GC Staff Report
GRAMBLING, La. —For Alicia Williams, Grambling State University’s newest appointment is more than another step in a career that has spanned more than three decades in government and public service. It is also a homecoming.
Williams, a Grambling native and Grambling State University alumna, has returned home to serve her alma mater as **Special Assistant for Government Affairs**, bringing with her more than 35 years of experience working in Washington, D.C., Baton Rouge and Louisiana state government.
In her new role, Williams will focus on government relations, legislative engagement and public policy priorities, serving as a liaison between Grambling State and local, state and federal officials.
Her responsibilities will include helping advance the University’s legislative priorities, strengthening public partnerships and identifying opportunities that support education, research, economic development and student success.
“Alicia Williams has spent her career building relationships that matter to Louisiana and to public higher education,” said Grambling State University President Martin Lemelle Jr., D.B.A. “Her experience in Washington, D.C., Baton Rouge, and across state government will help Grambling State strengthen relationships with policymakers, agencies, and partners whose work can support our students, faculty, and communities. We are pleased to have her serving in this important role.”
Williams will work within the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs. In addition to monitoring legislative developments, she will support government engagement efforts, facilitate partnerships and help identify funding and collaborative opportunities aligned with the University’s priorities.
For Williams, the opportunity to bring her years of government experience back to the community and University that helped shape her makes the new position especially meaningful.
“I am honored to join the team and contribute to the continued advancement of Grambling State University,” Williams said. “It is especially meaningful to continue doing the work I love on behalf of an institution that has given so much to me. I look forward to helping advance the University’s priorities and supporting the important work taking place across campus.”
Williams brings considerable government experience to the position.
Prior to joining Grambling State, she served for eight years as Senior Special Assistant to former Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards. She also spent nearly three decades in Washington, D.C., working for U.S. Senators J. Bennett Johnston and Mary Landrieu, and previously worked for former Louisiana Lt. Gov. Melinda Schwegmann.
Now, after a career that has taken her from Grambling to the halls of government in Baton Rouge and Washington, Williams is bringing that experience back home.
Her appointment supports Grambling State University’s ongoing efforts to expand public partnerships, strengthen government engagement and advocate for investments that advance teaching, research, innovation and economic development. For the Grambling community, Williams’ appointment represents something more: a hometown daughter returning to use the experience and relationships she has built over decades of public service to help move Grambling State University forward.