Published August 15, 2024
CAPTION: (L-R): Carroll Jr. High Principal Montrell Marshall, ULM Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Valerie Fields, Monroe City Schools Superintendent
Sam Moore III, ULM President Dr. Ron Berry, ULM Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mark Arant
MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe and Carroll Jr. High signed a memorandum of understanding
at a ceremony at Carroll Jr. High on Monday, August 12. The education partnership
agreement ensures that each institution serves the needs of students by providing
them with opportunities to fully explore and realize their academic potential. The
agreement addresses the areas of academic support, student support services, career
exploration, leadership development, and community engagement. The agreement is effective
immediately.
“Every individual deserves the best life possible, and that’s what this program is
all about. It’s working together, it’s meeting each other where we are and helping
accomplish amazing things for each individual and this community,” said ULM President
Dr. Ron Berry.
The agreement will allow ULM and Carroll Jr. High to develop launching points for
students interested in health sciences, including pharmacy, nursing, and dental hygiene,
as well as unmanned aerial vehicles and entrepreneurship.
“This collaborative approach helps to ensure that children receive a diverse range
of experiences. They learn important social values and ultimately, they have a network
of mentors and role models to guide them as they grow,” said Carroll Jr. High Principal
Montrell Marshall.
ULM and Carroll Jr. High will establish a joint leadership committee to oversee the
activities of the agreement. The committee will meet regularly to review accomplishments,
plan events, and consider new opportunities. Additionally, both institutions will
conduct surveys and meetings to identify the needs and interests of middle school
students, teachers, and administrators and develop academic, career, and community
engagement activities based on those assessment findings.
To the Carroll Jr. High students in attendance at the signing, ULM Vice President
for Student Affairs Dr. Valerie Fields said, “As you forge into the relationships
that are forthcoming with the faculty and staff members of ULM, please take full advantage
of those. They will be relationships that will carry you for a lifetime and will be
important as you frame yourself to develop into the person you strive to become.”
