ULM Magazine SPRING 2023 • VOLUME 24

THE HOUSE THAT LOU BUILT

ULM'S BASEBALL FIELD NOW BEARS THE NAME OF LEGENDARY COACH LOU ST. AMANT

Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends,

Welcome to the spring magazine of the University of Louisiana Monroe. Spring is always full of fun events, excitement and hope for a better tomorrow.

Our faculty, staff, and students continue to amaze us all as they live out our mission of changing lives. Recently, our faculty and leadership team in health sciences and Physical Therapy surpassed a major milestone by earning candidacy for accreditation for our new Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. This achievement will allow ULM to accept its first class of DPT students during the fall 2023 semester. This new program will help meet the healthcare needs of north Louisiana and beyond and serve a student population eager to enter the field.

There is no doubt that those of us who have the pleasure to work at ULM

FROM OUR PRESIDENT

benefit greatly from those who served before us. Recently, we had the chance to recognize and honor two of those ULM icons who left significant marks upon our university. We introduced the new Lou St. Amant baseball field (referred to as the “Lou”) this spring in honor of longstanding head baseball coach and mentor to many, Lou St. Amant. We also had the pleasure of dedicating our Office of Financial Aid to a man that has impacted student lives and futures all across the country, Dr. Charles R. McDonald, who is also known as the “Father of Tops.” Dr. McDonald created the state scholarship program that changed the face of higher education in Louisiana. I hope that you will enjoy learning more about these two great individuals.

Athletics is in full swing in the spring, as we see the end of basketball season and the beginning of seasons for baseball, softball, track and field, and beach

volleyball. This spring we welcomed our new athletic director, John Hartwell. John was selected after a national search and brings with him a wealth of experience in athletic leadership. We are excited about the next era of Warhawk athletics under his leadership.

I hope you enjoy reading these and other stories about all things ULM.

Talons Out!

Ronald Berry, D.B.A. ULM President

President Dr. Ronald Berry

photo by Paul Ware

Portrait of Coach Lou St. Amant by Paul Ware. Acclaimed baseball player and treasured coach, Lou St. Amant, looks upon the field and legacy he's built for generations to come.

MAGA ZINE

PRESIDENT

Ronald Berry, D.B.A. (BBA ’88, MBA ’90)

VICE PRESIDENT OF ENROLLMENT

MANAGEMENT AND UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

Lisa Miller (MS ’94)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Brice Jones, Ph.D.

ASST. DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS

Adam McDonald, Editor (BA ’06)

EXECUTIVE CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Srdjan Marjanovic (BFA ’12)

GRAPHIC DESIGN COORDINATOR

Shanette L. Washington (BFA ’02)

MARKETING MEDIA MANAGER

Jeanette Robinson (BFA ’21)

VISUAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Paul Ware

DIGITAL MEDIA SPECIALIST

Molly Masters (BBA ’17)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ULM

ADVANCEMENT, FOUNDATION AND ALUMNI RELATIONS

Susan Chappell (BBA ’82, MBA ’87) PRESIDENT, ULM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Ash Aulds (BS ’14, MBA ’15) DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS

Sarah O'Connor Siereveld (MBA ’20) CONTRIBUTORS

Joydeep Bhattacharjee, Ph.D., Ashlyn Dupree, Leslie Hobgood, Colby Pogue, Prajal Prasai, Danielle Kelley Tolbird, Brice Jones, Ph.D.

CART JOURNEY

We’re all on some kind of journey, following some kind of path as we go about this thing called life. I think sometimes we all could use a little help (or at least a little company) to get us where we’re going. Students and President Berry got just that at the start of the fall 2022 semester.

SGA president, Ethan Estis, came to the Office of Marketing & Communications with the idea just before school started. President Berry had the opportunity to drive students to their first day of class— and we had the opportunity to document it! Our most engaged social post ever, it was a joy to all involved. With stories and laughs shared, it was a reminder of how powerful, yet so simple, it can be to accompany someone along their way.

- Molly Masters, Digital Media Specialist

photos by Jeanette Robinson

Sarah O'Connor Siereveld Director of Alumni

318.342.5244 ssiereveld@ulm.edu

FROM THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR

Dear Alumni and Friends, Spring has sprung at ULM and throughout the alumni network! We love reporting that we hosted the first session of our virtual series “News from the Bayou" in February with record-breaking attendance. Chapters across Texas and Louisiana hosted events to keep you connected and get you involved. 31 Ambassadors joined in by co-hosting a Leadership Luncheon on campus to encourage collaboration between student groups and ULM Departments. Your Alumni Association assessed its value through a 10-question survey, with over 45% of participants agreeing that the organization provides value to its members! Our job is to keep you connected and involved and encourage you to change the future with us, and we are doing that this spring.

Wine Over Water, the annual fundraiser for the Alumni Association, was held on April 13th on the ULM Campus Bridge. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Spirit of the Warhawk Scholarship, which provides funding to incoming freshmen in Northeast Louisiana and the Alumni Association.

While we aim to share as much as possible with you, we are counting on you to stay connected and remain involved! How can you do that?

1. Use our website as a resource. Your membership magnet has a QR code that links to our event page (alumni.ulm.edu/ events), so you can stay up to date by the minute. This is a great place to find Homecoming details and our next virtual session date!

2. Attend an event. Come back to campus. Reminisce and embrace the joy you had

while a student. Share that joy and help us change futures.

3. Share your good news or nominate a business. YOU are proof that ULM changes lives. We cannot share your personal or professional accomplishments if we don't know about them. Do you know an alumnus who owns or runs a business? Celebrate them by nominating them for our Business of the Month program!

4. Recruit for us. Your experience is the best tool for recruitment.

5. Invite others to get involved. You've been to our events and seen the students of today. Please help us bring other alumni back home. Warhawks are all around us, and it begins with you!

The Alumni Association could not be what it is without you and your accomplishments. You are living proof that ULM changes lives. I challenge you to stay connected, become or remain involved, and carry forward our mission to change futures. It begins with you, and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

TAKE FLIGHT!

SARAH SIEREVELD Director of Alumni Affairs

photo by Siddharth Gaulee

BY ADAM MCDONALD

THE HOUSE THAT

ULM'S BASEBALL FIELD NOW BEARS THE NAME OF LEGENDARY

THAT LOU BUILT LEGENDARY COACH LOU ST. AMANT

“ We’re going to build a baseball stadium, and you’re in charge.” Those were the words Coach Lou St. Amant heard from head football coach John David Crow in the early 1980s. St. Amant took those words to heart and oversaw the design and construction of the ULM baseball stadium, which hosted its first games in 1983. Now 40 years later, the field bears the name “Lou St. Amant Field” and is affectionately referred to as “The Lou.” It’s a fitting honor for a ULM icon who has served the university for decades, even long after his coaching days were over.

Lou St. Amant hails from Norco, La., a tiny town on the banks of the Mississippi River, just outside the shadow of New Orleans. St. Amant was a standout athlete in his youth and after graduating from Destrehan High School in 1957, he received a full scholarship to play baseball at LSU. “I turned down a big league contract coming out of high school,” said St. Amant. “My dad said, ‘You’re going to college.’ No one from our family had ever been to college,” he added.

Despite his promising talent, St. Amant’s baseball career was unfortunately cut short by an arm injury in 1960. He left LSU and returned to Norco unsure where his career would take him. The priest at his church offered St. Amant the opportunity to coach youth football and teach, and a new passion was born. The youth coaching job led to a high school job, where Coach Lou’s first connection with ULM (then NLU) came when some of his players were recruited to play at the university.

St. Amant knew that his career as a coach and teacher would be stunted if he didn’t finish his college degree. In 1968, he jumped at the chance to take a job as a student assistant at NLU and worked to complete a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and master’s plus 30. He returned to coaching football at Lutcher High School and created a successful program, winning 44 games in five years, but his time in Northeast Louisiana wasn’t finished.

St. Amant was brought back to NLU in 1976 under head football coach John David Crow as a receivers coach and head baseball coach. St. Amant took the position with one condition, “When spring starts, I want to be with the baseball team,” he told Coach Crow. “It’s only fair to the players you recruit that you be there with them,” said St. Amant. Crow accepted the deal and Coach St. Amant began what ▶

photo by Paul Ware

The possibility of a new baseball field came about when the university found itself with a $3 million surplus following the construction of Malone Stadium. State regulations dictated that the funds had to be used to construct a new athletic facility. That’s when Coach Crow put the project in St. Amant’s hands. “He said, ‘You design it the way you want,’” recalled St. Amant. Given creative liberty over the design of the field, Coach St. Amant took

road trips. In collaboration with architect Hugh Parker, Coach St. Amant designed the 1,800 seat stadium around the current needs of the team, with an eye toward the future. “People asked me why we built it so high,” said St. Amant. “There were two reasons: first we were in the swamp, so we had to raise everything up, but also I knew we weren’t going to have any money to add onto it later for offices and dressing rooms.”

The first season was played at the

“Everybody that came to the stadium when it was first built loved it. They’d say, ‘This is a great place to watch a game. There’s no bad seat in the house.’”

– LOU ST. AMANT

field in 1983, but after a year, the space underneath the stadium seating was still unfinished. St. Amant led the charge to raise $75,000 to finish out the offices and dressing rooms. The field was clearly a labor of love for Coach St. Amant, who often began watering the turf at 8:00 a.m., moving the sprinklers around every half hour throughout the day. He beams as he describes the community’s reaction to the stadium. “Everybody that came to the stadium when it was first built loved it. They’d say, ‘This is a great place to watch a game. There’s no bad seat in the house.’”

Over the course of his career, St. Amant coached hundreds of players, with five making the jump to the major leagues. Among those are former California Angels standout and Monroe native Chuck ▶

CELEBRATION OF SERVICE FOR COACH LOU ST. AMANT

On January 20, 2023, former ULM baseball players, supporters, and fans gathered at Bayou Pointe Event Center for a Celebration of Service for Coach Lou St. Amant. Over 450 attendees enjoyed dinner and a Q & A session with St. Amant and his former players and coaches.

Former ULM standouts and major league players Chuck Finley, Ben Sheets, and Tom Brown were in attendance. All three, along with Coach St. Amant have had their jerseys retired by the ULM baseball program. According to current head baseball coach Michael Federico, it’s the first time that all four have been together in the same room.

The event was emceed by longtime local sports media personality Gene Ponti. The Q & A session included Pat Collins, Scott McDonald, Mickey Parenton, Jeff Schexnaider, and Mike Thompson.

Though the focus of the evening was to honor Coach St. Amant, the generous crowd raised approximately $20,000 for the ULM baseball program.

Coach St. Amant expressed his gratitude for the evening. “I’d just like to say thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the event,” said St. Amant. “I’m very grateful. It was a wonderful night,” he added.

photos by Paul Ware

Scan the code to watch a video tribute to Coach St. Amant created by ULM Digital Media Specialist Molly Masters. The video was played at the event and features interviews with former players and coaches, as well as archival photos and video clips.

Finley, a five-time MLB All-Star. The statistic that St. Amant is most proud of, however, is not one that was accomplished on the field: over 90% of St. Amant’s players graduated from the university. Coach Lou took a personal interest in making sure his players took care of their studies. He spent many mornings going door to door in the dorms to guarantee no one missed their early classes. “A couple of them would tell you, ‘If it wasn’t for Coach, I would’ve never graduated,’” said St. Amant.

His players would also tell you that his care for the team extended beyond the field and classroom. Former ULM Athletic Director Scott McDonald played under Coach St. Amant from 1979-1983. “The thing about Coach St. Amant is you realize how much he cares. He cares for his players, his staff, and people in the community. He has a huge heart,” said McDonald.

“Coach St. Amant’s character is probably one of his best traits,” said Jeff Schexnaider, who played under Coach St. Amant in the 1980s and later served as head baseball coach at ULM from 20062014. “There was a family atmosphere. Everybody just loved to be here,” he added.

Coach St. Amant and his wife Marilyn were synonymous with the ULM baseball program. Though the St. Amants had no children, McDonald and Schexnaider both say that the team felt like their “kids.”

“Mrs. Marilyn every single game had a spot in the press box,” said Schexnaider. “They always made you feel like you were one of their children. They were inseparable. I always called them my north Louisiana parents,” he added.

St. Amant’s coaching career came to an end in 1993 with a total of 414 wins, including a 1983 Southland Conference Championship. He might have hung up his uniform, but his service to the university was far from over. While he was still coaching, St. Amant further cemented himself in the history of this university when he became the color commentator for ULM football radio broadcasts in 1985. He continued in that role alongside playby-play commentator Frank Hoffman for 22 years. “We had a great chemistry,” said St. Amant. “Frank knew how to carry a game.” Coach St. Amant also found himself

behind the mic for basketball broadcasts. After his time on the baseball field was done, he moved up to the broadcast booth, calling baseball games for 12 years.

St. Amant’s time in broadcasting made him a well-known figure outside of the region as well. “The first question I would get when going to an out-of-town game was, “‘Is Coach Lou going to be here?’” said Bruce Hanks, former ULM Athletic Director and one of St. Amant’s baseball broadcast partners. “Everyone knew him and wanted him to be there because he

place we could go where someone wouldn’t know him,” added Schexnaider.

