What is the Board of Directors? The ULM Alumni Association Board of Directors is comprised of a 22 alumni or alumni
advocates. These individuals hail from Louisiana, Texas and beyond carrying forth
the mission of the Alumni Association: to change futures. Each member serves a term
of 6 years and is voted into office by active members of the alumni association.听
What does the Board do? 听The Board serves in both working and advisory capacity and works in conjunction with
alumni staff to achieve our four major priorities: Investment in Key Stakeholders & Community Relationship management, Diversify Membership
Base & Benefits, Increase visibility and provide opportunities for active engagement,
Embrace Organizational Growth & Innovation to form sustainable resources.
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Maggie Sims Generoso (BS '09, ME '13)
President听
Hi! My name is Maggie Sims Generoso and I am a 2-time graduate of ULM- Bachelor of
Science in 听Elementary Education (2009) and Master of Education in Educational Leadership
(2013). 听I just completed year 14 as an educator for Monroe City Schools as a 2nd
grade teacher at J.S. Clark Magnet School! 听I currently serve as a Mentor Teacher
& Math Content Leader for the state of Louisiana and as the Chairperson of Education
for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce Workforce & Education Initiative. 听I served 3 years
as the President of the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society where I played an integral
role of revitalizing the zoo after many years of neglect. 听My role as President included
fundraising, events, overdue updates, new attractions, and so much more! 听I am serving
my 2nd term on the Board of Directors for the ULM Alumni Association as the newly
elected Vice President of Administration. 听I am a 2021 graduate of Leadership Ouachita
where I was honored with receiving the "Twice As Much" Award by my peers. 听I was named
a Golden Apple Teacher in 2020, Teacher of the Year in 2021, as well as a Top 20 Under
40 Young Professional by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce in 2021. 听In 2022, I received
the Kristen Chandler Rising Professional Award by the Women's Symposium at ULM! 听My
husband, Ken (ULM Class of 2010), and I have 2 boys- Max Patrick (10) and Reed Kendall
(6) and are members of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. 听We have a rescued Boston
terrier named Lola Bunny! 听As a family, we can often be found tailgating in the Grove
or cheering on the Warhawks in the end-zone with the L Club. 听I also enjoy traveling,
reading, and thrift shopping!
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Ren茅e Hebert (BA'98, M.Ed.'00)
Vice President Administration
Ren茅e currently resides in Houston, TX and works for Electronic Arts (EA) as a Project
Manager in Human Resources for Talent Acquisition. A two-time graduate of ULM, she
earned her Masters in Counseling and Bachelors in Psychology.听
While a student ULM, Ren茅e was actively involved on campus as a member of Alpha Omicron
Pi Fraternity, ULM 31, Greek Seeker, Diamond Girls and numerous honor societies. 听She
has served AOII in international roles including a Network Specialist 鈥� Development
and Network Specialist 鈥� Recruitment and currently volunteers on their HR Committee.
Ren茅e also spent 15 years working in higher education at our beloved ULM, the University
of North Texas and Clemson. She has a huge passion for developing college students!
She's also a certified resume writer and career coach. 听
She is a member of the ULM Greater Houston Alumni Chapter.听
Lacy Durham (BBA '01)
Vice President Operations
Lacy is an Assistant General Counsel at Constellation Energy, one of the nation's
largest producers of carbon-free energy and the leading competitive retail supplier
of power and energy for homes and businesses across the United States. As a practicing
in-house benefits counsel, she has primary legal responsibility and provides strategic
advice for the Company鈥檚 quailed and nonqualified benefit plans and equity and compensation
arrangements, and fringe benefits. Lacy also provides support for labor relations,
investment management, and M&A issues related to employee benefits. Before joining
Constellation Energy, Lacy worked at Deloitte Tax LLP for 15 years advising clients
on all aspects of total rewards. She also worked for the U.S. Department of Labor
as a Benefits Advisor.听
During her matriculation at ULM, Lacy was very active. She received several honors
including Who鈥檚 Who, President鈥檚/Dean's List, Pi Sigma Epsilon National Founder's
Award, and the Student Involvement Scholarship. Lacy was also involved with Phi Eta
Sigma; Alpha Lambda Delta, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Mortar Board, the Student
Government Association, Beta Alpha Psi; Institute of Internal Auditors, Student Union
Board, and more.
