Grambling State names College of Business in honor of Thomas and Joyce Moorehead with $10M partnership

Transformational partnership marks the first named college and the largest individual investment in university history, driving a new era of academic excellence and opportunity. 

By GSU Office of Strategic Communications

GRAMBLING, La. —  In a defining moment for Grambling State University, Thomas and Joyce Moorehead, through the Moorehead Family Foundation, have made a transformational $2 million anchor investment, catalyzing a total impact valued at $10 million, to establish the Thomas and Joyce Moorehead College of Business and Entrepreneurship—the first named degree-granting college in the University’s 124-year history, building on the proud legacy of the Earl Lester Cole Honors College.

“This moment is about honoring a proud legacy and building a launchpad for the next generation of leaders,” said President Martin Lemelle, Jr. “The Mooreheads’ generosity reflects the very best of what it means to be Grambling State—transforming vision into opportunity.”

Approved by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, the newly named college will be housed in the Jacob T. Stewart Academic Building and strengthened by a series of endowed initiatives made possible through the Moorehead pledge. These include the Joyce Moorehead Student Finish Line Scholarship to assist seniors facing financial hardship; the Thomas A. Moorehead Student Entrepreneur and Investment Fellows Program offering immersive learning in entrepreneurship, investment strategy, and venture-building; the Thomas A. Moorehead Endowed Dean of the College of Business to recruit nationally recognized leadership; and the Thomas and Joyce Moorehead Faculty Fellowship to expand research, innovation, and inclusive excellence in business education.

“Having the College of Business named in honor of Thomas and Joyce Moorehead is truly a blessing,” said Dr. Derrick Warren, Dean of the College of Business and Entrepreneurship. “Their legacy of excellence, resilience, and generosity will inspire our students and faculty to pursue greatness and innovation. This investment elevates our profile nationally and enhances the transformative experiences we provide.”

A Legacy Powering Possibility

The naming of the College of Business in honor of Thomas and Joyce Moorehead recognizes not only Mr. Moorehead’s groundbreaking accomplishments as a luxury automotive and real estate entrepreneur, but also Mrs. Moorehead’s distinguished legal career and her lifelong commitment to civil rights, education, and public service. Together, the Mooreheads embody the ideals of leadership, integrity, and community empowerment—values that are central to the mission of the College of Business and that they have championed through both their professional endeavors and philanthropic efforts.

A proud Grambling State University alumnus, Thomas Moorehead’s rise from humble beginnings started in Monroe, Louisiana. He made history as the first African American franchise owner of BMW, Rolls Royce, McLaren, and Lamborghini dealerships, later expanding into hospitality and real estate ventures that built one of the most distinguished dealership portfolios in the country. He began in the Midwest, owning Buick and Isuzu in Omaha, Nebraska, followed by Buick, GMC Truck, and BMW in Decatur, Illinois. Relocating to Virginia, he went on to establish BMW of Sterling and MINI of Sterling and continued breaking barriers as the world’s first African American Rolls-Royce dealer with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Sterling. His portfolio further expanded to include Lamborghini Sterling, McLaren Sterling, and Harley-Davidson of Washington, D.C. In recognition of his industry leadership and unmatched customer experience, Bugatti awarded him its exclusive franchise prior to his retirement. Moorehead not only represented these prestigious brands but elevated them—setting flagship standards for service, image, and customer experience that manufacturers later adopted nationwide. He is a testament to the power of education, vision, and determination.

Thomas and Joyce Moorehead expanded their business portfolio beyond automotive enterprises into the hospitality and wine industries. They were among the early pioneers behind the development of the National Harbor waterfront destination on the Potomac River, partnering with Marriott International and Integrated Capital to build and open the Residence Inn at National Harbor. That successful venture evolved into ownership interests in more than 43 hotels across the United States.

In a later collaboration, the Mooreheads joined forces with Henry and Billye Aaron and partnered with Baker Family Wines, owned by Dusty Baker, to produce and market premium red and white California wines now sold nationwide.

Joyce Moorehead, an accomplished attorney and civic leader, has advanced civil rights and social justice through her work with the NAACP, school boards, university boards, legal services organizations, and national advocacy groups—bringing legal expertise and strategic leadership to causes that uplift underrepresented communities.

“This honor is deeply personal to both of us,” said Thomas and Joyce Moorehead. “Grambling prepared Thomas for success in business and in life. As an attorney, Joyce knows the transformative power of education. Together, we want future generations of Gramblinites to graduate ready to lead, to build, and to serve. Our hope is that this pledge will open doors of opportunity for students who, like us, dare to achieve.”

A Historic Investment that Drives Grambling State Forward

The Moorehead investment stands as a cornerstone of Grambling State’s mission to expand access and strengthen academic excellence. It affirms a broader commitment to ensure that each academic college—business, education, sciences, the arts, and graduate and professional studies—has the resources and support to thrive.

“This transformational investment from Mr. and Mrs. Moorehead represents a defining moment in Grambling State University’s history,” said Brandon A. Logan, Vice President for University Advancement and Innovation. “Their generosity not only sets a new standard for philanthropy but also reaffirms the enduring promise of what’s possible when vision and purpose align.”

Currently ranked #89 nationally and #1 in Louisiana for social mobility (CollegeNet, 2024), Grambling State continues to prepare students to graduate on time, with minimal debt, and ready to thrive as entrepreneurs, scholars, and global citizens.

“Strategic investments like this one ensure that our students, faculty, and staff have the resources needed to thrive,” said Vice President of Administration and Business Affairs, Penya M. Moses. “The Mooreheads’ generosity strengthens our ability to deliver on our mission and sustain our momentum as we grow into the future.”

About Joyce and Thomas Moorehead

Joyce and Thomas Moorehead have built a distinguished legacy of philanthropy that began with the establishment of Mr. Moorehead’s first automobile dealership—an Isuzu, Buick, and GMC franchise in Omaha, Nebraska. As their business enterprises expanded, so too did their commitment to charitable giving. Over the course of their careers, the Mooreheads have contributed more than $9 million to support students, working families, and nonprofit organizations.

They also established the Joyce and Thomas Moorehead Foundation, which provides scholarships to high school students and emergency grants to college students pursuing their academic goals. Through their foundation and personal philanthropy, the Mooreheads continue to advance opportunities that diversify and strengthen today’s global workforce, pairing financial support with mentorship, networking, and community service to ensure lasting impact.