Please join us for this ceremony as the University of Louisiana Monroe formally confers the authority and symbols of its Office of the President – a ceremony that is heralded as one of the oldest and most dignified traditions in academia.

Please send RSVP to: investiture@ulm.edu

Dr. Berry, a native of Winnsboro, Louisiana, and a two-time graduate of ULM, has served the university for more than 25 years.

He advanced through the academic ranks as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and full Professor of Information Systems. Dr. Berry began his academic administration career as Department Head of Computer Information Systems, Interim Dean, then Dean of the College of Business and, most recently, Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences. As a first-generation student who came from an impoverished household, Dr. Berry understands and appreciates ULM’s impact on students and the communities the institution serves. Dr. Berry has worked closely with the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, serving two years on the executive board as Vice President for Membership and Vice President for Business Advocacy and six years on the board of directors. He served as chairman of the United Way of Northeast Louisiana for two years and seven years as a board member. Dr. Berry and his “partner, best friend, and wife” First Lady Dr. Christine Berry, Professor and Program Coordinator of Risk Management and Insurance at ULM have two children; Michael, 20, a ULM graduate and Alea, 16, a high school junior.

The University of Louisiana Monroe community celebrates the formal investiture of President Dr. Ronald Berry on Friday, October 1, 2021. This ceremony is counted among the oldest of traditions in academia. Originating in English universities and modeled after highly dignified knighthood ceremonies, investiture comes from the Latin phrase for “dress in robe.” In academic circles, the term has come to mean one who will literally don the university’s insignia and regalia. 

Like other university investitures before it, the ceremony for Dr. Berry will reflect the style of the university president whose investiture is being celebrated. That is why university investiture committee members agreed to adhere closely to the “Changing Lives” theme initiated during Dr. Berry’s first year as president.

"It will be an honor and privilege to serve the ULM family and community as the ninth president. Throughout the search process, I was inspired and overwhelmed by the support, enthusiasm, and excitement around ULM’s future and look forward to collectively realizing our full potential."

DR. RONALD BERRY