Published Jan. 12, 2021
University of Louisiana Monroe President Ronald Berry, D.B.A., announces the appointment
of Pamela Higgins Saulsberry, Ph.D., LCSW-BACS, as executive director of the Office
of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Professor Saulsberry is the ULM College of Business and Social Sciences School of
Behavioral and Social Sciences director, and coordinator of the social work program.
Saulsberry is a lifelong advocate for the concepts which the newly established office
embodies. Besides being a professor of social work, she has also been a school social
worker, a child protective social worker, a juvenile justice consultant, and a local,
state, and national trainer on topics including diversity. She has also served either
on or as the chair of the ULM Diversity Committee since its inception. This background
provides a natural progression to this position.
“As a social worker, I have been able to see firsthand what exclusion and marginalization
does to individuals and society. In my life experiences, I have experienced very few
people who did not want to have the opportunity to self-actualize. I don’t believe
anyone wants to have their gifts, talents, and/or ambitions excluded or marginalized,”
Saulsberry said.
“Historically, inclusion and equity have been the major challenge, diversity is a
normal human condition. At ULM, we have the responsibility to ensure every person
on this campus is treated with respect and appreciation and provided with the same
opportunities,” she said.
“A university is the place to be a community leader in making inclusion and equity
of human diversity the rule, not the exception. At ULM, we will look inward, outward,
and forward in our efforts to address issues of being inclusive of diversity and doing
so equitably.”
Berry said Saulsberry brings a wealth of professional experience and a lifetime of
personal commitment to the position.
“Dr. Saulsberry understands the issues we must embrace as a university to create an
inclusive environment of learning, working, and living. I know she will serve in this
capacity with the same integrity which she has in the College of Business and Social
Sciences for many years,” Berry said.
Saulsberry said this is a natural progression for her professional career.
“We must reshape our perceptions and realize that diversity is and has always been
a natural human state; an ongoing part of our daily lives. The challenge has always
been how to make inclusion and equity natural parts as well. I began my career as
a social worker because I enjoyed helping people, and the dignity and worth of every
person is one of the core values and speaks to diversity,” Saulsberry said.
Saulsberry’s professional and community service exemplify her internalization of diversity
and inclusion, and awards are numerous, including the following:
Service
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Empowering Families to Live Well Louisiana Council
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Masur Museum of Art Board of Directors
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United Way of Northeast Louisiana’s Board of Directors and the Read Learn Succeed
program
-
Christopher’s Youth Center Board of Directors
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Ouachita Parish Jury Commission
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Louisiana State Sickle Cell Commission
Awards
-
ULM Foundation Award of Excellence
-
Association of Black Social Workers’ Regional Humanitarian of the Year
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CAMEO Award for Outstanding Leadership in Education for March of Dimes
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Delta Sorority Woman of FIRE Award for Community Service
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Louisiana Foster and Adoptive Parent Association, the Linda Christmas Service Award
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Northeast Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation Service Award
ULM activities
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ULM MLK Day of Service, founder, coordinator
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Dating Violence/Sexual Assault/Stalking Awareness
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Green Dot Bystander Training
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Phi Kappa Phi
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ULM Diversity Committee
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Violence Prevention and Intervention - Sexual Assault Forum
-
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
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Women’s Symposium
