Published April 24, 2014
Since 1978, Dave Norris has served as the Mayor of West Monroe. During that time,
he has been at the helm as the city has grown exponentially with commerce, shopping,
and industry.
A West Monroe native, graduate of West Monroe High School, and graduate of the University
of Louisiana at Monroe, Norris will give the commencement address for ULM’s Spring
Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m., on Saturday, May 10, in ULM’s Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
Norris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government, from ULM in 1963, and began his professional
career after earning a Master’s of Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University
in 1965.
Norris went on to receive a Doctorate in Business Administration from Mississippi
State University in 1974.
Norris taught courses in economics and finance at ULM for 12 years, beginning in 1966
leading up to his first term as West Monroe Mayor.
Upon becoming Mayor of West Monroe, Norris transitioned to part-time teaching at ULM,
which he continued until 1998.
Norris also served as the Director of the Northeast Louisiana Small Business Institute
from 1973-1975, and Choir Director at McGuire United Methodist Church in West Monroe,
beginning in 1971. Norris continues to hold that post today.
Throughout his career, Norris has been active in professional and civic organizations
including service as a trustee for the Monroe-West Monroe/Ouachita Parish Public Trust
Financing Authority—serving as the organization’s President since 2005.
Norris has been a member of the Ouachita Council of Governments since 1978, and has
served on the boards of both Glenwood Regional Medical Center and the Ward 5 healthcare
Foundation.
Norris is married to Biddy Dupree Norris, a retired West Monroe High School business
teacher. Together they have three children: Cindy, Dave, and Chris; and four grandchildren