Coach St. Amant has continued to be a constant presence in the ULM baseball program even after his retirement. He has served as a mentor for each coach who has come after him. Schexnaider was uniquely positioned to learn from St. Amant both as a player and a coach himself. “He wanted to see one of his players succeed. I could just tell when I was a coach that he was a part of it still. I was part of him, and his legacy was living on through me,” said Schexnaider. “He was very supportive through the good times and bad. He put the university first and it was an honor to be able to follow in his footsteps.”

In 2022, Coach St. Amant received one of ULM’s highest honors, The Warhawk Ambassador Award, which is reserved for individuals whose interests and loyalty are evident in their deeds and actions, reflecting and recognizing the importance of ULM in our local and global community, and demonstrating pride in the university. “This university is personal to him, and he teaches that to everybody he comes in contact with who is a part of this university,” said Scott McDonald. “He personifies what it means to be an ambassador to this university. He encourages himself and others to give back to this university and make it better for the people who come after him.”

The renaming of “Lou St. Amant Field” became official prior to the start of the 2023 baseball season. The name is prominently displayed on the center field wall, with the nickname “The Lou” inscribed on the backstop behind home plate. For the people who know and love Coach Lou St. Amant and ULM baseball, this is a renaming that makes perfect sense. “He feels like it is a part of him and for him to have his name on it forever is very fitting,” said Schexnaider.

Coach St. Amant is honored to forever be associated with the ULM baseball program. “I view it as the administrations and people who hired me were pleased with the job we did. It means a lot to me,” he said. “My dear wife who’s not with us anymore would be so pleased. She spent a lot of time with this program,” he added. “I loved the people that I worked for and worked with.” ■

“I don’t remember any place we could go where someone wouldn’t know him.”

– JEFF SCHEXNAIDER

Coach Lou's wife Marilyn St. Amant was a regular fixture at baseball games and a lifelong contributor to the University.

photo by Paul Ware

BY JOYDEEP BHATTACHARJEE, PH.D.

ULM-EPA FIELD DAY

RAISING A GENERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDS

STEWARDS

In early November 2022, as a part of the ongoing EPA Environmental Education Grant awarded to ULM, more than 200 students and teachers from five area high schools from Ouachita and Caldwell Parishes visited Restoration Park in West Monroe. At the park, a workshop was arranged by ULM faculty for students from partner schools to engage in hands-on experience in water quality testing and to learn about the critical role that wetland plants play in maintaining water quality. Through a variety of scientific learning activities, students collected and tested water samples from several points in the park, identified potential contaminants in runoff water, and discussed remedial measures applicable not only at the park, but also to water bodies in the communities at large.

The workshop was split into 5 different days to accommodate schedules and keep group sizes small for each school, so that students could interact closely with the ULM team during the hike through the trails and while collecting water samples from pre-determined locations within the park. The ULM team also included undergraduate and graduate students from Biology and Toxicology who helped coordinate the event and set-up the water testing stations.

photos by Jeanette Robinson

Through targeted, hands-on activities, students gained experiential learning in the field, with respect to contamination of water bodies, and in particular how to study and remedy the issue. This was especially aimed to develop a generation of environmental stewards who are conscious about environmental issues and how to better manage natural resources.

Dr. Saswati Majumdar, the science education expert for the grant, worked with teachers to integrate the content generated and skills gained from the project and associated activities into the comprehensive curriculum by aligning these with the Next Generation Science Standards.

photos by Jeanette Robinson

Dr. Kevin Baer, an environmental toxicologist from ULM, discussed the various environmental pollutants within the area with special emphasis on water pollution. Dr. Baer talked to the students about the effects of dissolved oxygen concentrations in fresh water, especially with respect to Louisiana, where high temperatures often lead to fish kills due to extremely low dissolved oxygen. He also emphasized how surface runoff from the West Monroe industrial belt washes into the drainage canals which in turn entered Restoration Park.

During the hike, Dr. Joydeep Bhattacharjee, a plant ecologist at ULM, introduced students to both upland and wetland habitats. They were also taught about how plants can remedy or remove pollutants from water via the process called phytoremediation.

On the trails, students were shown various upland species and how they differed from the plants in the wetland areas, both in form and function.

“I was so excited to show my students how biology can be applied and pursued especially in ways that can help our community,” said Ouachita Parish High School Biology teacher Chelsey Phillips. “The students were genuinely interested in learning about our local flora and were excited to perform the tests on the water samples they collected themselves. The trip was a success and I think helped to open their eyes to the opportunities studying biology can lead to. "

At the end of the hike all students gathered back at the pavilion. The student groups then began testing the water that they collected within the park. The hypothesis they had to test was to determine if the water coming into the park was more polluted than the water that exited the park. Students took pre- and post-surveys, developed by Dr. Majumdar to assess the content knowledge and attitude towards the environment. Students also noted the results of the water-tests in their field worksheets and submitted them to their teachers.

“It was a fun experience because we had a knowledgeable tour guide, got to test the water, and learn how plants clean water,” said Milana May, a junior from Neville High School.

photos by Jeanette Robinson

BY ADAM MCDONALD

ULM UNVEILS WILLIAM D. HOOVER SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTING, FINANCIAL, AND INFORMATION SERVICES

The University of Louisiana Monroe held a ceremony on January 24, 2023, to unveil installations that will commemorate the William D. Hoover School of Accounting, Financial, and Information Services. The school is housed in the College of Business and Social Sciences, located in Hemphill Hall.

Members of the Hoover family were on hand to honor the legacy of Mr. Hoover and the contributions he made to ULM and the local business community. The Hoover School signage includes prominent lettering applied to the exterior of Hemphill Hall, a banner hanging in the lobby of the building, and a plaque at the entrance of the Hoover School’s offices.

The text of the plaque reads: “William D. ‘Bill’ Hoover (1935-2018; BBA 1960) was a beloved family patriarch, Air Force veteran, avid sportsman, and fierce friend. He was a successful businessman and CPA, and he was proud to be a college graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe. Bill believed a college education was invaluable. His generous financial contributions to ULM have afforded many young people with the opportunity to obtain their college degrees, and to enjoy the successes in life that a ULM degree can provide.”

William D. Hoover, or “Bill” to friends and family, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1960 from ULM, which was then named Northeast Louisiana State College. Prior to receiving his degree, Mr. Hoover served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He and his wife Lois raised three children: Garry, Terri, and Gayle.

Hoover was a CPA in Northeast Louisiana but also used his knowledge to guide his investments in several start-up businesses in the area. He was instrumental in starting Long Distance Savers with Nolan, Montgomery, and Chellette and worked with Clarke Williams at the beginning of CenturyTel, now known as Lumen.

According to a biography provided by the Hoover family, Mr. Hoover “believed a college education would enable you to build your dreams.” Mr. Hoover instilled to his children and grandchildren that not graduating from college was “not an option.” His financial help not only secured the ability for future generations to attend college, but he also supported extended family and friends to aid their pursuit of a college degree. ■

Top: Dr. Berry addresses the crowd at the unveiling ceremony.

Bottom: Members of the Hoover family pose in front of the signage on the exterior of Hemphill Hall.

photos by Paul Ware

BY ADAM MCDONALD

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES

PROGRAM WILL BEGIN IN FALL 2023 WITH COHORT OF 48 STUDENTS

In November 2022, the University of Louisiana Monroe Doctor of Physical Therapy Program proudly announced an accomplishment that had been three years in the making. The ULM DPT Program was granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE.) This status allows ULM to begin admitting students to the program. The initial cohort of 48 students will begin in the fall semester of 2023.

ULM President Dr. Ronald Berry offered his congratulations to everyone involved. “I’d like to congratulate Dean Simpson and the entire DPT faculty for this accomplishment and thank them for their tremendous work throughout this journey,” said Berry. “I’d also like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Jim Henderson and the board of the University of Louisiana System for their support, as well as leaders in the healthcare industry

who provided financial support for the accreditation process,” he added.

The ULM Doctor of Physical Therapy Program aims to develop diverse, highfunctioning practitioners and leaders who will partner with the community to produce meaningful and sustainable change. The DPT Program will make ULM the third public university and fourth overall university in Louisiana to provide doctoral-level training for physical therapists.

Dr. Mary Elizabeth Parker, DPT Program Director, acknowledged the support of the University and community in this accomplishment. “Without the support of the President, Provost, Dean of Health Sciences, and Director of Allied Health, this would not have been possible. We want to especially thank Dr. Ashanti Jones, who has been the pillar of strength, wisdom, and progress on this mission,” said Parker. ▶

“Without the support of the President, Provost, Dean of Health Sciences, and Director of Allied Health, this would not have been possible.”

– DR. MARY ELIZABETH PARKER

photo by Paul Ware

Dr. Ondrell Moore demonstrates physical therapy care on student Maya J. Melancon as Dr. Abhinandan Batra observes. The physical therapy department is housed in Walker Hall.

Dr. Jones, Director of Clinical Education, says the journey to begin the ULM DPT program has taught her many things about herself, her co-workers, the university, and the community. “We are resilient and determined. We are student-centered and communityfocused. We strive daily to provide the most elite levels of education to our students and support our community,” she said.

According to Parker, the program is unique in its mission to educate physical therapists to work in underserved areas. “Our program is honored to serve the Ark-La-Miss region. We are ready to grow our own by reaching out into the area to find students who want to learn and work here in our community,” she said.

Dr. Jones added, “The DPT program’s rural health focus will allow our students to graduate as entry-level-ready clinicians and possess a sense of community commitment, patient-centered focus, and advocacy-driven passion for creating impactful and sustainable change in healthcare. This program will impact healthcare disparities, generating more significant access to physical therapy services and a career in physical therapy.”

Dr. Parker noted that the ULM DPT program faculty possess a wide range of skill sets, community roots, and passion for the profession. Dr. Jones praised the faculty as well, saying, “The beauty of this achievement is that most of the DPT faculty members started as community volunteers sacrificing their time to pour into the DPT program. Their commitment and dedication to the development of the DPT program are a testament to how strongly they believe in what it stands for.”

Assistant Professor Dr. Ondrell Moore said, “Our candidacy status reflects the diligent and perseverant efforts of a talented group of individuals and the University’s commitment to the mission and vision of the ULM DPT Program. Now that we

have reached this milestone, the Physical Therapy department can refocus on creating an exceptional experience for prospective students, allied health faculty and staff, stakeholders, and our community partners.”

Assistant Professor Dr. Victoria Hamby described the accreditation process as an emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows. “Everyone has dedicated so much time and effort into this program and to see it reach this level gives me a feeling of peace and accomplishment, but also a hunger for the future. I am so excited to be part of this

this place will benefit significantly from this program.”

Dr. Donald Simpson, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, said, “The College of Health Sciences is committed to providing access to physical therapy education, and access to healthcare, for Louisiana residents living in the most impoverished areas of the United States. The DPT program exemplifies our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by establishing an endowed scholarship for first-generation students and providing textbooks and instructional materials to students in the program at no cost to them.”

While the Candidate for Accreditation status is a major accomplishment that allows the program to begin, the DPT Program faculty are continuing preparations for full accreditation.

“The request for candidacy status process has trained the ULM DPT faculty and staff to properly implement and execute all requirements of CAPTE Standards and Elements,” said Dr. Ashanti Jones. “Our next steps are to carry out the ULM DPT strategic plan of action, practice ongoing assessment,

amazing team from the start and can’t wait to share our knowledge and expertise with our students and future physical therapists,” she said.

Assistant Professor Dr. Abhinaandan Batra said, “I came late on this train, but I am excited about this opportunity and cannot thank the people before me enough who have put so much effort into bringing this program to where it is now. I know as a community,

and prepare to start the application process for initial accreditation status in 2026,” she added.

“We have three years to demonstrate our commitment to our students, the profession, the University, and our community,” said Dr. Mary Elizabeth Parker. “We welcome everyone’s support and guidance as we move forward,” she said. ■

Dr. Victoria Hamby lectures in the physical therapy lab. “Everyone has dedicated so much time and effort into this program and to see it reach this level gives me a feeling of peace and accomplishment, but also a hunger for the future," said Hamby.

ULM Physical Therapy department faculty and staff (L-R): Dr. Ondrell Moore, Dr. Victoria Hamby, Dr. Ashanti Jones, Mrs. Chasity King, Dr. Abhinandan Batra. Not pictured: Dr. Mary Elizabeth Parker

photos by Paul Ware

BY ADAM MCDONALD

FEDERAL FUNDING HELPS DRIVE M.A.D.R.E. PROJECT

Anew project designed to aid victims of natural disasters in Louisiana is moving forward thanks to federal funding. The Mobilized Aid and Disaster Relief for Emergencies (M.A.D.R.E.) project is a collaboration between the ULM College of Pharmacy and the ULM College of Health Sciences.

The funding for the project will allow for the creation of a mobile pharmacy that can be deployed to evacuation shelters in Northeast Louisiana to aid citizens who have evacuated their homes due to hurricanes or other natural disasters.

