Published July 2, 2020
Bayou Pointe theatre renamed the Camile W. Currier Student Theatre in honor of his
dedication to ULM
Camile Currier, Vice President for Student Affairs, retired from the University of
Louisiana Monroe on June 30, 2020, after devoting more than 50 years to ULM, beginning
as a student in 1969.
PHOTO: University of Louisiana Monroe recently retired Vice President for Student Affairs
Camile Currier speaks at the retirement reception for President Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D.,
on June 16, 2020. Both Currier and Bruno retired on June 30. Bruno was president for
almost 10 years and Currier worked at the university since he was a freshman in 1969.
His first job was as a student worker managing the track and cross country teams.
Sid Gaulee/ULM Photo Services
A native of Amite, La., Currier spent more time outdoors than indoors. His youth was
filled with hunting, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. As an athlete at Amite High
School, Currier played football, basketball and ran track. During the summers, he
played Dixie Youth Baseball.
After graduating from high school, Currier headed to ULM, bringing his love of sports
and outdoor activities with him. He signed on as a student worker to manage the track
and cross country teams. This position accomplished two things: he was involved in
sports and helped pay for his education.
Currier earned a B.S. in Health and Physical Education in 1973, and remained on campus
another year to complete his Master of Education. While studying for his master’s,
Currier was a graduate assistant in athletics and assistant track coach.
“I’ve been here a long time, and started as a student worker in athletics with the
track teams,” said Currier. “I spent hours loading and unloading equipment and uniforms.
We’d travel to meets all over the South. It was a lot of fun, but it was work,” he
said.
At age 24, married and with a family, Currier joined the ULM staff as Intramural Coordinator
(1975-80) and later became Director of Intramurals (1980-92).
Working with and for the students
Through the years, Currier remained in roles focusing on students: Director of Recreational
Services and Facilities (1992-2000), Assistant Dean for Student Affairs (2000-04),
ULM Liaison for Residential Life for the Division of Business Affairs (2003-07), Director
of Residential Life (2003-04), Associate Dean for Student Services and Judicial Affairs
(2004-07), Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs (2007-13), Interim Vice President
for Student Affairs (2014-17), and Vice President for Student Affairs (2017-2020).
Camile Currier in 1986, from the ULM Archives.
He has served on numerous committees, boards, and task forces. Currier was affiliated
with many organizations within the university, the state of Louisiana, and on a national
level, including L Club, the Louisiana Collegiate Intramural-Recreational Sports Association,
the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and the United Way of
Northeast Louisiana.
Perhaps the accomplishment is he is proud of the most is Bayou Pointe Student Event
Center. Constructed on the Lake C. Oxford Natatorium site, the $7 million event center
is open to students, faculty, staff, and the entire north Louisiana region. The student
body approved funding for the facility through student fees.
Honoring Currier's dedication
At its June 25, 2020, meeting, the UL System Board of Supervisors approved the renaming
of the Lagniappe Theatre inside Bayou Pointe to the Camile W. Currier Student Theatre.
In the letter to UL System President Dr. Jim Henderson, recently retired ULM President
Nick J. Bruno, Ph.D., wrote:
“During his tenure, Camile was directly involved or part of the planning, and in some
cases securing funding for the following facilities: The Activity Center, University
Park, Masur Hall and Madison Hall renovations, Student Union Ballroom renovations,
student parking garage, Health and Counseling Center, Ski Team House, SGA Dock and
Hammocks on the Bayou, Food Bank located in the Activity Center, and Bayou Pointe
Event Center.
“Camile is highly regarded at the university as well as in the Northeast Louisiana
community, and he has served as an outstanding leader at the University of Louisiana
Monroe.”
Currier’s career at ULM began as a student worker and ended as a vice president. There
were many titles in between, and even a retirement until Dr. Bruno convinced him to
return. Although he’s left his office, he hasn’t gone far. In fact, if you’re up early
enough, you’ll see him walking his 3-mile path around campus.
“This is my home, ULM is my home. I love it here,” Currier said. “I’ll be around.”
Currier projects and accomplishments
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Developed, coordinated, and passed a referendum for the ULM Student Intramural Fee.
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Developed, coordinated, and passed a referendum for the construction of the ULM Student
Activity Center.
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Co-authored the Louisiana Collegiate Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (LCIRSA)
Constitution.
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Developed and coordinated the publishing of the State LCIRSA Directory.
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Established the first ULM Wellness Program within the Department of Recreational Services.
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Acquired resources by working with the city of Monroe to construct the University
Park Outdoor Complex at no cost to the University.
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Developed the ULM Judicial Reference Manual.
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Served on Residential Life developmental team to renovate and construct new housing
2004-07.
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Developed, coordinated and passed a student referendum fee to support all of ULM’s
registered student organizations.
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Secured funding from the CVB, city of Monroe and self-assessed student funds to renovate
and turf University Park.
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Worked with student groups to renovate the obsolete natatorium into the new Bayou
Pointe Student Event Center, which opened March 2018.
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Started the University Mile, a ULM tradition, in 1984.
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Participated in the selection, development and construction of new residence halls
and apartments and the ongoing renovation of the Student Union Building.
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Recognized by the ULM Alumni Association in 2006 for his contributions to the community
and progress to the university.