Lacy is known as a developer of people, a coach and mentor to many, and a diversity
and inclusion champion. She is a zealous advocate of advancing women and being an
ally to children, the elderly, and disadvantaged persons who otherwise have no voice.
Lacy鈥檚 breakthrough leadership is exemplified through numerous civic and professional
leadership roles. She serves on the Board of the Dallas Theater Center, the ChildCare
Group, and the Diverse Attorney Pipeline Program (DAPP). She is an active member of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Junior League of Dallas, the National Association
of Black Accountants (NABA) the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), the Society
of Human Resource Management (SHRM), and several bar associations including the National
Bar Association (NBA) and the American Bar Association (ABA). Lacy is in the line
of succession to Chair the ABA Civil Rights and Social Justice Section whose mission
is to protect and advance human rights, civil liberties, and social justice. She is
also a past Chair of the ABA Young Lawyers Division, the largest association of its
kind in the world, in which she represented the voice of 180,000 young lawyers Lacy
has also been appointed to several highly coveted committees and commissions both
in the legal profession and community. She is a graduate of many leadership programs
and has received numerous awards and accolades including several 40 Under 40 and several
young professional recognitions, the Texas Lawyer Extraordinary Minorities in Texas
Law, and has been recognized by her alma maters including the Southern University
Law Center Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Southern Methodist University Black
Alumni Association History Makers Award, and was featured in the ULM Fall 2018 magazine,
just to name a few. Lacy also has an MBA from Louisiana Tech University, a Juris Doctor
from Southern University Law Center, and an LLM in Taxation from Southern Methodist
University Dedman School of Law. She is admitted to practice law in Louisiana and
Texas; she is also a certified mediator and senior-level HR professional.
David R. Smith (BGS '82)
Vice President Finance
David is a life member of the ULM alumni association. He graduated from ULM in 1982,
attended ULM on a US Army ROTC scholarship and was commissioned. 听David served in
the Army for 26 years. 听He was featured on the cover of Life Magazine twice in March
and April 1991. He is an active member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity alumni association.
He also attends ULM events and football games.
David leaders the Biomedical Research Foundations Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program
and Angel investment group in Shreveport, Louisiana. In this role, he sponsored the
first student business competition at ULM. He also contributed to the ULM Foundation
to make the foundation part of the North Louisiana Angle Investment group that allows
business students to participate in investment meetings and due diligence. David also
successfully supported licensed ULM School of Pharmacy technology into local North
Louisiana startup companies.
He is always a supporter of ULM across Louisiana. David Is married to Jamie Cox Smith
from Plain Dealing, Louisiana and have four children, His 听daughter Lily became a
freshman at ULM in the fall 2021 semester.
K Shawn McCoy (BA'85, MBA'87)
Secretary/Parliamentarian
Shawn attended Northeast Louisiana University (now ULM) and earned a Bachelor鈥檚 degree
in听 Economics, as well as, a Masters of Business Administration. While at NLU he was
a pole-vaulter on the track team, a cheerleader and was the cheerleader coach while
in graduate school. He is a
member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and remains involve with the Kappa Sigma Alumni group
raising money for the Kappa Sigma Alumni scholarship fund.听
Shawn began his career in the financial services industry over 35 years ago. He started
his career in Carrolton, Texas working with MetLife and spent 20 years with the firm.
Over the years he has held many positions in the financial services industry including
Management Roles, Group Sales,听
Compliance, and Wholesaler. During that time, Shawn developed and presented public
seminars on various financial and investment topics. He also has spoken to thousands
of representatives and organizations about insurance and investments.
