Let the DrumRoll for Hayes, Lemelle, and Marsalis
Phoebe Hayes Ph.D. wins James William Rivers Prize. Branford Marsalis earns the Alvin Batiste Hall of Distinction Award, and Martin Lemelle, Ph.D., is named Grambling State University President
Phebe Hayes, Ph.D., retired Dean of General Studies from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and founder of the Iberia African American Historical Society, has been named the distinguished recipient of the 2023 James William Rivers Prize in Louisiana Studies. This prize recognizes Hayes for her exceptional work as a public historian and community leader, particularly in her efforts to further the study of Black history in south Louisiana.
The James William Rivers Prize in Louisiana Studies is one of the most prestigious awards in Louisiana Studies which honors individuals who have exhibited extraordinary commitment and excellence in the exploration and dissemination of Louisiana's unique history, heritage, and culture.
Her leadership at the Iberia African American Historical Society has contributed significantly to the understanding of African American contributions in Iberia Parish. It has also fostered a broader appreciation for the region's complex cultural legacy and rich—yet incomplete—history.
Hayes’s pioneering work has given rise to the IAAHS Center for Research and Learning, in New Iberia. It is a hub for scholars, students, and the general public to engage in a comprehensive exploration of the Black experience in Louisiana.
Her vision has materialized in the form of the Iberia African American Historical Society Journal, and in the establishment of a growing digital archive, ensuring that valuable historical resources are preserved for future generations. This honor adds her to an impressive lineage of past winners including A. Hays Town, Ernest Gaines, Nick Spitzer, Gwendolyn Midlow Hall, Leah Chase, James Lee Burke, and many more.
Grammy-, Emmy-, and Tony-award winner Branford Marsalis will be presented with the Alvin Batiste Hall of Distinction Award before the Blue Note Records 85th Anniversary Celebration, Wed., March 6, 7:30 - 9:00 PM, at the Manship Theatre at Shaw Center for the Arts.
The annual award is given by the River City Jazz Coalition and Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge to honor the legacy of Batiste in recognition of a "lifetime contribution and cultivation of jazz music in the State of Louisiana." Marsalis studied with the great clarinetist and innovator at Southern University.
Past recipients include Mike Esneault, Herman Jackson, and Donald Harrison. ONLINE: http://manshiptheatre.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/...
The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to name Martin Lemelle, PhD, as the next president of Grambling State University.
“Dr. Lemelle’s appointment as the 11th president of Grambling State University guarantees a leader well-prepared on day one,” said Rick Gallot who left the Grambling presidency to assume the role of UL System President and CEO at the start of the year. “I am confident that under President Lemelle’s leadership, Grambling State University will continue to thrive with its best days yet to come.”
Lemelle is a 2006 graduate and former student government association president of Grambling. He has most recently served as executive vice president & chief financial officer at Maryland Institute College of Art. Prior, he served as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Grambling from 2016 to 2021.