Grambling State names School of Enterprise in honor of Thomas and Joyce Moorehead with $10M partnership
Transformational partnership marks the primary named school and the most important particular person funding in college historical past, driving a brand new period of educational excellence and alternative
In a defining second for Grambling State College, Thomas and Joyce Moorehead, by means of the Moorehead Household Basis, have made a transformational $2 million anchor funding, catalyzing a complete affect valued at $10 million, to ascertain the Thomas and Joyce Moorehead School of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship—the primary named school within the College’s 124-year historical past.
“This second is about honoring a proud legacy and constructing a launchpad for the following technology of leaders,” stated President Martin Lemelle, Jr. “The Mooreheads’ generosity displays the perfect of what it means to be Grambling State—remodeling imaginative and prescient into alternative.”
Authorized by the College of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors, the newly named school might be housed within the Jacob T. Stewart Educational Constructing and strengthened by a collection of endowed initiatives made doable by means of the Moorehead pledge.
These embrace the Joyce Moorehead Scholar End Line Scholarship to help seniors going through monetary hardship; the Thomas A. Moorehead Scholar Entrepreneur and Funding Fellows Program providing immersive studying in entrepreneurship, funding technique, and venture-building; the Thomas A. Moorehead Endowed Dean of the School of Enterprise to recruit nationally acknowledged management; and the Thomas and Joyce Moorehead School Fellowship to develop analysis, innovation, and inclusive excellence in enterprise training.
“Having the School of Enterprise named in honor of Thomas and Joyce Moorehead is actually a blessing,” stated Dr. Derrick Warren, Dean of the School of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. “Their legacy of excellence, resilience, and generosity will encourage our college students and college to pursue greatness and innovation. This funding elevates our profile nationally and enhances the transformative experiences we offer.”
The naming of the School of Enterprise in honor of Thomas and Joyce Moorehead acknowledges not solely Mr. Moorehead’s groundbreaking accomplishments as a luxurious automotive and actual property entrepreneur, but in addition Mrs. Moorehead’s distinguished authorized profession and her lifelong dedication to civil rights, training, and public service.
Collectively, the Mooreheads embody the beliefs of management, integrity, and neighborhood empowerment—values which can be central to the mission of the School of Enterprise and that they’ve championed by means of each their skilled endeavors and philanthropic efforts.
A proud Grambling State College alumnus, Thomas Moorehead’s rise from humble beginnings began in Monroe, Louisiana.
He made historical past as the primary African American franchise proprietor of BMW, Rolls Royce, McLaren, and Lamborghini dealerships, later increasing into hospitality and actual property ventures that constructed one of the vital distinguished dealership portfolios within the nation.
He started within the Midwest, proudly owning Buick and Isuzu in Omaha, Nebraska, adopted by Buick, GMC Truck, and BMW in Decatur, Illinois.
Relocating to Virginia, he went on to ascertain BMW of Sterling and MINI of Sterling and continued breaking obstacles because the world’s first African American Rolls-Royce supplier with Rolls-Royce Motor Automobiles Sterling.
His portfolio additional expanded to incorporate Lamborghini Sterling, McLaren Sterling, and Harley-Davidson of Washington, D.C. In recognition of his trade management and unmatched buyer expertise, Bugatti awarded him its unique franchise previous to his retirement.
Moorehead not solely represented these prestigious manufacturers however elevated them—setting flagship requirements for service, picture, and buyer expertise that producers later adopted nationwide.
He’s a testomony to the facility of training, imaginative and prescient, and dedication.
Thomas and Joyce Moorehead expanded their enterprise portfolio past automotive enterprises into the hospitality and wine industries.
They have been among the many early pioneers behind the event of the Nationwide Harbor waterfront vacation spot on the Potomac River, partnering with Marriott Worldwide and Built-in Capital to construct and open the Residence Inn at Nationwide Harbor.
That profitable enterprise advanced into possession pursuits in additional than 43 accommodations throughout america.
In a later collaboration, the Mooreheads joined forces with Henry and Billye Aaron and partnered with Baker Household Wines, owned by Dusty Baker, to supply and market premium pink and white California wines now bought nationwide.
Joyce Moorehead, an achieved lawyer and civic chief, has superior civil rights and social justice by means of her work with the NAACP, college boards, college boards, authorized companies organizations, and nationwide advocacy teams—bringing authorized experience and strategic management to causes that uplift underrepresented communities.
“This honor is deeply private to each of us,” stated Thomas and Joyce Moorehead. “Grambling ready Thomas for achievement in enterprise and in life. As an lawyer, Joyce is aware of the transformative energy of training. Collectively, we would like future generations of Gramblinites to graduate prepared to guide, to construct, and to serve. Our hope is that this pledge will open doorways of alternative for college students who, like us, dare to attain.”
The Moorehead funding stands as a cornerstone of Grambling State’s mission to develop entry and strengthen educational excellence.
It affirms a broader dedication to make sure that every educational school—enterprise, training, sciences, the humanities, and graduate {and professional} research—has the sources and help to thrive.
“This transformational funding from Mr. and Mrs. Moorehead represents a defining second in Grambling State College’s historical past,” stated Brandon A. Logan, Vice President for College Development and Innovation. “Their generosity not solely units a brand new normal for philanthropy but in addition reaffirms the enduring promise of what’s doable when imaginative and prescient and function align.”
At the moment ranked #89 nationally and #1 in Louisiana for social mobility (CollegeNet, 2024), Grambling State continues to organize college students to graduate on time, with minimal debt, and able to thrive as entrepreneurs, students, and international residents.
“Strategic investments like this one make sure that our college students, college, and workers have the sources wanted to thrive,” stated Vice President of Administration and Enterprise Affairs, Penya M. Moses. “The Mooreheads’ generosity strengthens our skill to ship on our mission and maintain our momentum as we develop into the long run.”