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Joseph Beard (BS '09)
Past President听
Joseph (09) lives in Monroe with his Wife, Betsy (10) and they are the proud parents
of Bailey, Josie, Lottie and Jack Beard. Joseph enjoys giving back to his community
and enjoys giving back to ULM because of the great times he had while there as an
undergraduate. His family is very involved in their church, North Monroe Baptist and
enjoys traveling to any ocean to sit on the beach. He has been employed for the last
six years by Chase Bank as an Account Executive.听
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DeAndre Alexander (BGS '08)
DeAndre was a standout basketball player at ULM under former Head Coach Mike Vining.
He also has an M.S. from Grambling State University in Sports Administration and plus
30. DeAndre was an educator at Arcadia High School for 12 years from 2006-2018 and
successful coach with two girls in 2010 & 2016 State Championships and one boys State
Championship with both girls and boys winning Championships in 2016. DeAndre has always
been a leader for the youth and elderly in his community. 听In 2010 he founded anon-profit
organization entitled 鈥淧ut Our Kids First鈥� that met the needs of over 100 children
through Biddy Basketball. 听
DeAndre鈥檚 vision didn鈥檛 stop there. He ran as a Candidate for City Council in 2014
against 5 other candidates and won. DeAndre was one of the youngest elected officials
in the state of Louisiana. He served one term from 2014-2018 and became a Mayoral
Candidate in 2018 with 5 other candidates and came up short. In 2019, he was appointed
to serve in another elected position as Bienville Parish Constable for District 1.
DeAndre is now employed for the City of Arcadia as Economic Director. 听In 2017, DeAndrew
as nominated as one of the 30 and under Young Top Professionals in Bienville Parish
by the Bienville Parish Chamber of Commerce. DeAndre is actively involved in Holland
Grove Baptist Church as one of the leaders and serves on the finance committee. DeAndre
is the father of two darling daughters and one precious son.听
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Erick Burton (BBA '21)
Erick D. Burton Jr., is a Vidalia, Louisiana native. He graduated from Vidalia High
School in 2016 then began at ULM in Spring of 2017. During his time at ULM as an undergraduate,
he was a member of the ULM Campus Activities Board for 3 陆 years then served as a
Committee Head for 3 years. In 2021, in support of the Black Lives Matter movement,
he started the Cultural Diversity Council serving as the Founding President. The purpose
of the organization was to create a 鈥榮ense of belonging鈥� to all students on the campus
of ULM. The organization thrived and became the 2020-2021 Best New Recognized Student
Organization. In Spring of 2021, he received a bachelor's degree in business administration
then began working for ULM in the office of Recruitment. Currently, he serves as the
Senior Recruiter at ULM and represents the underserved/ underrepresented populations
across Louisiana. In 2023, Erick received the 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Spotlight Award presented by Dr. Pamela Saulsberry, former D.E.I Executive Officer.
