It was a true “turnaround trip,” but I am overjoyed that I had the opportunity to attend my dad’s retirement party after 36 years at Grambling State University.

Hearing his colleagues describe professional accomplishments that spanned nearly four decades while knowing the profound impact he had and continues to have on his own children was eye-opening. What stood out to me most was the consistency.

While my brothers and I were running around his office, peddling expensive Boy Scout popcorn in the ’90s, my dad was acting as a plank holder for staple educational programs at GSU. Whether it was thirty years ago or thirty minutes ago, the stories remained the same. Colleagues who started alongside him and students currently in his classrooms all described him the same way: firm, kind, friendly, and (hilariously) a “pain in the side” because he never minds telling it like it is.

I had the pleasure of informing the room that the man they were describing at work is the same person at home and at church. But I was sure to end my brief reflections by reminding him that while his new “retirement” business cards are cute, they don’t apply to the family. We’ll be leaving his grandchildren with him more often now… respectfully.

As I move through the second decade of my own professional career, seeing this 36-year finish line has inspired me to keep building with that same level of durability and integrity.

Congratulations, Dr. Olatunde Ogunyemi. You’ve earned every bit of this!

A Tribute to Dr. Olatunde Ogunyemi

The following is an excerpt from the College of Education’s tribute to his career:

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

Dr. Olatunde Ogunyemi has devoted more than three decades to higher education, leadership, mentorship, and service at Grambling State University. Originally from Nigeria, Dr. Ogunyemi journeyed to the United States in pursuit of educational opportunity and a vision for a brighter future. Through perseverance, scholarship, and unwavering dedication, he built a distinguished career as a professor, administrator, pastor, mentor, and community leader.

Dr. Ogunyemi earned a Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology from Northern Illinois University and began his distinguished career at Grambling State University in 1990. He later served as Professor and Department Chair in the Department of Developmental and Higher Education Studies. Throughout his career, he has directed numerous doctoral dissertations, served as the longtime editor of a peer-reviewed journal, mentored graduate students and junior faculty, and secured millions of dollars in grant funding.

In addition to his academic accomplishments, Dr. Ogunyemi serves as a board member of The Ogunyemi Family Foundation, Inc., continuing his lifelong commitment to uplifting others through education, faith, mentorship, and service. His impact extends far beyond the classroom, as generations of students, colleagues, and community members have benefited from his wisdom, compassion, and leadership.