Grambling State Tigers
Public
Founded 1901
Grambling, Louisiana
Students: 5,000
Southwestern Athletic Conference
Colors: Black and Gold
Eddie Robinson Stadium (19,600)
2008 Record: 7-0, 11-2
Grambling State University emerged from the desire of African-American farmers in rural north Louisiana who wanted to educate other African Americans in the northern part of the state. In 1896, the North Louisiana Colored Agriculture Relief Association was formed to organize and operate a school.
After opening a small school west of what is now the town of Grambling, the Association requested assistance from Booker T. Washington of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. Charles P. Adams, sent to aid the group in organizing an industrial school, became its founder and first president.
Under Adams’ leadership, the Colored Industrial and Agricultural School opened on November 1, 1901. Four years later, the school moved to its present location and was renamed the North Louisiana Agricultural and Industrial School. By 1928, the school was able to offer two-year professional certificates and diplomas after becoming a state junior college. The school was renamed Louisiana Negro Normal and Industrial Institute.
Notable Alumni:
Willis Reed retired American basketball player
Erica Abi Wright better know by her stage name Erykah Badu
Doug Williams American football quarterback
Ronnie Coleman American professional bodybuilder and 8 time Mr. Olympia winner
Buck Buchanan List of College Football Hall of Fame inductees, and Pro Football Hall of Fame
