Natalie Desselle-Reid, actor whose performances left a lasting mark on film and television
  
  
• Charles M. Blow, journalist and New York Times columnist shaping national conversations
  
  

Grambling's graduates leave with more than just degrees. They're launched forward with a sense of confidence and clarity that shows up in how they move through the world and their careers.

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5. At Grambling, Everybody Is Somebody

Grambling State University’s motto—“Everybody Is Somebody”—shows up in tangible ways across campus life. It informs how students are supported, how talent is developed, and how individuality is valued.

The university competes in NCAA Division I athletics, and its football program helped build the national profile of HBCU sports. The World-Famed Tiger Marching Band continues to set the standard for musical excellence and performance discipline.

Beyond athletics and performance, that philosophy is visible in academic advising, student organizations, and leadership development. Students are encouraged to understand their worth, sharpen their skills, and recognize the impact they can have—long after graduation.

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Why Grambling State University Still Matters

Grambling State University has never relied on reputation alone. It has grown by responding to real-world needs, building strong STEM pipelines, embracing digital innovation, and nurturing talent across disciplines.

More than a century after opening its doors, Grambling continues to educate students who are prepared, adaptable, and grounded in a strong sense of purpose.

If you’re ready to represent Grambling State University, visit HBCULeggings.com to shop Grambling apparel and celebrate a legacy that continues to evolve.

 

Love and Leggings,

 

Bibi