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Alumni Association

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What is the Board of Directors? The ۽ֱ 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.

What does the Board do? 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

Hi! My name is Maggie Sims Generoso and I am a 2-time graduate of ۽ֱ- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (2009) and Master of Education in Educational Leadership (2013). I just completed year 14 as an educator for Monroe City Schools as a 2nd grade teacher at J.S. Clark Magnet School! 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. 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. My role as President included fundraising, events, overdue updates, new attractions, and so much more! I am serving my 2nd term on the Board of Directors for the ۽ֱ Alumni Association as the newly elected Vice President of Administration. I am a 2021 graduate of Leadership Ouachita where I was honored with receiving the "Twice As Much" Award by my peers. 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. In 2022, I received the Kristen Chandler Rising Professional Award by the Women's Symposium at ۽ֱ! My husband, Ken (۽ֱ 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. We have a rescued Boston terrier named Lola Bunny! 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. I also enjoy traveling, reading, and thrift shopping!


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Renée Hebert (BA'98, M.Ed.'00)

Vice President Administration

Renée 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 ۽ֱ, she earned her Masters in Counseling and Bachelors in Psychology.

While a student ۽ֱ, Renée was actively involved on campus as a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Fraternity, ۽ֱ 31, Greek Seeker, Diamond Girls and numerous honor societies. She has served AOII in international roles including a Network Specialist – Development and Network Specialist – Recruitment and currently volunteers on their HR Committee. Renée also spent 15 years working in higher education at our beloved ۽ֱ, 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.

She is a member of the ۽ֱ Greater Houston Alumni Chapter.


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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’s 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.

During her matriculation at ۽ֱ, Lacy was very active. She received several honors including Who’s Who, President’s/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’s 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 ۽ֱ 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.


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David R. Smith (BGS '82)
Vice President Finance


David is a life member of the ۽ֱ alumni association. He graduated from ۽ֱ in 1982, attended ۽ֱ on a US Army ROTC scholarship and was commissioned. David served in the Army for 26 years. 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 ۽ֱ 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 ۽ֱ. He also contributed to the ۽ֱ 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 ۽ֱ School of Pharmacy technology into local North Louisiana startup companies.

He is always a supporter of ۽ֱ across Louisiana. David Is married to Jamie Cox Smith from Plain Dealing, Louisiana and have four children, His daughter Lily became a freshman at ۽ֱ in the fall 2021 semester.


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K Shawn McCoy (BA'85, MBA'87)
Secretary/Parliamentarian

Shawn attended Northeast Louisiana University (now ۽ֱ) and earned a Bachelor’s degree in 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.

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,
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

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 ۽ֱ 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.


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DeAndre Alexander (BGS '08)

DeAndre was a standout basketball player at ۽ֱ 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. In 2010 he founded anon-profit organization entitled “Put Our Kids First” that met the needs of over 100 children through Biddy Basketball.

DeAndre’s vision didn’t 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. 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.


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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 ۽ֱ in Spring of 2017. During his time at ۽ֱ as an undergraduate, he was a member of the ۽ֱ Campus Activities Board for 3 ½ 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 ‘sense of belonging’ to all students on the campus of ۽ֱ. 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 ۽ֱ in the office of Recruitment. Currently, he serves as the Senior Recruiter at ۽ֱ 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’s other roles include being the Advisor for ۽ֱ NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), Co-Advisor for Cultural Diversity Council, ۽ֱ Executive Commencement Committee member, Quachita Parish Chapter NAACP member and Board member for the ۽ֱ Alumni Association. Erick strives to be in the words of Mahatma Ghandi “The change he wishes to see in the world.”


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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 “Southside child”. 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’s 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 ۽ֱ 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.
I received a Bachelor of Arts in Phychology from ۽ֱ 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 '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 Business degree in 1999 and was a member of the ۽ֱ football team. He lettered from 1995-1998. After spending several years in the mortgage and insurance industries he transitioned and became an educator. Davis came back to ۽ֱ and received both Master’s of Arts in Teaching and Master’s of Education. (2013 and 2018 respectively). 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 ۽ֱ L-Club and his fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.