Erick鈥檚 other roles include being the Advisor for ULM NAACP (National Association
for the Advancement of Colored People), Co-Advisor for Cultural Diversity Council,
ULM Executive Commencement Committee member, Quachita Parish Chapter NAACP member
and Board member for the ULM Alumni Association. Erick strives to be in the words
of Mahatma Ghandi 鈥淭he change he wishes to see in the world.鈥�
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Dr. Brian Bush (MAEd'06, MEd-EdL'13)
Dr. Bush is the current principal of JS Clark Magnet School. For almost 20 years as
an educator, he has dedicated his life to improving the educational experience of
students. He possesseses a unique track record of serving students from Monroe and
Ouachita public schools. He has also effectively served as assistant principal and
Principal of Martin Luther King, Jr. Jr high school.As with many of the students that
he serves, Dr. Bush grew up as what he distinguishes a 鈥淪outhside child鈥�. Growing
up on the Southside of Monroe taught him many lessons as it relates to life and being
someone of color. He has learned lessons in resilience, work ethic, humility, and
the essence of family and community. Dr. Bush attended Southern University-Baton Rouge
where he majored in Secondary Education. He then attained his Masters and Doctorate
in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisiana, at Monroe. His teaching
career began as a 7th grade teacher at Woodlawn Middle School. He then transitioned
to MLK Jr as the assistant principal. His work at JS Clark Magnet School has ranked
the school as the top elementary in the city of Monroe, and one of the top schools
in the parish of Ouachita. A few of Dr. Bush鈥檚 proudest accomplishments is developing
his Jaguar Club and Medical School Elementary. Jaguar Club was established to drive
young men to be better than what may be perceived of them and attempts to push them
to new heights. Medical School Elementary was developed as a partnership with Ochsner
LSU Health to introduce our young minds to the world of health and medicine. Dr. Bush
has received numerous awards including, but not limited to the Henry Carroll Education
Award, the MLK award for Educational Excellence, Top 20 under40 for NE Louisiana,
Principal of the Year (2018), as well as serving on local boards including the Board
of Directors for United Way, Monroe Police Affecting Change, among many others. Additionally,
Dr. Bush is currently serving as a recipient of Leadership Louisiana and Level Up
League: Future Superintendents Academy. While some people have frowned upon the notion
of working in urban schools, Dr. Bush was driven by the challenge of changing the
lives of both their students and their families. In addition, he is committed to developing
communities by effectively educating its citizens.
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Josh Carroll (BA'08)
Josh Carroll graduated from ULM in 2008 with a bachelors in Mass Communications &
then graduated from The Art Institute of Dallas in 2010 with an Associates in Graphic
Design. He is married to Jamie Carroll. Together, they have 3 children, Kyndi, Bexley,
& Axton. Josh is a partner and creative director at SnapMe Creative Agency, an advertising
and marketing agency here in Ouachita Parish. Josh is a 2022 graduate of Leadership
Ouachita and currently serves on the board of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce as the
Chairman of the Ambassadors. He and his family attend North Monroe Baptist Church
and he has served on numerous men's retreats as well as assisted other churches in
the region with their men's retreats.
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Bryan Creekmore(BA '09, M.Ed. '11)
I am an attorney and NFL agent with a passion for criminal justice reform. I am results
driven and work well both individually and with a team. I thrive on opportunities
to solve problems creatively and see difficult projects through to completion. I am
a skilled negotiator who enjoys finding creative solutions to unique situations and
navigating challenging projects.听
I received a Bachelor of Arts in Phychology from ULM in 2009, a Master Degree in 2011
and in 2016 I obtained a Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law School.
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DeJaneiro Davis (BBA听 '99, MAT '13, M.Ed. '18)
Mr. Davis is a native of West Monroe, La and currently holds a position in Ouachita
Parish Schools as Principal of Riser Middle. He obtained his 听 听 Business degree in
1999 and was a member of the ULM football team. He lettered from 1995-1998. After
spending several years in the mortgage and insurance industries he transitioned and
became an educator. 听Davis came back to ULM and received both Master鈥檚 of Arts in
Teaching and Master鈥檚 of Education. (2013 and 2018 respectively). 听The last thirteen
years have allowed Davis to author two books, run two businesses focused on youth
empowerment, and release a motivational album. Davis is very active in his community
as a catalyst for positive change. He works hard also for the ULM L-Club and his fraternity,
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.听
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Dr. Toni Lowe Fisher (BBA'00)
Dr. Toni Lowe-Fisher is a native of Vicksburg, MS. She possesses approximately 25
years of federal service. Toni currently serves in Human Capital Management for the
Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory Executive Office.
In 2001, she graduated from the University of Louisiana with a Bachelor of Business
Administration (Computer Information Systems) degree. She received her MBA from Mississippi
College in 2003. In 2008, Toni completed a doctorate degree in Urban Higher Education
at Jackson State University.
