Ellen Smiley Appointed Provost at Grambling State University in Louisiana

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors recently named Ellen Smiley as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Grambling State University. She has served in the post on an interim basis since August 2016.

Dr. Smiley joined the staff at Grambling State University in 1990. Over the years she has served in many different posts including assistant dean of the Honors College, assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, president of the Grambling State University Faculty Senate, and executive assistant to the president.

In accepting the appointment, Dr. Smiley said, “I plan to cultivate leading strategies to build, manage and recognize a high-functioning, performance-driven team of faculty and staff.   I plan to inspire the faculty, staff and students in a manner that encourages them to release those energies and passion that boost academic excellence.”

Dr. Smiley holds a bachelor’s degree in radio and television communication and a master’s degree in teaching social science from Grambling State University. She holds a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.