GRAMBLING, LA – Grambling State University President Rick Gallot announced Wednesday that Dr. David “Rusty” Ponton, the University’s Vice President for Student Affairs, will now lead its athletics division in addition to student affairs.
“Dr. Ponton has demonstrated a proven dedication to all parts of our student experience for more than 25 years,” said President Gallot. “We are grateful for his service and willingness to continue innovating for our students.”
Dr. Ponton began his work at Grambling State in 1988 as an assistant men’s basketball coach. During his tenure, he has also served as the head women’s basketball coach, director of the Favrot Student Union, dean of student activities, dean of students, and associate vice president for student affairs. In 2016, Dr. Ponton was appointed as vice president for student affairs for the University. In addition to his higher education work, he has also worked in marketing an engineering for Fortune 1000 companies that include Shell Oil.
Dr. Ponton’s athletics higher education leadership experience began as a student at Southern University where as a student-athlete he played point-guard. He has been acknowledged for his leadership as a 2017 inductee into the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame and an inductee into the Southern University Hall of Fame.
His athletics leadership also includes service as the Team USA Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach for the R. Williams Jones Cup Team and the assistant basketball coach for the gold medal-winning Men’s R. Williams Jones Cup Team for USA Basketball.
Effective January 1, 2019, Dr. Ponton will take over athletics responsibilities for the University’s current Athletic Director Paul Bryant whose contract term will end by mutual agreement on December 31, 2018.
“We are grateful to Mr. Bryant for all of his hard work and wish him the best in what we know will be an exciting next step in his career,” said President Gallot.
Courtesy: GSU Athletics