“When hurricanes affect South Louisiana, North Louisiana is impacted as well. The most recent example is Hurricane Ida in August of 2021, which resulted in the arrival of hundreds of evacuated South Louisiana residents into our area,” said Dr. Jennifer Whited, Director of the School of Allied Health in ULM’s College of Health Sciences. “During times like these, the University of Louisiana Monroe healthcare students and faculty volunteer their time and efforts to meet the needs of these individuals. Students and faculty provide medical screenings and help facilitate fulfillment of prescription and non-prescription medication. During Hurricane Ida, faculty noted that a medically dedicated mobile unit would promote a more efficient response to evacuated residents,” added Whithed.

The M.A.D.R.E. project began as a collaboration between ULM faculty and students as part of the Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup competition in spring 2022.

“Students from the College of Health Sciences and the College of Pharmacy worked with faculty members from both Colleges to bring this idea to the competition,” said Dr. Roxie Stewart, Program Director of Interprofessional Education in ULM’s College of Pharmacy. “It was a natural decision for us to collaborate on this project since we,

as healthcare providers, work together in the field, whether during a natural disaster or in a healthcare setting. Our students also receive interprofessional education while on campus as part of their curricular requirements. Students learn about, from and with each other regarding roles/responsibilities, values/ ethics, interprofessional communication, and teamwork. The work that will be done with M.A.D.R.E. lends itself to a perfect interprofessional collaboration of our healthcare students in providing needed services, as well as satisfying educational requirements,” said Stewart.

Stewart noted that while the M.A.D.R.E. project didn’t win the Pelican Cup, it caught the attention of ULM leadership as well as civic leaders who were motivated to advocate for the project at the state and federal levels.

Once completed, the M.A.D.R.E. mobile pharmacy will serve a purpose beyond just disaster relief. During non-disaster times, the unit will provide support in rural and medically underserved communities to provide great access to prescriptions, vaccinations, and health screenings.

“Individuals in rural areas of Northeast Louisiana often struggle with transportation and locally available medical resources,” said Dr. Whited. “The M.A.D.R.E. unit would provide basic medical care, vaccination support and pharmacy services to those who may not have transportation.”

U.S. Senator Dr. Bill Cassidy sponsored the request for the M.A.D.R.E. project. ULM was awarded $505,000 for the project as part of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2023.

“The M.A.D.R.E. project will help Northeast Louisiana build healthier and safer communities,” said Dr. Cassidy. “It serves Louisiana families with a double purpose, both of which are focused on saving lives.” ■

“The M.A.D.R.E. project will help Northeast Louisiana build healthier and safer communities. It serves Louisiana families with a double purpose, both of which are focused on saving lives.”

– U.S. SENATOR BILL CASSIDY, M.D. (R-LA)

BY DANIELLE KELLEY TOLBIRD

ULM HONORS PROGRAM STUDENTS ENJOY NEWLY RENOVATED HONORS LOUNGE

“Give me a derivative and I got you!”

A chorus of laughs ring out in the newly renovated ULM Honors Program Lounge, a private space exclusively for Honors students to gather, socialize and study.

Agnes Ugokwe, a pre-pharmacy freshman from Alexandria, is joking with her classmates over laptops, notebooks, and card games. She is part of the largest cohort of freshmen students in the ULM Honors Program’s 31-year history. Her course load is a combination of small, discussion-based Honors classes, plus regular lectures and labs. She is seeking advice from Beau Benoit, a toxicology sophomore from Benton, as to which professor to take for her upcoming fall schedule.

“Being a pre-pharmacy major, I’ve taken a ton of math and science classes,” Ugokwe said. “It’s been pretty hectic and stressful at times, but I think I’ve overcome it well by going to tutoring, talking to professors, and being here in the Honors Lounge.”

Ugokwe stretches her hand out to the bright room around her. It’s the middle of the three rooms in the Honors Lounge suite in Strauss

Hall. She’s sitting at a long, wooden table and facing a ping-pong table, where four other Warhawks are battling it out. On one wall is the Honors library with built-in bookshelves, featuring dozens of textbooks, free to the Honors students to reference. Opposite the library wall is another line of shelves, but these are packed with office and art supplies, like sticky notes, markers, paperclips, and paint brushes. There’s even a sink to clean supplies.

“Whenever I first got accepted into the Honors Program, I was really excited to have the Honors Lounge as a perk because I knew that only me and other Honors students could get into it. But when I first got here and saw what it looked like, it just didn’t feel very warm and welcoming,” Ugokwe said. “But now after the renovation, I really want to study here. It’s the little touches that make it stand out compared to anywhere else on campus.”

The $36,500 renovation updated the rooms’ flooring, paint, and furniture. The renovation was made possible by a generous donation from Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Marcus Clark (Ret.). The funds were donated from Justice Clark's retirement excess campaign funds.

“As the recruiters move throughout the state and the southern region, they recognize prospective students’ desire to have an opportunity to participate in a meaningful, rigorous academic experience. This generation of students also seeks programs that encourage and promote service learning that have an impact on the community,”

– LISA MILLER

Students in the ULM Honors Program study and relax in the newly renovated Honors Lounge, located on the first floor of Strauss Hall.

Justice Clark and his wife Allyson Clark are both ULM alumni.

Additional donors for the project were Lori French, Dupuy Flooring, and the ULM Foundation Warhawk Advancement fund. “The renovations are going to help us in recruitment because now we can show students a place that we’re proud of,” Benoit said. “Everybody is proud to call this an Honors Lounge. They’re wanting to show it off and send pictures to friends and family saying, ’Look at this cool space we can hang out in. This is for us!’”

Students come and go from two doorways on the first floor of Strauss Hall, one to another section of the Honors Lounge featuring a coffee bar, table space to study, and a gaming center with board games, card games and video games. The other doorway leads to the office of Honors Program Director Dr. Joshua Stockley. In Fall 2021, he made the shift from full-time faculty in the Political Science Department to fulltime staff, overseeing the growth of the Honors program. By Fall 2022, he saw 115 students enter the program as freshmen, a 60 percent cohort increase from the previous academic year.

“Our increase in enrollment is the combination of students, parents, and high schools recognizing that the University of Louisiana Monroe is one of the best universities at what we do and the recruitment, admissions, and marketing teams working relentlessly to reach as many highly motivated students as possible,” Stockley said.

The 2022 freshman class had an average ACT composite score over 27, and the students hail from Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, Wisconsin, Norway, Venezuela, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Nepal. Overall, enrollment in the ULM Honors Program is up 26 percent, buttressed by a record number of international students. Collectively, Honors students represent 39 different majors and all four colleges at ULM.

“The ULM Honors program provides an exceptional learning experience combined with the opportunity to give back,” said Lisa Miller, ULM’s Vice President of Enrollment Management and University Relations. “As the recruiters move throughout the state and the southern region, they recognize prospective

students’ desire to have an opportunity to participate in a meaningful, rigorous academic experience. This generation of students also seeks programs that encourage and promote service learning that have an impact on the community,” she added. “We are elated with the growth the Honors Program has experienced this year and anticipate an even better next year. Dr. Stockley and the entire Honors faculty’s commitment to this program is evident,” said Miller.

“The Honors Program is an excellent opportunity for the international students to cultivate a more intimate educational experience while here at ULM. The resources and amenities that they receive while in the Honors Program are excellent,” said Gina White, Director of International and Multicultural Affairs. “It is a mutual benefit for the students and the university alike. Having these bright young minds here on the Bayou enriches our culture even more,” she said.

Dr. Stockley adds, “The ULM Honors Program’s graduate and job placement record is phenomenal. Students not only know they will be prepared and admitted into prestigious institutions and competitive companies but will do so through a highly engaged curriculum by our best professors.”

“The renovations are going to help us in recruitment because now we can show students a place that we’re proud of,” said Honors Program student Beau Benoit.

The Honors Program boasts a 100 percent acceptance rate of undergraduate students who apply to graduate, medical, or professional school. Sarah Broadway, a criminal justice junior, is considering going to law school. She says she feels prepared thanks to Honors Program classes.

“The curriculum for Honors is a little bit harder than other classes, so it makes you really work on your time management skills,” she said.

“It makes you learn how to put your best foot forward, and I think it’s prepared me for future jobs and future employment. I’m really happy to be here and to have this opportunity.” ■

photos by Paul Ware

BY ASHLYN DUPREE

ULM PARTNERS WITH LDCC, MONROE CITY SCHOOLS TO IGNITE PASSION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

In striving towards ULM’s mission to be the best in the world, it all starts with success in the community, specifically with students.

To reach this success, ULM has partnered with Louisiana Delta Community College, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the City of Monroe and the Monroe City School Board on a special project at Monroe City Schools.

This project will install 10 banners on the utility poles outside of 19 schools in the Monroe City School system from elementary to high school. Each banner will feature the school’s logo on one side. On the other side, five banners will showcase ULM’s logo, and five banners will feature LDCC’s logo.

The project is designed to inspire youth in Monroe to be proud of their schools and encourage them to pursue higher education at a young age.

Roy Heatherly, the CEO and President of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, said partnering with ULM and LDCC pushes the chamber’s mission to excite students about their education and workforce within the Monroe community.

“We wanted our children to celebrate their schools and celebrate their neighborhoods, but also understand that they have pathways here… that ULM is looking at me, that Louisiana Delta’s looking at me,” Heatherly said. “So whatever career path they go, there are opportunities for

the students in this community, and someone wants them.”

Each entity pooled its money and time together to make this project happen. The city will contribute by installing all the banners around the schools.

This project is a continuation of ULM and LDCC banners already installed throughout the city.

Along with many others, ULM Executive Creative Director Srdjan Marjanovic had a tremendous role in the project. He created vectorized versions of many of the school logos to prepare them for large-scale print.

Marjanovic said through the partnership of ULM, LDCC and entities within Monroe, the community is becoming one.

“These banners are a symbol of crosscollaboration in the community. They are a visual reminder of our progress toward the future as one. One city. One community,” Marjanovic said.

Like Marjanovic, Heatherly said the aligned focus will ultimately reach the mission of the community.

“You see a collaboration amongst different institutions and businesses and from the schools to the business community. We’re all focused on raising the community. And if we raise the community, we all succeed,” Heatherly said. ■

“We wanted our children to celebrate their schools and celebrate their neighborhoods, but also understand that they have pathways here…that ULM is looking at me, that Louisiana Delta’s looking at me.”

– ROY HEATHERLY

Purchase Your Copy Today!

bit.ly/bayoubooksale

Scan the QR code to purchase your copy of the book. Proceeds from each purchase will benefit the Centennial Scholars Program, helping provide educational resources for this group of future Warhawks.

In 2021, ULM collaborated with United Way of Northeast Louisiana to provide a copy of There’s a Bridge on the Bayou to over 2,000 area 3rd graders. This group of elementary students are known as the “Centennial Scholars,” the incoming freshman class of 2031, ULM’s centennial year. Each of these students received a soft cover edition of the book and a voucher for a $500 scholarship to ULM to be used at the time of their future enrollment.

The books were previously only available to those students, until now! You can now purchase your very own hardback copy of There’s a Bridge on the Bayou, written by ULM Development Officer Cindy G. Foust and illustrated by ULM Executive Create Director Srdjan Marjanovic. The book’s main character is the President, Dr. Ronald Berry, who tells the story about how education and the University of Louisiana Monroe changed his life. The book is intended to inspire hope in the belief that students can do and become whatever they set their minds to, as long as they continue to dream.

BY ASHLYN DUPREE

ULM PARTNERS WITH SALVATION ARMY FOR MLK DAY OF SERVICE

The University of Louisiana Monroe participated in the annual MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 16. Over 200 of ULM’s faculty, staff, students, and community partners assisted in sorting and packaging donations made to The Salvation Army of NELA at ULM’s Activity Center from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

ULM accepted donations of items from The Salvation Army of NELA wish list to help the organization restock its resources after the holiday season. These items included plasticware, napkins, toilet tissue, sheets and pillowcases, canned goods and more.

Dr. Pamela Saulsberry, Executive Director of the ULM Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, was the organizer of the event. “The annual MLK Day of Service is a day on, not a day off,” she said. “This is a day where you have an opportunity to be of service to someone other than yourself. We try to make it as easy as possible for our community to make a difference in someone’s life,” she added.

The Salvation Army of NELA, located at 105 Hart Street in Monroe, La., offers a variety of services, such as a community kitchen, a food pantry, holiday assistance, disaster services, and shelter for men, women and children who have housing needs. During the holiday season, their resources are greatly diminished, and this effort helped to replenish them.

The Salvation Army truck arrived at ULM at 10:00 a.m. After it was loaded, volunteers followed the truck to The Salvation Army to help unload the items.

Kelly Morgan said she enjoyed interacting with students who had the heart to serve like her.

“Coming from a predominantly white institution that advocates for diversity, [MLK Day] allows us to not only commemorate [MLK’s] day but his legacy through service,” said Morgan, a senior psychology major. “ULM’s contributions are students yielding their time to their community, which gets their feet wet to the benefits of service, so post-graduation students are more likely to do service projects around Monroe.”

ULM would like to thank Ochsner/LSU Health Monroe Medical Center for their collaboration on this year’s MLK Day of Service.

According to AmeriCorps, The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. During the last quarter-century, the MLK Day of Service has grown, and its impact increased as more Americans embraced the idea that citizenship involves taking an active role in improving communities. ■

“This is a day where you have an opportunity to be of service to someone other than yourself. We try to make it as easy as possible for our community to make a difference in someone’s life.”