She has completed several Army leadership development programs. Toni possesses expertise
in areas such as: strategic planning, program management, process improvement, grants,
contracting and acquisition, and human capital and development.
Dr. Lowe is a certified coach, facilitator of Covey鈥檚 7 Habits of Highly Effective
People, Thomas-Kilmann鈥檚 Conflict Resolution and Management, Diversity and Inclusion.听
She is founder of STEMPossible, Inc. Toni serves on the United Way of West Central
MS (Executive Board) and University of Louisiana at Monroe Alumni Association Board
of Directors. She is a member of the NAACP, Blacks in Government (2nd Vice President)
and Chair of the Vicksburg Civil Rights Memorial Park project. Currently serving as
2nd Vice President abd Chair of the Empowering Our Family Initiative, Toni is a faithful
member of the Mu Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for over 20
years.
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Ernest Finch (BBA '09)
Ernest's upbringing in Vernon Parish and his education at Anacoco High School eventually
lead him home to Monroe in 2005. He graduated from the University of Louisiana at
Monroe in 2009 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in risk management and insurance. While at
ULM, he was actively engaged serving as both member and officer of the Student Government
Association and the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.Ernest married his high school sweetheart,
Halie, also an alumna of ULM. In 2010, he started his career at Thomas and Farr, now
known as Forth Insurance, where he has since assumed the role of Branch Manager and
Producer. In his current role, he oversees the Life and Health Division for Forth
while concurrently managing a book of business. Ernest's dedication extends beyond
his professional domain, as evidenced by his active participation on the Board of
Directors for organizations such as The United Way of Northeast Louisiana, Red Cross
of Northeast Louisiana, Boy Scouts of America, and ULM RMI Advisory Board. He has
furthered his leadership growth through distinguished programs such as Leadership
Ouachita in 2012 and the Origin Bank Emerging Leaders Council in 2022. He was selected
as an Honorable Mention recipient of the Northeast Louisiana Top 20 Under 40 Young
Professional award in 2014, subsequently being selected to a position among the Top
20 in 2015. Ernest and Halie actively participate in the North Monroe Baptist Church
community, attending services alongside their daughters, Elliott and Violet. He enjoys
family road trips, coaching soccer, and playing golf in his down time. Additionally,
he finds fulfillment in contributing to the retreat ministry at their church.
Kandice Hunter Sanders (BS '09听 BSN '13, MSN-AGPCNP '19)
Kandice Hunter, second generation graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe,
exhibits commitment, diversity, dedication, and holds life membership in the Alumni
Association. Part of Kandice's proud reflections of her undergraduate years include
voted Miss Freshman Maid, ULM cheerleader, student worker- Recruitment and Admissions,
Maroon Platoon, and media marketing brochures. Kandice was a graduate of the first
class of the Health Studies Degree Program and a graduate of the first class to obtain
the Master of Science Nurse Practitioner. She became a member of the ULM 听Alumni Association
upon graduating and currently holds the lifetime membership. She is active in her
community and has multiple accolades that embody the values of ULM Alumni Association:
鈥� Graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe: Bachelor of Science in Health Studies,
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing-Adult Gerontology Primary
Care Nurse Practitioner
鈥� Post Master鈥檚 Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate- Southeastern Louisiana University
鈥� Double board-certified nurse practitioner
鈥� Currently employed with Ochsner LSU Health Monroe- Nurse Practitioner Lead IP Medical
ICU Hospitalist
鈥� Med-Surg and Critical Care nurse- St. Francis Medical Hospital
鈥� Selected to participate in the 2023 Leadership Ouachita Program
鈥� 2022 nominee for Nurse Practitioner of the Year听
鈥� Featured in local magazine-Bayou Life, as one of the Faces of Power (a salute to
women on the move as rising community stakeholders making a difference)
鈥� 2022 Keynote speaker Annual Community Health and Wellness Expo on behalf of Ochsner
LSU Monroe
鈥� 2022 Guest Panelist / Open forum Greater New Antioch Church- Challenges of COVID
as people try to return to normal life.
