Marcus Kennedy

Marcus Kennedy is the Interim Dean of Campus Life & Holistic Development at Grambling State University, where he provides strategic leadership within the Division of Student Affairs. He oversees various departments, including Recreation and Intramural Sports, Campus Activities & Student Engagement, and Student Transportation, while also managing key programs such as Hunger-Free Campus Initiatives and the Tiger Resource Room, focused on food insecurity and student support services. A dedicated advocate for student success, engagement, retention, and well-being, Kennedy leads initiatives rooted in student development theories and collaborative practices to enrich the overall student experience.

Reporting to the Vice President for Student Affairs and serving on the Senior Leadership Team, Kennedy's portfolio includes leadership of student advocacy and leadership organizations, including the Student Government Association (SGA), Favrot Student Union Board (FSUB), Graduate Student Association (GSA), Clubs & Organizations, and Fraternities & Sororities, as well as university-wide events and programming. He also oversees co-curricular initiatives aimed at fostering holistic student growth and promoting retention.

Prior to his current role, Kennedy served three years as Director of Campus Activities & Student Engagement, during which he led major engagement strategies and campus programming. While at Stillman College, he made significant contributions to student retention, persistence, student housing, campus safety, and overall elevation of the student experience. He managed multimillion-dollar budgets and spearheaded efforts to upgrade student facilities, enhance safety protocols, and improve engagement opportunities—ultimately creating a more vibrant and supportive campus environment.

Kennedy is a proud two-time Grambling State alumnus, holding a B.S. in Business Management and an M.S. in Sport Administration, and is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Developmental Education. His previous leadership roles include serving as Dean of Student Life at Stillman College, where he was instrumental in advancing student retention, campus safety, housing, and engagement strategies.

He is deeply committed to strengthening student support services, especially in wellness, access, and leadership development, with a particular focus on advocating for first-generation students. A member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kennedy also holds memberships with the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), where he serves as Louisiana Co-State Director for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

Kennedy's leadership is characterized by operational excellence, student-centered strategies, and a passionate dedication to creating environments where students can thrive and succeed.