– DR. PAMELA SAULSBERRY

Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Pamela H. Saulsberry, speaks to the crowd of students, faculty, and staff gathered to help serve The Salvation Army.

photos by Paul Ware

BY ADAM MCDONALD

2022 GIVING TUESDAY GOAL EXCEEDED

Due to the generosity of faculty, staff, students, and community supporters, the ULM Foundation was able to exceed the 2022 Giving Tuesday goal of $100,000. Due to the kindness of 159 donors, the 2022 Giving Tuesday campaign brought in an estimated total of $147,433.93.

“Exceeding the Giving Tuesday goals both in number of participants and financial gifts is truly rewarding as this success shows that people believe ULM changes lives,” said Susan Chappell, Executive Director of the ULM Foundation.

The 2022 Giving Tuesday campaign focused on three specific areas of need: Athletic Excellence, Faculty and Staff Excellence, and the Centennial Scholars Program.

Gifts designated for Athletic Excellence will help provide support for athletic scholarships, facilities improvements, and other program needs for ULM Warhawk Athletics.

Gifts designated for Faculty and Staff Excellence will help invest in ULM employees’ development, research, and opportunities to excel.

The Centennial Scholars Program, launched in 2021, provided a $500 scholarship to third graders in Ouachita Parish. These students will be included in the incoming freshman class of fall 2031, the centennial year of the University. The Centennial Scholars Program will steward these students, now fourth graders, until they reach college age, giving hope to children who may have never known a college degree was an option for their futures.

Giving Tuesday donors were also able to designate their gifts to many other areas of need including the ULM Alumni Association, Greek Life, and KEDM Public Radio. Many donors also chose the “My Passion” option,

THANK YOU

FOR CHANGING LIVES

which allowed them to give to a program or scholarship fund that is most important to them.

The 2022 Giving Tuesday donations were bolstered by three $1,000 matches for specific programs. Alberta Green and ABG Professional Development Solutions offered a $1,000 match for gifts designated to The Sound of Today Marching Band. Anonymous $1,000 donations were also pledged for the Centennial Scholars Program, as well as Faculty and Staff Excellence. Each of these matches were funded in full because donors met the $1,000 threshold.

Giving Tuesday is held each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. 2022 marked the 10th anniversary of this global generosity movement. Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past ten years, this idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

Chappell expressed the gratitude of the ULM Foundation by saying, “We’d like to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to all who participated and donors who designated matching gifts.” ■

ULM FOUNDATION RECEIVES OVER $140,000 IN DONATIONS

“We’d like to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to all who participated and donors who designated matching gifts.”

– SUSAN CHAPPELL

The new virtual campus tour is designed to help prospective students throughout all stages of their recruitment. It gives students access to virtually engage with the campus before touring or if they cannot visit campus.

Take Flight Spirit of

The new virtual campus tour supports ULM Recruitment in giving students a new, easy way to access the campus. One feature of this new experience is an interactive map that will be useful for current students as well.

BY LESLIE HOBGOOD

FROM MISS ULM

On November 11th, 2022, I was crowned Miss ULM 2023, and a dream of mine since freshmen year came true. I spent four years preparing and serving the university in many ways to be the best Miss ULM I could be.

Miss ULM is a year of service, and I have been fortunate to participate in many events on campus and in the Monroe/West Monroe community. I have hosted the Holiday Tree Lighting, ULM’s Got Talent, PAWS Pet Parade, CAB fashion show, and have also performed at various campus events. I was fortunate to ride in the Krewe of Janus and Krewe De Riviere Mardi Gras Parades. At every event that I am wearing the crown and sash, I am reminded how lucky I am to serve as the official hostess and represent the entire institution.

One thing I strive to do as Miss ULM is bring awareness to learning disabilities. I am dyslexic and was not diagnosed until I was 17 years old. I know how necessary it is to receive proper accommodations and diagnoses so students can succeed academically and in other areas. I strive to show that a learning disability is not something that needs to be a barrier but rather a tool to motivate hard work and dedication. A learning disability is not something to work around but rather work through.

Miss ULM is an official preliminary for the Miss Louisiana Competition, a part of the Miss America organization, the largest scholarship provider for young women in the country. The pageant takes place this June in Monroe, and I cannot wait to represent my fellow Warhawks on the stage. Preparation has already begun, with interview prep, talent selections, and road trips to ensure my wardrobe is perfect.

President Berry always says, “we are changing lives here on the Bayou,” and I can say with the utmost certainty that I have been changed for the better in every aspect. Every professor, mentor, and employee has shaped me into the person I am. I feel blessed that my last year at ULM is spent as a year of service giving back to the university, which has devoted four years to transforming me as a leader, singer, student, and, most importantly, as an individual. ■

photo by Paul Ware

BY COLBY POGUE

FROM MR. ULM

Even though I have been an active student at this university for the past four and a half years, being the new Mr. ULM has allowed me to embark on a journey unlike any other. This has expanded my already-positive scope of the university and the community.

One of my main goals for the position was to bridge the gap of titleholder and confidant—presenting a sense of approachability, relatability, and comfort to the students and faculty on this beautiful campus. I want students to know their potential and take advantage of each opportunity available without questioning his or her credibility.

Additionally, being a student of color in this position only adds to the inside and outside perspective of being the fifth Mr. ULM. While I have maintained a calm spirit throughout my reign so far, I gain my energy and momentum from the enthusiasm of black students, faculty, and community members reminding me of the importance of being in my position.

I also loved getting to learn more about Miss ULM, Leslie Hobgood, and Miss ULM’s Outstanding Teen, Genevieve Wetzel. Not only have we gained insight about navigating together through social appearances, but we have also learned about each other as people, further strengthening our bond and connection overall.

Over the next year, I will make a point to continue tapping into the community and learning how to see, advocate for, and care for others to the best of my ability. One of the ways that I plan to accomplish this is by employing my social impact initiative, which is entitled “Embrace, Embody, Excel.” My initiative is specifically directed toward high school juniors and seniors in the Ouachita Parish area. This is a workshop-based initiative allowing students to participate in team-building activities, establish leadership skills, and identify strengths and weaknesses. Students will learn how to utilize these skills to catapult themselves into adulthood. Whether students are looking to get insight into college, a career, or trying to establish what’s next, the workshop will be an opportunity to step back and reevaluate, while understanding the importance of establishing a plan. I am excited to push my initiative forward, while continuing to represent this university in the best light possible. ■

photo by Paul Ware

photo by Prajal Prasai

Dr. Charles R. McDonald and his wife Jo McDonald.

BY ADAM MCDONALD

A LEGACY OF SERVICE: DR. CHARLES R. MCDONALD

On Monday, January 30, 2023, a standing room only crowd packed into the 7th Floor Terrace room at the ULM Library. Everyone was gathered to celebrate the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the newly renamed “Dr. Charles R. McDonald Office of Financial Aid” on ULM’s campus. A glance around the room would allow you to see a who’s who of some of Louisiana’s most influential people: mayors, university presidents, former state legislators, leaders in higher education and some of ULM’s most faithful supporters. In this room was gathered a small sampling of the lives that have been touched by the service and passion of Dr. Charles R. McDonald.

Even if you’ve never met him, you or someone you know were likely affected by the work of Dr. McDonald. Regarded as “The Father of TOPS,” McDonald was the lead author of Louisiana House Bill 2154 which created the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students, or TOPS. The TOPS program provides tuition for over 58,000 Louisiana students each year and changed the face of higher education in Louisiana forever. But it all started with a young man who saw the value of an education and the doors it could open for him and others.

Charles R. McDonald was born in 1939 in rural Richland Parish. After graduating from Holly Ridge High School, he enrolled at ULM (then Northeast Louisiana State College) in 1957 as an undergraduate. Coming from a family with little money, McDonald worked his way through college and was married during that time. McDonald and his wife Patsy welcomed a son, Scott, during his senior year. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, McDonald was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served two years in Germany as part of the 2nd Cavalry.

McDonald then returned home and got a personal understanding of the benefits of tuition assistance when he was able to use the G.I. Bill to obtain a master's degree from ULM. He worked at Oak Grove High School in West Carroll Parish all while continuing his graduate studies and receiving his doctorate, also from ULM. McDonald continued in secondary education, eventually

becoming a principal in Bastrop.

In 1974, Dr. McDonald was presented with the opportunity to come and work for the institution that had given him so much. He began working at ULM (by then renamed Northeast Louisiana University) as the Director of Counseling, Placement, and Testing. After a few years in that role, Dr. McDonald became the Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships, a role that would help shape the rest of his career.

McDonald recounts that during his time as Director of Financial Aid, he had full control over awarding scholarships. “I could go to any school and award scholarships as I needed,” he said. He had a particular interest in making sure students in rural schools had what they needed to succeed. “One year, we went to Winnfield High School and were able to award 14 of their top 20 graduates with full scholarships,” he recalled. McDonald was well-liked and respected on campus and maintained a good relationship with the university administration. McDonald remembers a time when he asked President Dr. Dwight Vines how much money he had available to award to students through ▶

photo by Paul Ware

Even if you’ve never met him, you or someone you know were likely affected by the work of Dr. McDonald, who is regarded as “The Father of TOPS.”

Dr. Charles R. McDonald (center) poses with the speakers from the event. (L-R) Former Speaker of the House Maj. Gen. Hunt Downer, Executive Director of LOFSA, Dr. Sujuan Boutté , Board of Regents member Bob Levy, and ULM President Dr. Ronald Berry.

scholarships. Vines replied, “Whatever it takes.”

McDonald continued to work hard and excel in his role as Director of Financial Aid, regularly awarding over $50 million in federal aid to students each year. By 1991, McDonald had served for thirty years in the field of education and was considering what retirement might look like for him. He was approached by a friend who asked him to consider running for an open seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives. “I then realized that I might be able to help the education field and work on behalf of ULM while also serving a rural community that has many needs,” said McDonald.

McDonald was elected and began a 17year tenure that saw him serve under four governors. McDonald applied the same work

ethic that had always served him well and was appointed to the appropriations committee where he served for over 14 years. This role positioned him well to advocate for funding for his district, but also for the university he loved dearly. Over the years, McDonald was instrumental in securing funding for many facilities upgrades and improvements for ULM, including renovations to Malone Stadium. He also led the efforts to purchase the building that currently houses the ULM College of Pharmacy and worked closely with Governor Kathleen Blanco to obtain the funds to renovate the building, helping it become a state-of-the-art facility.

In his years as a legislator, McDonald’s heart always remained with the students of ULM, but his most famous piece of legislation would impact not only students at this university, but at every university in the state. McDonald’s time as Director of Financial Aid had uniquely positioned him to see the struggles that students face each day. “We had so many students in the rural area that ULM serves that got Pell grants, supplementary grants, jobs on campus, etc. Many of them had to take out loans and borrow a lot of money for tuition, housing, and books,” he said. In the era before TOPS, there were a number of small, state funded scholarships available to students. Many went unused because students were unaware of them or because the application process was too tedious. McDonald thought, “What if a student who worked hard, made decent grades, and had a decent ACT score, could apply to one program and have what they needed?” McDonald deleted the small scholarships from the state statutes so that the funds could be focused on one program

that would become TOPS.

McDonald knew that TOPS was an ambitious bill and it would require support from fellow legislators and of course, the governor. Rep. Hunt Downer was the Speaker of the House at the time and happened to be McDonald’s roommate in Baton Rouge. These two legislators with military backgrounds had a ritual of shining

their shoes together. “I had been working on the bill and as we shined our shoes I would ask his opinion about it. Downer gave good input through the legislative process and was there to help in any way he could,” said McDonald.

McDonald was confident of the bill, but he knew it could only succeed with the support of Governor Mike Foster. “There were some legislators who were a little reluctant to spend that kind of money because they had other projects, but as we moved the legislation

Dr. Sujuan Boutté, Executive Director of the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid, presents Dr. McDonald with a plaque highlighting the impact of TOPS over the years.

Coach Lou St. Amant (left) and Dr. McDonald's son Scott McDonald, former ULM Director of Athletics (right) congratulate him at the ceremony.

Dr. McDonald (front) is joined by former members of the Louisiana legislature who served with him. (L-R) Former Speaker of the House Jimmy Dimos, former Sen. Mike Walsworth, former Sen. and current President of Grambling State University Dr. Rick Gallot, former Sen. James “Jim" Fannin, former Speaker of the House Maj. Gen. Hunt Downer, former Sen. and current Sec. of Wildlife & Fisheries Robert Barham.

through the process, I asked Governor Foster, ’If we pass it, can it be funded?’ and he said ’Yes.’ When all the legislators heard that the Governor committed to fund it, they were very encouraged,” said McDonald. The bill passed through the House and Senate with no opposition and was signed into law by Foster in July 1997.

Since the 1998-1999 school year, the TOPS program has given $4.23 billion to Louisiana students for higher education. On average, more than 58,000 students annually receive TOPS in Louisiana, with the state legislature allocating approximately $300 million each year to support the program.

