History of The Roy Griggs School of Business, Inc.

Founding, Inspiration & Impact

In 2020-2021, Roy Griggs School of Business (RGSB) was conceptualized to bridge the gap between academic business education and real-world entrepreneurial success, particularly for underrepresented communities. Recognizing this need, Southern University at Shreveport (SUSLA)’s Office of the Chancellor, in collaboration with the Advancement Office, Academic and Workforce Development, sought to build a transformative partnership. They turned to long-time partner and advocate for economic mobility, Mr. Roy Griggs. His legacy as a successful businessman, mentor, and workforce champion made him the ideal partner for launching a business school rooted in equity, opportunity and long-term impact. 

Roy Griggs’ journey to success serves as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and mentorship. Growing up in Meridian, Mississippi, he had no early exposure to business ownership, but through dedication and mentorship, he became a successful entrepreneur. Beginning his career as a crew member at McDonald’s at age 18, he worked his way up to becoming the first Black manager at a store in Meridian. Recognizing his potential, his franchise owner became a mentor and encouraged him to dream bigger.

By 1989, Griggs moved his family to Thomasville, Alabama, where he opened his first McDonald’s franchise, Griggs Enterprise, Inc. Despite early challenges, he remained committed to excellence and leadership, eventually expanding his ownership to 17 McDonald’s franchises in Northwest Louisiana and East Texas. At the peak of his career, he managed nearly 800 employees and generated an annual revenue of $40 million.

Roy Griggs forged a transformative partnership with Southern University at Shreveport’s (SUSLA) Division of Community and Workforce Development, led by Vice Chancellor Janice B. Sneed, to expand educational and professional opportunities for his employees. In 2004, this collaboration secured $500,000 through Louisiana’s Incumbent Worker Training Program, equipping Griggs Enterprise employees with advanced skills and pathways for career growth. Recognizing the impact of workforce development, SUSLA and Griggs Enterprise later launched the Business Leadership Intern Program, preparing students for supervisory and management roles within his McDonald’s franchises while providing hands-on experience in office management and business technology at the company’s corporate offices. Through his commitment to education and workforce training, Griggs’ investment helped bring millions of dollars to the university, empowering hundreds of employees to advance into management and business ownership. Roy Grigg’s legacy extends far beyond his restaurants—he stands as a model of entrepreneurial success, mentorship, and leadership development, inspiring future generations of business professionals.

Laying the Foundation: Concept, Vision, Funding Goal & Key Leaders

The Roy Griggs School of Business was established thanks to the leadership and combined efforts of dedicated leaders from the education and business communities. Under the leadership of then-Chancellor Dr. Rodney A. Ellis, SUSLA’s Chief Advancement Officer, Stephanie K. Rogers, led the project by working directly with Roy Griggs and members of SUSLA’s Business Department’s faculty to develop the concept, vision, and foundational structure of RGSB. Griggs Enterprise Administrator Jean Mosley and AT&T Louisiana President David Aubrey rounded out the project’s leadership team as Campaign Co-Chairs for the three-year, $2 million fundraising initiative.

The Campaign initiatives included securing funding to renovate the dedicated space within the Jackson Building where the business program is housed. Planned enhancements include state-of-the-art classrooms, modern meeting spaces, and hands-on business training labs that simulate real-world environments.

Community Announcement, Ribbon Cutting, & Reception

On October 1, 2020, Southern University at Shreveport announced plans to establish the Roy Griggs School of Business to an initial group of stakeholders. The announcement recognized Roy Griggs for his commitment to expand access to business education and formally launched the silent phase of the $3M Campaign fundraising.  

In May 2021, during Bayou Classic Weekend at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, SUSLA and SU System leadership formally announced the public phase of the campaign to establish the Roy Griggs School of Business at SUSLA’s main campus on MLK Drive. The event featured the unveiling of a $250,000 pledge from Mr. and Mrs. Roy Griggs, matched by $250,000 in pledges from private and corporate donors for a total of $500,000. During the event, SUSLA Chancellor Dr. Rodney Ellis highlighted that plans include enhancing business education by providing modern classrooms, meeting spaces, and advanced training centers that replicate real-world office environments to support students pursuing business careers.

On June 24, 2022, under the leadership of President Dr. Ray L. Belton, the Southern University System Board of Supervisors and SUSLA leadership officially cut the ribbon and unveiled the Roy Griggs School of Business. Local SUS Board Members Sam Gilliam and Richard Hilliard, and other community and business leaders were in attendance.

In May of 2024, Roy Griggs established The Roy Griggs School of Business, Inc., an independent 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, paving the way to a broader spectrum of philanthropic, corporate, and diversified streams of support to strengthen impact and sustainability. The mission of this independent nonprofit is to enhance lives by expanding access to business education, degree attainment, training certifications, and career exploration.

In October 2024, under the leadership of Chancellor Dr. Aubra J. Gantt, SUSLA hosted a special reception to celebrate the continued impact of the Roy Griggs School of Business. The event demonstrated Dr. Gantt’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and enhancing business education and workforce development. The event highlighted the ongoing success of the business school, featured testimonials of graduates of the program, the expansion of its academic offerings, and its role in strengthening workforce and economic opportunities for students.

RGSB’s Legacy & Future

Looking ahead, the Roy Griggs School of Business (RGSB) is committed to expanding its reach, increasing scholarship opportunities, and fostering innovation in business education. The establishment of The Roy Griggs School of Business, Inc., a nonprofit organization, marks a significant step toward long-term sustainability, ensuring that business education remains accessible for generations to come.

STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS FOR THE FUTURE

  • Ensuring Access to Education Endures. Through strategic partnerships with investors and philanthropists, RGSB is dedicated to safeguarding access to degree attainment and industry training for citizens of Northwest Louisiana. These efforts will help bolster scholarships and endowments, remove financial barriers, especially for low-income students, and build a pipeline of future business professionals.
  • Expand Career Explorations. RGSB will partner with educators and employers to introduce future business leaders, especially youth in underserved communities, to hands-on exposure to business careers. Tailored activities such as job shadowing, speaker bureaus, career simulations, and entrepreneurial workshops, will inspire students to pursue pathways toward financial mobility, professional fulfillment and equity.
  • Strengthening Financial Support for Growth & Sustainability. Through bold initiatives such as grants funding, corporate sponsorships and donor investments, RGSB will execute strategies to connect and engage stakeholders from various sectors to advance its vision for growth, impact and long-term sustainability.

With continued support from the university, business partners, and the broader community, RGSB remains steadfast in its mission to empower future business leaders through education, mentorship, and opportunity. 

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