鈥� Mt. Olivet Baptist Church- Keynote speaker high school graduates
鈥� Community Service Personally and Professionally- Member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church,
Junior League of Monroe, Ochsner LSU Health Diversity and Inclusion Council, American
Nurses Association, Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners, American Association
of Nurse Practitioners, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Les Martinique Civic
and Social Club, Lifetime Member of the University of Louisiana Monroe Alumni Association,
and Board Member NELA Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation
Nicholas Lebas (BS Pharmacy'97)
Nick is a 1997 ULM School Of Pharmacy graduate. Married to Nicole LeBas ULM '96 with
three daughters: Natalie ULM '22, Kylie(currently a Senior at ULM), and Laci, future
Warhawk. He is the owner Fuselier's Pharmacy and currently live in Ville Platte, La.听While
at ULM, Nick was active on Union Board, NLU 31, PREP Staff and a member of the NLU
Cheerleaders. He was also a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Nick also serves
on the Louisiana Wholesale Drug Board of Directors. After graduating in 1997,Nick
and Nicole moved back to his hometown of Ville Platte, La to enter into the family
pharmacy business. Nick is looking forward to helping the Alumni Association grow.
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Kim Lowery (BS'06)
Kim Lowery is a Monroe native and a proud graduate of the University of Louisiana
at Monroe (ULM), where she obtained a degree in social work. With over 17 years of
experience in the non-profit sector, Kim has developed a strong foundation in serving
the community.
Currently, Kim holds the position of Vice President of Community & Organizational
Strategy at the United Way of Northeast Louisiana. 听In this role, she is responsible
for overseeing the Community and Organizational Strategy, working towards a common
vision for the community.
Kim is passionate about pursuing this shared vision and has been actively involved
in initiatives such as the ULM 2021 Investiture Take Flight Through Reading program.
She also continues to contribute to the development and growth of Centennial Scholars.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Kim is married to Rickey, another ULM graduate,
and they have celebrated over 33 years of marriage. They take great joy in being parents
to two daughters and grandparents to four grandchildren, including a ULM Centennial
Scholar.
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Justin Mailhes (BBA'13)
Justin is an financial advisor with Argent Advisors in Monroe, LA. As a CFP庐 practitioner,
he can walk clients through their comprehensive financial plan step by step.
Justin joined Argent in 2011 while completing his bachelor's degree from ULM. He graduated
in 2013 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) with a concentration in
Finance. Justin is also an active member of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors
and Young Professionals. He was a 2017 graduate of Argent Leadership Academy and a
2018 graduate of Leadership Ouachita. He was recognized in 2018 as a Northeast Louisiana
Top 20 Under 40 Young Professional. He is also an active member of the ULM Alumni
Board of Directors and the Salvation Army of NELA Board of Directors.
Justin and his wife Kayleigh are members of First Methodist Church of Monroe and have
two children, James and Wray Marie. In his spare time, Justin enjoys spending time
with his family, playing golf, and watching football.
听 Levi McKelphin (BS'85)
听 Originally from Greenville, MS, I graduated from NLU in 1985. 听While a student,
I was a Sound of Today member (saxophone), where I met my future wife Emma (NLU 鈥�87).
听I was an active member of Phi听 听 Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. 听I am a Lifetime
Alumni Member, as is Emma.
听 We have two grown daughters, one of whom is a 2013 graduate of ULM, and two grandsons.
听I live in the Greater Memphis, TN area. 听
听 I work in the medical device industry as Vice President of Global Quality, having
worked in Quality throughout my career. 听My hobbies include playing piano and guitar,
motorcycling, and travel. 听I am a听 听 听 听licensed amateur radio operator,听
听I own property in Claiborne Parish, and plan to retire there when the time comes.