McDonald said he is honored to have been able to pass a piece of legislation of this magnitude. For him, it’s always been about serving students and their families. “I knew how vital and important education was and what degrees have enabled me to do. I wanted all kids who had a desire to come to college to be able to afford it. I thought TOPS would make it much easier,” he said.

Dr. McDonald’s time in the House of Representatives came to an end in 2007, but he wasn’t finished influencing higher education in Louisiana. In 2017 he was appointed to the Louisiana Board of Regents by Governor John Bel Edwards. McDonald recently concluded his six-year term in December 2022. Also in December, the Board of Regents issued a proclamation memorializing the legacy of Dr. McDonald by noting his authorship of the bill in printed and electronic materials referencing TOPS in perpetuity.

The work of Dr. McDonald has reached far and wide in Louisiana in the 25 years since TOPS was created. At the unveiling ceremony, ULM Vice President for Enrollment Management and University Relations Lisa Miller asked anyone in the crowd who received TOPS or was a parent of a child who received TOPS to stand. More than three quarters of the crowded room

stood and offered thunderous applause in appreciation of what Dr. McDonald made possible through TOPS.

Even though his career in politics took him beyond Northeast Louisiana, Dr. McDonald describes his career as “a lifetime of working for ULM” because he was always conscious of what he might be able to accomplish for the university. Now Dr. McDonald’s name and likeness will forever be on display at the “Dr. Charles R. McDonald Office of Financial Aid” on ULM’s campus.

“I’m honored and it’s wonderful,” said McDonald of the renaming. “I never thought coming here as an undergraduate that an office would ever be named for me. All it will do is remind me of how I worked very hard to serve students and families and that’s what it’s all about,” he added.

“There are so many outstanding people that served here that deserved to be recognized. They provided a great service to students and I’m just one so I’m going to represent everyone I worked with and knew that contributed to the University.” ■

“There are so many outstanding people that served here that deserved to be recognized. They provided a great service to students and I’m just one so I’m going to represent everyone I worked with and knew that contributed to the University.”

– DR. CHARLES R. MCDONALD

A standing room only crowd packs into the 7th Floor Terrace Room at the ULM Library to honor Dr. McDonald on January 30, 2023.

Dr. McDonald poses with the plaque that bears his name and likeness. The plaque now hangs in the “Dr. Charles R. McDonald Office of Financial Aid” in Sandel Hall.

BY ADAM MCDONALD

ULM FORGES PARTNERSHIP WITH CHENNAULT AVIATION AND MILITARY MUSEUM

The University of Louisiana Monroe signed a memorandum of understanding with The Chennault Aviation and Military Museum (CAMM) on December 9, 2022. ULM Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Mark Arant and Chennault Museum President Nell Calloway spoke at the ceremony announcing the agreement.

“This collaboration provides ULM students with vital service-learning experiences in which they can increase their knowledge while advancing a local legacy,” said Arant. “Our employers are looking for students that have practical experience and community engagement. This opportunity combines those expectations into one great

experience,” he added.

“This MOU will be a bridge to enhance the student learning process and drive recognition of our historical milestones in aviation and military accomplishments,” said Calloway. “As a partnership, we can reach more audiences and achieve more positive outcomes while giving a better appreciation for our men and women who have served in our military. The Warhawk mascot represents a legacy that faculty, students, and our community can be very proud to represent,” she said.

Collaborative projects described in the MOU include consultation on building projects with the ULM Construction Management program, student picnics hosted at CAMM Aviation Park, student internships, the collection of oral histories, and assisting with museum curation. ULM students will also have the opportunity to volunteer at CAMM events such as their annual air shows. There will also be ULM ROTC presence at CAMM events.

The agreement is established for five years, at which point it will be re-evaluated and potentially renewed for an additional five years. ■

“This collaboration provides ULM students with vital service-learning experiences in which they can increase their knowledge while advancing a local legacy.”

– DR. MARK ARANT

Adminstrators from CAMM and ULM pose outside the museum. (L-R) Judge Elvis Stout, Hollie Boudreaux, Nell Calloway, Dr. Mark Arant, Dr. Ronald Berry. The new agreement will provide new learning opportunites for ULM students.

photos by Jeanette Robinson

BY ADAM MCDONALD

FIRST ROUND OF OPPORTUNITY FUND RECIPIENTS NAMED

THE FIRST OFFICIAL, COMMITTEE-BASED ROUND OF RECIPIENTS FROM THE ULM OPPORTUNITY FUND WERE NAMED IN DECEMBER 2022. SEVEN PROJECTS WERE FUNDED AFTER A REVIEW PROCESS CONDUCTED BY THE OPPORTUNITY FUND COMMITTEE.

DR. ALLEN PARRISH, Assistant Professor of Music, will receive $5,500 to conduct a Community Brass Band Seminar to train area high school and college student musicians to create successful New Orleans-style brass bands.

DR. CARLTON KILPATRICK & DR. KENNA VERONEE, Assistant Professors of Music, will receive $2,200 to offset travel costs for students to attend the Texas Music Educators Association annual conference, the largest conference of its kind in the United States.

DR. WILLIAM G. MCCOWN, Professor of Psychology, will receive $2,985 to purchase hardware and software to create a Behavioral Research Lab for online and off-campus students. The lab will allow these students to design their own faculty-sponsored research projects.

DR. JEREMY BELL, Assistant Professor of Education, will receive $8,500 for his SciMAT Lab project. SciMAT stands for science, math, and assistive technology. The project will be a state-of-the-art laboratory providing students in multiple programs with access to assistive technology materials.

DR. JENNIFER HOH, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy, will receive approximately $16,000 for LEARN –Louisiana Educational Awareness for Rescue Needs. Dr. Hoh and her colleagues from the ULM College of Pharmacy will implement this program in high schools across the state. The program will engage students in preparedness training to help them recognize serious events and prevent them from becoming life-threatening.

DR. DARRION FLUNDER-JENKINS, Assistant Professor of Precision Agriculture and Unmanned Aircraft System Management, will receive $4,165 to continue the Sky Breakers Drone Workshop which is offered to our region’s middle and high school students. The workshop covers the fundamentals of drone flight operations and the application of drones in various industries.

DR. LEIGH N. HERSEY, Assistant Professor of Political Science, will receive $6,680 to continue the Women Take FLIGHT (Fostering Leadership to Increase Growth in Higher-ed Teams) program. The multidisciplinary project facilitates a university-wide, non-supervisory mentoring program for all faculty and staff, the Warhawk Women Read book club, and a variety of professional development workshops and socials; upcoming for spring are a research forum and a women in sports event.

The ULM Opportunity Fund, founded in 2020, assists students, faculty, and staff in generating positive change in the University and regional communities. ULM President Dr. Ronald Berry, joined by his wife, Dr. Christine Berry, started the fund with a personal commitment of $100,000. Due to the fundraising efforts of the ULM Foundation, the Opportunity Fund has grown to over $500,000.

The ULM Opportunity Fund is a flexible fund to support a wide variety of activities not typically funded through individual colleges or specific departments. Some examples of potential funding include programs that improve diversity, equity, and inclusion, or programs that connect the regional community to ULM as a source of service, knowledge, or research.

The ULM Opportunity Fund will award funds for projects each year. The funded projects are selected by the Opportunity Fund committee after a review process.

The 2022-2023 Opportunity Fund Committee is: Allison Thompson, Director, Assessment and Evaluation/SACSCOC Accreditation Liaison, and Dr. Courtney Robertson, Clinical Associate Professor, College of Pharmacy, Co-chairs; Dr. Kioh Kim, Professor and Director of Education Doctoral Program, College of Arts, Education, and Sciences; Carmen Wright, Director of Student Athlete Success and Senior Woman Administrator; Seth Hall, Chief Strategy Officer; Dr. Alicia Rollins, ULM DEI Fellow, Dr. Ashanti Jones, Assistant Professor and Director of Physical Therapy Clinical Education, College of Health Sciences; and James Beinkemper, Benefits Specialist, Human Resources. ■

Recipients of the Opportunity Fund pose with members of the committee. Pictured L-R: Dr. Courtney Robertson, Allison Thompson, Dr. Alicia Rollins, Dr. Ashanti Jones, Dr. William McCown, Dr. Kioh Kim, Dr. Kenna Veronee, Dr. Ronald Berry, Dr. Christine Berry, Dr. Carlton Kilpatrick, Dr. Leigh Hersey, Dr. Darrion Flunder-Jenkins, Dr. Jeremy Bell,Dr. Anthony Walker, Carmen Wright, Seth Hall

photos by Paul Ware

BY BRICE JONES, PH.D.

ULM WELCOMES JOHN HARTWELL AS NEW DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

In January, ULM named John Hartwell as its new Director of Athletics (AD).

Hartwell, a native of Mobile, Ala., played college basketball for The Citadel, where he received a bachelor's degree. His first day as ULM’s AD was February 27.

Hartwell’s hiring came after a monthslong search to fill the position that was vacated by former AD Scott McDonald in August 2022. The search committee was co-chaired by ULM Director of StudentAthlete Success Carmen Wright and ULM Head Baseball Coach Michael Federico.

Early in his career, Hartwell held financial roles, serving as a CPA with Ernst & Young (1987-1991), Director of Internal Audit at The Citadel (1991-1994), and as the CFO for a beverage distributor on the South Carolina coast (1994-1997).

“It was my college basketball coach, Les Robinson, who at the time was the Director of Athletics at North Carolina State University, who urged me to transition into collegiate athletics,” said Hartwell. “He told me that with the combination of my financial background, people skills, collegiate athletics knowledge, and the people with whom I had relationships in the business, the transition would a ‘nobrainer.’”

He left the private sector in 1997 to begin his first stint in collegiate athletics at Georgia State University, first serving as Assistant AD of Finance and Administration (1997-1999) and then as Associate AD of Finance and Internal Affairs (1999-2003).

From Georgia State University, he transitioned to the University of Mississippi, serving in various roles, including Associate Athletics Director for

Finance (2003-2005), Senior Associate Athletics Director (2005-2009, and Senior Executive Associate Athletics Director (2009-2012).

Hartwell’s first job as an AD came in 2012 at Troy University, where he was responsible for all aspects of a 17-sport program, 420 student student-athletes, 78 full time staff and coaches, and a $21M budget. At Troy, he was successful in achieving many major facility upgrades, securing millions of dollars through aggressive fundraising, and increasing the student-athlete GPA and Academic Progress Rate (APR) numbers across all sports.

Utah State University hired Hartwell in 2015 as its next Vice President and Director of Athletics, a position he held for nearly 8 years. While at Utah State, he was successful in securing record gifts and pledges, including the largest endowed scholarship gift ever ($1.44M) for Utah State athletics. Under his leadership, the budget increased from $28M to $40.9M, a drastic increase by all standards.

Even though Hartwell has an abundance of achievements about which to boast as an AD, finances and winning are not his first priority.

“I am most excited about helping increase academic success at both institutions at which I have been an AD,” said Hartwell. “Both the Graduation Success Rate (GSR) and Grade Point Average (GPA) for student-athletes rose significantly during my tenure as AD and I rate this as #1 because my first priority for our studentathletes is academic success. That is why they are called “student-athletes.”

Hartwell values the importance of team work and is quick to give credit to the many people who worked toward the achievements garnered under his leadership. “The many achievements we saw at Troy and Utah State were not accomplished by a single person or small group of people, but rather through an intentional effort across both Athletics and the University as a whole to serve our student-athletes.”

Now at the helm of ULM Athletics, Hartwell is ready to lead a department that he says is primed for growth and success.

“The opportunity for growth and success in ULM Athletics is immense,” expressed Hartwell. “The University has made great strides under President ▶

“It was my college basketball coach, Les Robinson, who at the time was the Director of Athletics at North Carolina State University, who urged me to transition into collegiate athletics.”

– JOHN HARTWELL

HARTWELL ATHLETICS

“My

overall philosophy on leading Athletics is to make sure that we provide the tools and resources for our student-athletes to be successful in the classroom, on the fields of competition, and ultimately in the game of life.”

– JOHN HARTWELL

photo by Paul Ware

Hartwell was introduced to the ULM family at a press conference on January 30. “I assure you that we are going to work diligently every day to ensure that there is excellence across the board," said Hartwell.

Left: Hartwell introduces his family at the press conference

Right: Hartwell is joined by his family at the press conference. (L-R) Dr. Jim Seale, Ginger Seale, Heather Hartwell, Madison Hartwell, John Hartwell, Lauren Hartwell.

Right: ULM President Dr. Ronald Berry, First Lady Dr. Christine Berry, Dr. Heather Hartwell, John Hartwell “ULM was fortunate to attract an athletic leader of John's caliber," said President Berry.

photos by Prajal Prasai

Berry’s leadership and I look forward to helping him do that in Athletics. We don’t just want to be proud members of the Sun Belt Conference; our vision is to be contenders for Sun Belt Championships across all of our sports.”

The patriarch of the Manning football dynasty, Archie Manning, was one of many who expressed enthusiastically that ULM picked the right guy for the job.

“ULM’s hiring of John Hartwell sends a signal to the Sun Belt Conference and all of collegiate athletics that they are serious about elevating the profile of Warhawk Athletics,” said Manning. “I have followed John’s career since his days at Ole Miss and everywhere he goes as an AD he has positively grown the success of their programs. Welcome to our great state of Louisiana!”