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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’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Thomas-Kilmann’s Conflict Resolution and Management, Diversity and Inclusion.

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’s degree in risk management and insurance. While at ۽ֱ, 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 ۽ֱ. 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 ۽ֱ 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.


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Kandice Hunter Sanders (BS '09 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, ۽ֱ 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 ۽ֱ 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 ۽ֱ Alumni Association:
• 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
• Post Master’s Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate- Southeastern Louisiana University
• Double board-certified nurse practitioner
• Currently employed with Ochsner LSU Health Monroe- Nurse Practitioner Lead IP Medical ICU Hospitalist
• Med-Surg and Critical Care nurse- St. Francis Medical Hospital
• Selected to participate in the 2023 Leadership Ouachita Program
• 2022 nominee for Nurse Practitioner of the Year
• 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)
• 2022 Keynote speaker Annual Community Health and Wellness Expo on behalf of Ochsner LSU Monroe

• 2022 Guest Panelist / Open forum Greater New Antioch Church- Challenges of COVID as people try to return to normal life.
• Mt. Olivet Baptist Church- Keynote speaker high school graduates

• 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


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Nicholas Lebas (BS Pharmacy'97)

Nick is a 1997 ۽ֱ School Of Pharmacy graduate. Married to Nicole LeBas ۽ֱ '96 with three daughters: Natalie ۽ֱ '22, Kylie(currently a Senior at ۽ֱ), and Laci, future Warhawk. He is the owner Fuselier's Pharmacy and currently live in Ville Platte, La.While at ۽ֱ, 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 (۽ֱ), 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. 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 ۽ֱ 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 ۽ֱ 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 ۽ֱ Centennial Scholar.


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Justin Mailhes (BBA'13)

Justin is an financial advisor with Argent Advisors in Monroe, LA. As a CFP® 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 ۽ֱ. 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 ۽ֱ 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.


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Levi McKelphin (BS'85)

Originally from Greenville, MS, I graduated from NLU in 1985. While a student, I was a Sound of Today member (saxophone), where I met my future wife Emma (NLU ‘87). I was an active member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity. I am a Lifetime Alumni Member, as is Emma.

We have two grown daughters, one of whom is a 2013 graduate of ۽ֱ, and two grandsons. I live in the Greater Memphis, TN area.

I work in the medical device industry as Vice President of Global Quality, having worked in Quality throughout my career. My hobbies include playing piano and guitar, motorcycling, and travel. I am a licensed amateur radio operator,

I own property in Claiborne Parish, and plan to retire there when the time comes. For now I enjoy visiting ۽ֱ and helping with the Alumni Association’s mission.


PatelNirali Patel (BA'18, MPA'20)

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 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 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, 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 city she grew up in, but ۽ֱ 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 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 time as a student, which helped shaped her to be the leader and community advocate. ۽ֱ taught her how to use her voice, to be a leader, and showed her that she is more than qualified to be where she 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 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 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’t think any job is too small. A win-win in her book. Nirali earned a Bachelor of Science in English and Master of Public Administration from ۽ֱ. She resides in Monroe with her cat, Hamlet Bell Pepper Samosa Patel! In her spare time, she loves to go to shows and volunteer at Strauss Theatre, thrifting, and reading books that weren't on her TBR list!


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Mario Payne (BS'08)

Mario is a retired Veteran from Bastrop,LA. He graduated from ۽ֱ 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’s also an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.,
Mario is a proud farther of three children; Mari, Makaila, & Terrion (who plays football at Grambling State University). 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.


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Lynnel Ruckert (BA'92)

In 2001, Lynnel arrived in Washington DC to answer phones for Chairman Billy Tauzin’s 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’s 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. She is a principal at Bold Strategies in Baton Rouge. 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’s sporting events, Lynnel enjoys playing tennis and reading. Lynnel majored in Public Relations Journalism and graduated in 1992. While a student, she was active in Alpha Omicron Pi, Student Government, NLU 31and was a Pi Kappa Alpha Little Sister.


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