听For now I enjoy visiting ULM and helping with the Alumni Association鈥檚 mission.
Nirali Patel (BA'18, MPA'20)听听
Nirali Patel is the Main Street Director for the City of Monroe where she is responsible
for the development, conduct, execution and documentation of the Main Street program
and overall cultural听 听development of Downtown Monroe. Since her start in April of
2022, she has been involved in reviving community participation in downtown and helping
create an overall sense of place for the area. One of听 听her favorite tasks is that
she gets to support brand-new annual events and activities for the community and local
businesses to participate in. Due to the fluctuating needs of our arts and culture
in Monroe,听 she is loves that her career allows her to play many roles and wear every
hat imaginable to make sure the job gets done right! Nirali never imagined that she
would find a place in the university in the same听 city she grew up in, but ULM quickly
became her home and safe place. She found lifelong friendships and connections with
people who worked hard to help shape the person she is today.
Her involvement听 in several student organizations including SGA, Campus Activities
Board, and Up 'til Dawn, and gave her the opportunity to hold leadership roles in
each one. Some of her favorite memories are from her听 time as a student, which helped
shaped her to be the leader and community advocate. ULM taught her how to use her
voice, to be a leader, and showed her that she is more than qualified to be where
she听 is today. It also provided the unique support she needed to thrive as a first
generation American and college student. The necessary resources were there for her
to utilize and grow independently. Nirali's听 job relies on her ability to develop
authentic connections and focus on building real relationships with everyone. She
hopes to bring that same energy to the Board to help foster stronger relationships
with听 current and future alumni members. She's a strategic thinker who never runs
out of ideas. She loves to volunteer and understands what it requires of a working
board, she doesn鈥檛 think any job is too small. A听 win-win in her book. Nirali earned
a Bachelor of Science in English and Master of Public Administration from ULM. She
resides in Monroe with her cat, Hamlet Bell Pepper Samosa Patel! In her spare听 time,
she loves to go to shows and volunteer at Strauss Theatre, thrifting, and reading
books that weren't on her TBR list!听
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Mario Payne (BS'08)
Mario is a retired Veteran from Bastrop,LA. He graduated from ULM in 2008 with a Bachelor
of Business Administration (B.B.A.). He received his Masters of Public Administration
(M.P.A) from Columbia Southern University. He鈥檚 also an active member of Kappa Alpha
Psi Fraternity Inc.,听
Mario is a proud farther of 听three children; Mari, Makaila, & Terrion (who plays football
at Grambling State University). 听Mario is a native of Bastrop, La but currently resides
in Dallas,TX . In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling,
and watching TV.听
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Lynnel Ruckert (BA'92)
In 2001, Lynnel arrived in Washington DC to 听answer phones for Chairman Billy Tauzin鈥檚
Energy and Commerce Committee. She departed in 2016 as the highest ranking House female
staffer on Capitol Hill. She served as Majority Whip Steve Scalise鈥檚 chief of staff
for eight years. During her DC tenure she worked with Congress and the White House
to develop and execute strategy on major trade, health care and tax issues. Since
returning to Louisiana she has served as Chief of Staff to Attorney General Jeff Landry,
Assistant Treasurer and graduated from the Baton Rouge Chamber Leadership program.
听She is a principal at Bold Strategies in Baton Rouge. 听As a native of Jefferson Parish,
graduate of University of Louisiana Monroe and former lifeguard at Camp Hardtner in
Grant Parish she finds charm in every corner of Louisiana. When she is not cheering
on her children Jack and Mary Kyle鈥檚 sporting events, Lynnel enjoys playing tennis
and reading. Lynnel majored in Public Relations Journalism and graduated in 1992.
听While a student, she was active in Alpha Omicron Pi, Student Government, NLU 31and
was a Pi Kappa Alpha Little Sister. 听
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