When asked about his leadership philosophy, Hartwell said: “My overall philosophy on leading Athletics is to make sure that we provide the tools and resources for our student-athletes to be successful in the classroom, on the fields of competition, and ultimately in the game of life. This philosophy has to permeate through everything we do, because none of our coaches or staff would have a job if it weren’t for our 360+ student-athletes. We must always keep that in mind.”

The move to Monroe brings Hartwell’s family closer to home. Hartwell’s wife, Heather, is originally from El Dorado, Ark., where her family still resides. Her parents, Dr. Jim and Ginger Seale, joined the Hartwell family at the initial press conference on January 30. Hartwell described the ULM Director of Athletics position as a “family affair,” saying that he, Heather, and their two daughters will be involved greatly at ULM.

“We are strong advocates of the ’town and gown’ relationship between the community and the university and we look forward to meeting all the wonderful people in this area,” he stated.

Outside of athletics, Hartwell enjoys spending time with his family, visiting the beach, fishing, and golf. ■

photo by Paul Ware

BY ADAM MCDONALD

ULM CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

DR. STEPHEN PETERS DELIVERS KEYNOTE AT ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM

Nationally renowned author, speaker, and educator Dr. Stephen Peters delivered the keynote address at ULM’s annual Black History Program on February 24. Peters’ speech highlighted the importance of education and literacy in his personal story, and also black history in America.

“We’re here to honor the humanity, the hard work, the blood, sweat, and tears of people who went before us who didn’t think about themselves first; they thought about society,” said Peters.

Peters has spent over 37 years in the education realm as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of secondary education, and superintendent. Most of his experiences have been in schools with significant, quick growth, resulting in both national and state blue-ribbon distinction.

Emphasizing literacy as a key to success for everyone, Peters noted that he realized earlier in his career that “poverty is the enemy of education, but literacy is the vaccine for poverty.” He challenged the crowd with the question “What are you reading?” “If you can’t tell somebody what you’re reading, you need to step up because you are not becoming the best version of yourself. People who walk in their calling understand the importance of being well-read,” he added.

Peters recounted his experience as a college basketball standout who was required to shift his professional focus to education after an injury shortened his athletic career. “In many respects, as I think back, I could have given up. I could have taken a different route, but I was just getting started,” said Peters of that time in his life. “To whom much is given, much is required, and I understood that assignment, and I’m still walking in that today.”

Peters told of how his bestselling book Do You Know Enough About Me to Teach Me?, afforded him the opportunity to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show and his work as principal of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in South Carolina was featured in the award-winning BBC documentary American High School.

Encouraging the attendees to continually think of others, Peters said that “highly effective leaders don’t create followers, we develop more leaders.” “Don’t allow all of the access that you have before you to go to waste. Access it and then activate it, but not with success on your mind for you. Success for me says that every generation in our families should get better.”

The program was presented by The ULM Cultural Diversity Council and the Office of International Student Programs and Cultural Affairs. The program included a performance by students from Dazzle Dance Company and Mr. ULM Colby Pogue provided a saxophone rendition of Mariah Carey’s “Hero.”

The program concluded with the presentation of awards. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Spotlight Award was presented to Erick Burton, Enrollment Services Specialist in ULM’s Office of Recruitment. The Dr. Pamela H. Saulsberry Trailblazer

Award was presented to Dr. Alicia Rollins. Rollins received her Ed. D. from ULM and currently serves as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fellow for the University. She also works as an Anatomical Laboratory Supervisor at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM) on the ULM campus.

The Black History Program committee included Ms. Adewumi Ariwajoye, Ms. Kaitlin Arnett, Mr. Erick Burton, Mr. Ethan Estis, Dr. Valerie Fields, Dr. Pamela H. Saulsberry, Mr. Ahmaad Solmone, Ms. Brittney Thurman, Mrs. Gina J. White, Mrs. Faith Wilson, and Mr. Chris Williams.

The Awards Committee included Dr. Mystee Burrell, Mr. Erick Burton, Mrs. Shonnie Hall-Trotter, Mrs. Lashonda Reese, Mrs. Sara Siereveld, Dr. John Sutherlin, and Mr. Horace Wilson.

For more information about Black History Month at ULM, visit www.ulm.edu/bhm. ■

Counterclockwise from left: Dr. Stephen Peters addresses the gathering; award winners Dr. Alicia Rollins and Erick Burton pose with Dr. Pamela H. Saulsberry (center); dancers from Dazzle Dance Company share their talent with the crowd

photos by Paul Ware

2022-2023 DONOR GIFT HIGHLIGHTS

HERITAGE OF INDIA SCHOLARS SCHOLARSHIP

The Tex Kilpatrick Endowed Professorship in Kinesiology was created by a donation of $80,000 from the Kilpatrick family, which will be matched with $20,000 from the Louisiana Board of Regents. Following an investment period of one year, the endowed professorship will be made available to faculty in the Kinesiology department through an application process. The Dean of the College of Health Sciences will then select one professor to receive the endowment for three years.

Tex Kilpatrick’s service to ULM was extensive and included participating in the selection of two ULM Presidents, serving as Vice President of the ULM Foundation, and co-chairing, with special friends Lynn and James Moore, the fundraising drive to build Bon Aire, the ULM President's official residence.

CAUSEY-BOYD ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

The Heritage of India Society, a local organization created to bring awareness to Indian culture, recently donated $30,000 to the University of Louisiana Monroe Foundation to create the fully endowed Heritage of India Scholars Scholarship. The scholarship will support deserving undergraduate and graduate students of Indian heritage in their academic endeavors at ULM.

Latha Jois, president of the Heritage of India Society, spoke at the check presentation. “We hope to support and inspire our new generation with the tools to carve their own path through education and motivate others in the community to do the same,” she said. “By supporting younger generations, we can continue to build and sustain a prosperous community.”

TEX KILPATRICK ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIP IN KINESIOLOGY

MICHAEL C. ECHOLS SUPERIOR GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP ENDOWMENT

Steven and LeAnn Boyd established the Causey-Boyd Endowed Scholarship to honor Nolton W. Causey, Jr. and his impact to the profession of pharmacy, his community, and future generations of pharmacists. Nolton W. Causey, Jr., alumni of the ULM College of Pharmacy (class of 1969) served the Natchitoches community as a dedicated and well-loved independent community pharmacist for nearly 50 years. Additionally, throughout his career he was an active member of the Louisiana Pharmacist Association (LPA) and a founding member of the Louisiana Independent Pharmacist Association (LIPA).

Louisiana State Representative Michael Echols made a donation to the ULM Foundation to create The Michael C. Echols Superior Graduate Scholarship Endowment. The $100,000 endowment will provide financial support to a ULM student pursuing their Master’s in Business Administration (MBA.)

Echols, a two-time alumnus of ULM including an MBA, said it has always been a goal of his to give back to the university that gave him so much. “I’m hopeful this gift will provide opportunity for those working towards a professional degree to make getting the degree more affordable, to retain and attract more highly trained individuals in our region, and to support students in need,” he said.

The Michael C. Echols Superior Graduate Scholarship Endowment is funded by a $60,000 gift from Echols and a potential $40,000 match from the Louisiana Board of Regents.

Nolton’s middle daughter, LeAnn Causey Boyd, alumni of the ULM College of Pharmacy (class of 2002) along with her husband Steven T. Boyd, pharmacist, worked alongside Nolton in the family’s pharmacies and businesses. In 2015, Nolton, LeAnn, and Steve founded the first Pharmacy Benefit Manager in the State of Louisiana built on a transparent business model. Nolton’s grandson and LeAnn’s son, Landon, is also a ULM alumnus. Recipients of this scholarship have an interest in making positive impacts in their communities through entrepreneurship and the practice of pharmacy.

(Front row L-R) Simran Dhaliwal Eamus, Dr. Seetharama Jois, Dr. Mollie John, Malini Krishnamurthy, Latha Jois, Alpa Patel, Suchi Rodda, Dr. Siva Murru (Back row L-R) Mr. Krishnamurthy, Dr. Ronald Berry, Dr. Sushma Krishnamurthy

(L-R): Malcolm Maddox, Anne Lockhart, Laura Kilpatrick Marchelos, Kerry Kilpatrick, Carole Kilpatrick, Robin Kilpatrick Fincher, Dr. Ronald Berry, Bishop Mark Foster, Michael Fincher

Steven and LeAnn Boyd

(L-R): Christie Echols, Michael Echols, Dr. Michelle McEacharn, Dr. Ronald Berry

Nolton and Lanell Causey

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

1968

Dalton LeBlanc (Masters Health & PE) celebrated 50 years as a State Farm Agent in Houma, Louisiana on 8/01/2022 and 50 years in Rotary on 9/13/2022. As a member of the ULM Athletic Hall of Fame, he graduated with a Master’s degree in 1968. In 1966 Dalton was Student body President. He loved being a student at ULM and his two years as High School Relations Director under President George Walker.

1972

Joel Aronson (BS Pharmacy) lives in Natick, Massachusetts with his wife Roberta and son Michael. He retired in 2019 after working as a hospital pharmacists for15 years at the Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Rhode Island 28 years at Boston City Hospital/Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts. Joel is recognized by Marquis Who’s Who as a humanitarian, industry leader, and top professional. He has appeared in many publications including Fortune, Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek. Joel has also appeared as an interviewee on The Star Treatment with Star Jones and has received the I CARE Leadership award pin from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as the Albert Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award.

David Dorsch (BS Construction Management) has spent over 50 years in the construction industry in various roles, from a laborer to owner of a company. He currently lives in College Park, Maryland, near the University of Maryland. David owns several rent houses he rents to students. He is also chair of the city Airport Authority for the College Park Airport, the oldest continually operating airport in the world.

1989

Kim Harvey (BS Pharmacy) has accepted a new position as Senior Vice President, Field Operations for Option Care Health, the country's largest infusion services provider. In this role, Kim has oversight over all operations in 24 states and 2200 employees. Operations includes pharmacy, nursing, warehouse, patient registration, and administration.

1990

Congratulations to NLU/ULM former

quarterback Doug Pederson (BBA.) Pederson led the Jacksonville Jaguars to an AFC South title in his first season as head coach! He is also recognized in the ULM Hall of Fame and is a lifetime member of the ULM Alumni Association.

1991

Valley McWherter (BS) lives in Truro, Iowa and works as an Information Relayer.

1999

Congratulations to alumni, Dejaneiro Davis (BMgmt, SE 2013) on being voted on as King of the Twin Cities Krewe de Riviere and for his company, Just Run the Play Inc. , being named as the February 2023 Business of the Month by the West Monroe -West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce.

2007

Meghan Olinger (BA Comm. Studies, MPA 2021) was named to the Louisiana Association of College and University Student Personnel Administrators (LACUSPA) Board as a Four Year Institution Representative. She also received the Outstanding Mid-Level Professional of the Year Award at the LACUSPA conference in October 2022. She received the Spirit Groups Distinguished Alumni Award at the ULM 2022 Homecoming Good Morning Gala.

2015

Amber Skantz (MA History) is the new Assistant Archivist at Athens State University. Amber has been

with Athens State’s Kares Library for 10 years, serving previously as the Circulation Supervisor. In addition to her MA, Amber graduated from LSU in 2022 with a Master of Library and Information Science and a Graduate Certificate in Archival Studies. Amber lives with her husband in Athens, Alabama.

2021

Congratulations to alumna and staff member Debbie Beaver (MPA) on her promotion! Debbie now serves as the Director of Graduate Enrollment.

Congratulations to Christopher Noel (MBA) on starting his new position as Area Vice President of Finance at PFS!

Congratulations to John McKeel (BS Psych, MPA 2022) on his new position as Community Development Initiatives Associate: Public Services at City of Monroe!

2022

Destin Talley (BBA Human Resources) has been hired as the new Benefits Coordinator at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

Congratulations to the following alumni for being recognized for their excellence in teaching by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce at the 2022 Accent on Excellence: John Navarro, Neville Jr. High; Shirley Neal, Carroll High School; Brittany Ellis, George Welch Elementary; Kathleen Reitzammer, East Ouachita Middle School. Keep soaring, Warhawks! ■

THE KITTY DEGREE BELL TOWER SOCIETY

The Kitty DeGree Bell Tower Society honor roll is named for the university’s most generous contributor, Dr. Kitty DeGree. Bell Tower Society members have contributed at least $50,000 to the university and have extraordinary histories of support to ULM. Their names are permanently inscribed on ULM’s “Wall of Honor” located in the ULM Conference Center.

TOWER SOCIETY

$1,000,000 AND ABOVE

Kitty DeGree

Ella S. Johnson

Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation

Chip Lyman

Thomas H. and Mayme

P. Scott Foundation

Jonathan and Sheila Davies

Emy-Lou Biedenharn Foundation

David and Sharon Turrentine

Stephen W. and Ernestine M. Brown

Contractors Educational Trust Fund

KITTY DEGREE

Investments by the Kitty DeGree Foundation recently established the College of Arts, Education and Sciences (CAES) Dean’s Priorities Fund and the Choral Music Endowment. The CAES Dean’s fund supports an employee professional development series and creates marketing materials for CAES majors explaining each major and potential career fields / employment possibilities. The Choral Music Endowment supports recruitment / retention of choral students to enable hosting, visiting, or traveling musicians, and travel for continuing education and/or sponsoring students at select music events or festivals for which they routinely qualify.

CenturyLink

John and Billie Smith

LA State Licensing Board for Contractors

Dr. Judy H. Diffley

Chase

Charles Freeman Stamper

St. Francis Medical Center

Linda and Eric Liew

Glenwood Regional Medical Center

Coca-Cola Refreshments

Lallage F. Wall

The William D. Hoover Family

Susan Denmon Banowsky

William S. Banowsky, Jr.

Milburn and Nancy Calhoun

The Darrell and Mary Calhoun Foundation

Nancy J. Johnston

Estate of Hanna Spyker

Monroe/West Monroe Convention and Visitors Bureau

BAYOU SOCIETY

$500,000 - $999,999

Insurance Commissioner

Jim Donelon The

Department of Insurance

Estate of Mildred Summers Maurer

Patrick and Catherine Mitchell

The Radio People

Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc.

Regions Bank

Bennie and Nelson Abell

Stephanie and Nelson Abell

The Strauss and Mintz Families

Mary Goss Charities

Buck and Libby Anderson

North Louisiana Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic

Willis-Knighton Health System

Bruce and Lizabeth Boulware

Capital One Bank

Johnny's Pizza House

John E. Huntsman and Sharon D. Harrison

James and Lynn Moore

Bruce and Carol Hanks

Elsie Webb

Bonnie and Frank Maxwell, III

Guy and Loura Barr

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes

Carole and Tex Kilpatrick

City of Monroe

OUACHITA SOCIETY

$100,000 - $499,999

The Martin Foundation

Don Beach

Louisiana Board of Pharmacy

John F. and Lucy Shackelford

The News-Star Origin Bank

Joe and Linda Holyfield

Bancroft Bag, Inc.

T. O. Bancroft, Jr.

Bernard W. Biedenharn

P & S Surgical Hospital

JPS Equipment and JPS Aviation

John and Karen Wells

Clarion Inn and Suites

Lawrence J. Danna

Charles H. and Kay McDonald

Entergy Services, Inc.

John and Debbie Luffey

Kay and Hugh McDonald

State Farm Insurance Companies

Central Management Company

Teddy and Susan Price

Stangier Wealth Management

Shawn D. and Donna Kay Murphy

IberiaBank

Dixie Shell Homes and Self Storage

Johnny and Carleen Reeves

Lev and Anne Dawson

Tag Rome

Elee and Terri Trichel

Lincoln Builders, Inc

Graphic Packing, Inc.

Stephen M. Futrell

Como Charitable Foundation est by Luella Snyder

Carol L. Young

Michael H. Woods

Marilyn and Lou St. Amant

Lance and Tammy Jarrell Stanfill

Louisiana Associated General Contractors

Carolyn and Harold Bates

Comcast Cable

Dhu & Mary Ellen Thompson

Evans Oil Company, Inc.

Cayce and Vicky Hand Family

American Business Women's Association

Freddy and Reba Nolan

Dale and Jimmy N. Dimos

KTVE Channel 10 and

KARD Fox 14

Ronnie Ward Toyota of Ruston

Ronnie and Sharon Ward

Mary Jo and B. J. Robison

George & Jane Luffey

Louisiana Cancer Foundation

Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association - LIPA

Clark and Mary Kathryn Williams

Frances Hammond

Linda Noe Laine Foundation

Estate of Lewis Marvin McKneely

Mid South Extrusion

Duke and Liesha McHugh

J. D. and Annie Greco

Scott Powerline and Utility Equipment

Jack and Debbie Blitch

Van-Trow Toyota

Alltel Corporation

Progressive Bank

Southern Pines f/k/a Calvert

THE GEORGE T. WALKER HERITAGE SOCIETY

The George T. Walker Heritage Society honors those generous donors who have included the university as a beneficiary in their wills or have made other planned estate gifts such as charitable gift annuities, life insurance policies, and charitable trusts. Dr. Walker, the university’s president from 1958-1976, is one of the individuals most responsible for the growth of this outstanding institution of higher learning.

To learn more about the advantages of charitable estate planning, visit gifts.ulm.edu

Buck & Libby Anderson

Thomas O. Bancroft, Jr.*

Guy & Loura Barr

Florence J. Blackstock*

Jack and Debbie* Blitch

Scherck Bogen*

Larry Bradley* & Cecille Bradley

Stephen* and Ernestine Brown

Carl & Kaye Cloessner

Toni Coble*

Curtis & Laurinda Crenshaw

Ray Crowell

Dr. Lawrence J. Danna

Thomas Day* & Attie Day

Kitty DeGree*

Dr. Judy High Diffley

Jimmy & Dale Dimos

Michael Echols

Douglas & Kristy Farr

James Kurt* and Irmgard Kahn* Fisher

Billy and Patti Gammel

Charlotte Diane Gilbert*

Mark Randall Gilley

Maurice L. Gold

Ronald & Judith Graham

J. D. & Annie Greco

Marsha D. Griffin*

Frances D. Hammond*

Ressa and Joe Harris

Terry Michael Hays

Ernest Duncan Holloway*

John E. Huntsman* & Sharon D.

Harrison

Suzzon Jackson*

John James

Nancy Johnston

Dan R. Johnston*

Britton Katz

Tex* & Carole Kilpatrick

William “Billy“* and Florinell Laird

Paul and Carolyn Lasseigne

Betty Ley

Violet Liner*

Chip Lyman

Marjorie Malone*

Mildred Mauer*

Claxton and Caroline Mayo

Charles “Charlie Mc" & Kay McDonald

Hugh & Kay McDonald

Lewis Marvin McKneely*

James* and Dorothy* E. Mock

Shawn & Donna Murphy

Kathleen Calhoun Nettleton*

Thomas I. Parks

Adele Ransom*

Lawrence & Ann Robinson

Tag Rome

Rodger Ross

Linda and Paul Sabin

Elizabeth Ann Shaw*

Brenda Hensley Smith

John and Billie M.* Smith

John H. Smith, III*

Hanna Spyker*

Charles Freeman Stamper

Lawson and Sharon Swearingen

James Taunton*

Elee Trichel

George T.* and Mary Ellen* Walker

Jerry and Katherine Warner

Elsie Webb*

James E. Yeldell*

IN MEMORIAM

In retirement, Walker remained among ULM’s civic boosters and was a familiar face at Louisiana Monroe Warhawks football games and other university events.

Walker authored numerous academic and professional journal articles as well as several books on accounting and business education. Of his five copyrighted books, two were written during his retirement, The Building of a University (1991), which examines the early years of ULM, and the biographical Emy-Lou Biedenharn: Her Life and Legacy (1999).

Emy-Lou Biedenharn was a world-renowned contralto from Monroe and the daughter of Joseph A. Biedenharn, the first bottler of Coca-Cola.

In 1938, Walker married the former Mary Ellen Neal (1911–2002), his college sweetheart. They had a son, George T. Walker, Jr., of Monroe and a daughter, Ellen Claire Stephenson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Walker died of a lengthy illness at the age of ninety-eight. In addition to his children, Walker was survived by five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

In 1997, the Louisiana Board of Regents awarded Walker its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his ongoing dedication to higher education. He is also honored by the Mary Ellen and George Thomas Walker Scholarship Endowment through the ULM Foundation.

THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE ASSOCIATES

The following individuals and organizations deserve special recognition for their leadership support as University Associates. From January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, these Associates invested $1,000 and above to the following affiliate non-profit organizations: the ULM Foundation, the ULM Athletic Foundation, the ULM Alumni Association, and KEDM Public Radio. Our University Associates provide the majority of private support annually... we honor and thank you!

BUSINESS ASSOCIATES

3B Outdoor Equipment, Inc.

3M Foundation

Abell, LLC

Action Mobility Services, LLC

American Mattress Outlet

AmWins Group, Inc

Anderson Community Development Foundation

Argent Advisors Leasing Services, LLC

Argent Financial Group, Inc.

Arkansas Capital Corporation

AT&T Foundation

Audit Litigation Training & Efficiency Cons., Inc.

B & J Pitre Pharmacy, Inc.

Bank of Oak Ridge

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino

Ben Nelson Golf & Outdoor

Beyond Reynosa Foundation

Big Shot Bob Enterprise, LLC

Bill Hardy's Inc. Hertz

Rent A Car Licensee

Biomedical Research Foundation of Northwest Louisiana

Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation

Blue Cross of Louisiana

Boles Shafto & Leonard, LLC

Border Olympics, Inc.

Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts

Buster Investments, LLC

C&C Drugs, Inc.

Cameron Murray & Associates

Campbell & House Law Firm

Car Town 2

Care Solutions, Inc.

Caridad Foundation

Cassidy's Pharmacy

Catfish Cabin of Monroe

Centric Federal Credit Union

Century Next Bank

Charitable Adult Rides & Services, Inc.

Charlie Olson Volleyball Camps LLC

Charmel Investments

Chicken Salad Chick Monroe

Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital

Citizens Progressive Bank

City of Monroe

Coca-Cola United

Coldwell Banker Group One Realty

Collections Corner

Committee to Elect

Marcus R. Clark

Como Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Complete Service Company

Contractors Educational Trust Fund

Copeland Electric Company

Creighton Enterprises, LLC

CVS Health Foundation

Danco Properties, LLC

Danken Trail BBQ

DB Real Estate

Dixie Shell Homes and Self Storage

Bart Dornier Insurance

Agency, Inc.

Doug Perry Wholesale Cars, Inc.

Echo Build LLC

EDW Enterprises Inc DBA

Independent Therapy Solutions

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Equipmentshare.com, Inc.

Evans Oil Company, Inc.

Fabulous Fabric

Farm Bureau Insurance

Farmers Grain Terminal, Inc.

Flair Jewelers

Fleet Feet

Franklin State Bank & Trust Co.

Friendly Finance Corporation

Friends of Black Bayou, Inc.

Garvin Enterprises, Inc.

Geno's Italian Restaurant

GO CARE Community Health Center Green Qube, Inc.

Gretchen Stangier Inc

Hand Construction, LLC

Harper Family Foundation

Heritage of India

HET Consulting, LLC

Homeland Federal Savings Bank

Hopkins Dermatology

Hudson, Potts & Bernstein, LLP

In-Sync Accounting & Consulting

Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of Louisiana

Inspections Unlimited

Investech Enterprises

J. E. Dupuy Flooring & Acoustical, Inc.

J. Hardy Gordon, M.D., LLC

J.A. Directional LLC

James Machine Works, LLC

Jay Russell Campaign

JBJ Foundation, Inc.

Jean and Saul A. Mintz Foundation

Jim Taylor Buick GMC

JLB Wealth Management LLC

John Rea Realty

Johnny's Pizza House

Katrina R. Jackson Campaign

Kennedy Rice Dryers, LLC

Kilpatrick Funeral Homes

Kimpa Hayes Boyd, CPA, LLC

Kitty DeGree Foundation

LA Construction Group, LLC

LA State Licensing Board for Contractors

LA Video Bingo

Landmark Nursing & Rehabiliation Center of West Monroe, LLC

LaSalle Management Company

Learfield Communications, Inc

Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation

Lincoln Builders, Inc.

Little & Associates, LLC

Louisiana BAM Fastpitch 98 Inc

Louisiana Cancer Foundation for Research and Education

Louisiana First Horizon Foundation

Louisiana Knights Baseball, LLC

Louisiana National Bank

Louisiana Plastic Industries, Inc.

Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc.

Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation

Mabile's Corner Pharmacy

Marion State Bank

Mary Goss Charities

McCK Enterprises

McKay Consulting

Meredith Dental, LLC

Mid South Extrusion, Inc.

Mildred Summers Maurer Testamentary Trust

Mitchiner-Gittinger Family Foundation

Monroe Housing Authority

Montgomery Poultry Co.

Morehouse General Hospital

Nabholz Charitable Foundation

NE Delta Human Services Authority

Newman, Oliveaux, & Magee, LLP

North Monroe Animal Hospital

Northeast LA Chapter of SHRM

Northeast Louisiana Arts Council

Northminster Church

Opierx, Inc

Origin Bank

Ouachita Parish Women's Republican Club

Peregrine Corporation

Poverty Point Heritage Site

Premier Management Solutions, LLC

Progressive Bank

Provident Group ULM Properties

R2 Rentals LLC

Regions Bank

RELEE Properties, LLC

Reliable Auto Brokers

Robertson Fruit & Produce, Inc.

Rogers & Associates

Ron Bush Insurance Agency, Inc.

Ryan Auto Group

Scott Powerline & Utility Equipment

Scott Truck

ServiceMaster Action Cleaning

Showcase Video Production

Silas Simmons

SMC Anesthesia, Inc.

Southern Scripts, LLC

Sparks Nissan Kia

Specialty Management Services of Ouachita, LLC (SMSO)

St. Francis Medical Center

St. Paul's United Methodist Church

Stagg Properties, LLC

T & K Holdings, LLC

Tag Rome Insurance Agency, Inc.

Tampa Bay Bowl

The Architecture Alliance Group, LLC

The Cubhouse Early Learning & Afterschool Care Centers, LLC

The Martin Foundation

The Radio People

The Square Room Storage Facility

The Toggery

Thomas & Farr Agency, Inc.

Thomas H. & Mayme P.

Scott Foundation

Thrift Town Healthmart LLC

Towne Pharmacy, LLC

TPA Investment LLC

Uniforms For You

Van-Trow Toyota

Vantage Health Plan, Inc.

VFW Post 1809

W&W Rental

Walgreens

Warhawk Land Company, LLC

Waste Connections, Inc.

Waterfront Grill

Wellstar Health System

West Carroll Health System

West Monroe Civitans Club

Willpower Foundation Inc

Yancey's Health Mart Pharmacy

THE UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA MONROE ASSOCIATES

PERSONAL ASSOCIATES

John Abrams

William Adcox

Jerry Allen

Dr. Jo Ann Alley

Gaston & Gloria Alvarez

Harold Anderson

Vaughn Antley

Eugenie Ardoin

Ash & Sarah Aulds

Keith Babb

John Bacon

Toni Bacon

Dr. Jan Bagwell

Thomas Baker

Andrew Barber

Cynthia Barnes

Guy & Loura Barr

James Barry

Joseph & Betsy Beard

Charles Beene

Barry Bell

Paula Belle

Drs. Ronald & Christine Berry

Murray Biedenharn

Angela Blades

Stephen Blake

Mike Blount

Shelton Blunt

Mark Booth

Barry Boudreaux

Ann Bourgeois

Raymond Boutte'

Terry Bowden

Steven & LeAnn Boyd

Harry Boyd

Jack Bradberry

Dr. Edward Brayton

Julie Breithaupt

William Brinkerhoff

Jane Brown

Lillian Brown

Nathaniel Brown

Dr. Frank Bruscato

Brenden Bruscato

John Bruscato

Joy Caissie

Douglas Caldwell

Louis Caldwell

Spencer Caldwell

John Cameron

Dr. Michael Camille

Guy Campbell

Robert Canterbury

Roger Carroll

Joshua Carroll

Stewart Cathey, Sr.

Stewart Cathey, Jr.

Stewart Causey

Susan Chappell

Sandra Chappell

Pedro & Roberta Chavarria

William Cheek

Candace Chelette

Walter Chester

Kimberlee Clack

Kim Clement

Jackie Clowers

Paul Coburn

David Cohn

Henry Cole

John Collins

Don Conlee

Robert Coons

Lynn Copeland

Glen Corbin

Michael Cossey

Adam Cossey

Jeffrey Counts

Susie Cox

Charles Craft

Gina Craft

Bobby Craighead

Larry Culp

Betty Cummins

John Currie

Camile Currier

James Cuthbert

Dr. Lawrence Danna

Jonathan Davies

William Davies

Isabel Davila

Christine Davis

Darin Davis

Ed Davis

Glen Davison

Gretchen Dean

Marvin Dearman

Martin Degravelle

Sidney Denny

Gareld DeWitt

Veronica Dickey

Dr. Judy Diffley

Marc Dill

Jimmy & Dale Dimos

Maynard Dolecheck

Bryan Donald

David Donald

Dan Donald Clifton Donald

Bart & Kay Dornier

Jim Doull

Marguerite Dozier

Zachary Duchesne

James Dunford

Errol Duplantis

Janet & Bob Durden

Michael Echols

Mary Edwards

William Edwards

Robert Edwards

John Elliott

Anthony Embanato

Josh Etheridge

Stewart Ewing

Kimberly Extine

Joshua Faciane

Joseph Farr

Elton Farrar

Michael Federico

Dr. Judy Fellows & Tony Arpino

Amber Felux

Dr. Valerie Fields

Morgan Flemister

Ashley Fletcher

Mike Fletcher

Eric Folkens

Teri Fontenot

James Fortenberry

William Freeman

Gayle Frick

Katherine Fry

John Fugatt

Stephen Futrell

John Gardner

Scott Gerrard

Lawrence Giambelluca

Clint Giddens

Stacey Goff

Maurice Gold

Hardy Gordon

William Gordon

Gary Graham

Gordon Grant

Larry Green

Timothy Green

Warren Green

Stefan Green

Alberta Green

Mark Greenlaw

Darryl Gregory

James Gregory

Gerald Gudgel

John Guice

Steven Gullatt

Raymond Haik

Lisa Haile

Seth Hamby

Henry Hamner

William Hanks

Kenneth Harper

G. Michael Harvey

Alexander Hayward

Larry Head

Roy Heatherly

Rene Hebert

Renee Hebert

Cathi Hemed

William Henry

Terry Herod

Charles Herold

Katelyn Hogan

Sabrina Hogan

Kenneth Holubec

Joe & Linda Holyfield

Christopher Holyfield

Leo & Jackie Honeycutt

Janet Hood-Hanchey & J. Keith Hanchey

Christopher Horrell

Erik Hsu

Thomas Huckaby

John Hull

Larry Humble

William Hunt

Paul Hutcheson

Carrick & Nancy Inabnett

John & Susan Jackson

Charles & Gwenn

Jackson

Joseph Jacobs & Cyd Page Jacobs

Anthony Jacola

Taylor Jamison

David Johnson

Jeffrey Johnson

Dix Johnston

John Jones

William Justice

Greg Kahmann

Rakesh Karn

Elton Kennedy

Jenica Kepler

Carole Kilpatrick

William & Fay Kitchens

Paul Knight

Kevin Koh

Wendy Kreps

Danny Kyle

Catherine LaGrange

John Laird

Anthony LaMarca

Cecil Lara

Rebecca LaRochelle

Jeffrey Laudenheimer

Dr. Lesa Lawrence

Nicholas LeBas

Lynn LeBlanc

Helen Ledbetter

Van Lee

Phillip Lester

William Letson

Kaleb Morgan

Livingston

James & Anne Lockhart

Samuel Lorenzo

Clay Lowery

Dennis Ludwig

John & Debra Luffey

Joseph Lyman

Greg Lynch

Amanda Lyon

Shawn Manor

Harvey Marcus

Damon Marsala

Charles Marsala

Robert Marx

Ronald & Cindy Mason

Melanie MasseyGroves

Penny Masur

Connie Mathews

Frank Maxwell

William McCown

Shawn McCoy

Angela McCray

Robby McDonald

Patrick McDonald

Scott McDonald

Charles McDonald

Kenny McDougle

Dr. Elizabeth McEacharn

Michael McGee

Patricia McGraw

Brian McGuire

Matt McHenry

Emma McKelphin

Sarah Meche

Gary Merchant

Mark Meredith

Thomas Miller

Lisa & Lyle Miller

Mark Mitchell

Patrick Mitchell

James Mixon

Charles Mock

Jarl Mohn

James Moore, III

James Moore, Jr.

Cole Moore

Judge Milton Moore

Maxine & Brian Moreau

Tim Morrison

Rolf Morstead

Kristi Mount

Walter Mulhearn

Adi Muranovic

Shawn Murphy

Billy Myers

Mark Neal

Kathleen Calhoun

Nettleton

Thomas Nicholson

Kevin & Elizabeth

Nunnelee

Julie O'Brien

Kurt Oestriecher

Meghan Olinger

Teri O'Neal

Billy Osbon

Mark Ouchley

Michael Page

Paxton Page

Dr. Eric & Denise Pani

Chad Parker

Yoanna Park-Haynes

Shawn Patrick

Robert Payne

Douglas Pederson

Todd Perry

Kent Perry

Tanya Pesek

Freddie Philley

Donald Philley

Markey Pierre

Nancy Pierron

William Pippin

Victor Pisano

Kathy Porter

Dr. John Pratte

Janie Preciado

Margaret Prestridge

Brady Price

Timothy Quinn

Morris Rabb

Larry Rambin

Charles Ray

John Rea

Merlin Reiser

Cody Rials

Keith Richard

James Rightsell

Deborah Rivers

Kenneth Roberts

Craig Robertson

Dan Robertson

August Rocconi

Kris Rogers

James Rogers

Cindy Rogers Welker

Karen Rouda

Linda Sabin

Laurel Sampognaro

Dr. Matthew Sanderson

Michael Savoy

George & Stephanie Schaeffer

Christopher Schulte

Stephen Seale

Robert Seegers

Kelly Shambro

Ben Sheets

Joyce Sims

Nathan Smith

John Smith

Thomas Snelling

David Sorrell

Joe Southwell

Louis St. Amant

Everett Stagg

Charles Freeman

Stamper

Gary Stanley

David Stewart

Roxie Stewart

Russell Suire

Leah & Kevin Sumrall

Lawson & Sharon Swearingen

DeRon & Patience

Talley

Michael Tannehill

Jim Tate

Edward Taylor

Steve Taylor

Artis Terrell

Robert Tew

Tamara Tharp

Dhu Thompson

Teresa Tidwell

Tom Torregrossa

Elee Trichel

Toby Tubbs

Douglas Turner

Ken Upshaw

Peggy Van

Daniel Van

Mike Venable

Steven Venters

Brent Vidrine

Michael Vining

Paul Von Diezelski

Michael Walker

Brenda Wall

Brooks Watson

Dewey Weaver

Ralph Webb

Douglas Wells

John & Karen Wells

Mark White

Diane Wilfong

John Wilhite

Kenneth Wilson

John Winchester

Jerry Wood

James Woodall

Michael Woods

Rise Worsley

Thomas Wyrick

Amy Yates

E. Orum Young

Adam Zeringue

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT

Ash Aulds (BS ’14, MBA ’15)

VICE PRESIDENT–ADMINISTRATION

Joseph Beard (BS ’09)

VICE PRESIDENT–OPERATIONS

Renee Hebert (BA ’91, M.Ed. ’00)

SECRETARY–PARLIAMENTARIAN

Mary Linda McCann (BBA ’91, MBA ’98)

VICE PRESIDENT–FINANCE

Justin Mailhes (BBA ’13)

PAST-PRESIDENT

Julie Harlan-O'Brien (BA ’80)

VICE PRESIDENTS AT LARGE

DeAndre Alexander (BGS ’08)

Keith Beard (BA ’84)

Monica Butler (BBA ’05, MA ’08)

DeJaneiro “DJ" Davis (BBA ’99, MAT ’13, M.Ed. ’18)

Lacy L. Durham (BBA ’01)

Maggie Generoso (BS ’09, M.ED. ’13)

Dakota S. Hawkins (BA ’15)

Nick LeBas (BS ’97)

Dr. Toni Lowe (BBA ’00)

Levi McKelpin

K. Shawn McCoy (BBA ’85, MBA ’87)

Spencer Moore (BA ’12)

D'Mario Payne (BBA ’08)

Laurie Payne (BBA ’03)

David Smith (BS ’83)

Rogia Williams (MBA ’04)

Complete bios are available at alumni.ulm.edu/page/board

RETIREMENTS

SEPTEMBER 2022

Curtis K. Kilpatrick

Deborah J. Sexton

DECEMBER 2022

Scott A. Baggarly

Gary L. Findley

Claudia K. Grinnell

JANUARY 2023

Louis Brown

James E. Coates

Eleanor A. Holleman

Robert C. Jackson

Alex Littleberry

Gary D. Merchant

Sharon A. Meyer

Charles M. Moncrief

FEBRUARY 2023

Russell D. Hollis

Austin Simms

Barbara Dobard

Barbara Krieger

Betty Dreher

Betty Mobley

Betty Williams

Bobby Bryant

Brian Smith

Bridget Tonore

Britt McCoy

Bruce Busbice

Bruce Daigle

Bruce McLeod

Cecil Kaufman

Charlotte Zagone

Christopher McHenry

Cyrenthia Riley

Dianne Wade

Dominick Sciortino

Donald Hyde

Edna Cooper

Frances Black

Frances Swanson

Frank Morris

Fred Hancock

Freida Brian

Gail Bogard

Gene Memoli

Gerald Bryant

Glenn Juneau

Gwynell Jenkins

Harry Liner

Harry Vining

Helen Roberts

Henry Rusk

Idel Noble

Jack Boggan

James Martin

James Moore

Jane Braddock

Janell King

Janet Antley

Jennifer Carroll

Jerry Frey

Jerry Neal

Jesse Burnette

Jimmy Luzader

Jimmy Rowell

Joe McClain

John Guerriero

John LaHaye

Kenneth Brown

Kenneth Kirkland

Lanny James

Linda Tarkington

Lloyd Gill

Lois Douglas

Marvin May

Mary Jackson

Mary McDaniel

Mary Sanders

Maurice Pearson

Milton Ringle

Mona Oliver

Nita Stephens

Pamela Gardner

Patricia Camp

Pete Mulhern

Philip Carpenter

Phillip Baldwin

Richard Garley

Richard Simpson

Sadaf Shaw

Sheila Blackmon

Stanley Liner

Steven Maddry

Sue White

Susan Adams

Susan Hastings

Tambrey Corbett

Tanyonicka Black

Thomas Bush

Tina Stephenson

Victor McFarland

Viola Guice

Virginia Fontenot

Viva Murry

W. LaFrance

Wilfred Ramirez

William Bayles

William Stodghill