Published Oct. 6, 2021
University of Louisiana Monroe President Ron Berry speaks after being invested as
the ninth president of the institution at Fant-Ewing Coliseum on Oct. 1, 2021.
Siddarth Gaulee/ULM Photo Services
“The University of Louisiana Monroe must continue to serve proudly as an anchor for
this community as it has done for the past 90 years. At the same time creating the
momentum, innovation, and creativity to move our region and our students boldly toward
the future.”
President Ron Berry
An historic event took place at the University of Louisiana Monroe when an investiture
ceremony for the university’s ninth president was held during the week of the institution’s
90th anniversary.
On Oct. 1, 2021, President Ron Berry received the university medallion and symbolic
mace, just a few days and 90 years since the institution’s first day of classes on
Sept. 28, 1931.
The investiture processional went from the ULM Library to Fant-Ewing Coliseum, led
by the Sound of Today Marching Band. President Berry and his wife, Dr. Christine Berry,
were followed by the Executive Council and distinguished guests, deans, and faculty
of the four colleges, staff, and students.
Special guest speakers included former president Dr. James Cofer, Commissioner of
Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, Faculty Senate President Dr. Janelle McDaniel,
alumnus and ULM employee Erick Burton, Jr., ULM alumnus and former faculty member
Miguel Perez; and President and CEO of the UL System Dr. Jim Henderson.
ULM First Lady Dr. Christine Berry spoke on the Berrys’ journey to the presidency.
Dr. Christine Berry, First Lady of the University of Louisiana Monroe, speaks at the
investiture ceremony for her husband, President Ron Berry.
Siddarth Gaulee/ULM Photo Services
“Over a year and a half ago, when Ron entered the presidential search, it was still
a dream that seemed almost impossible at times. But because of the support of this
faculty, this staff, these students, these alumni, this community, this whole region,
we did it. This is us,” Berry said.
“We achieved what we thought would be an impossible dream. And now that we have seen
what we can do, let’s keep dreaming, let’s dream bigger,” she said.
Henderson reflected on Berry being chosen for the presidency in September 2020, saying,
“Selecting presidents is not a science; it’s not an art; sometimes, it’s just being
at the right place at the right time and finding the right candidate.”
“Finding the right candidate, when you do it, when you get it right, it’s an extraordinary
feeling. We got it right with Ron Berry,” Henderson said.
Joined by the First Lady and McDaniel, Henderson conducted the formal investiture.
“Dr. Berry, it is a great privilege for me, with the authority vested in me under
the constitution of the state of Louisiana and through the Board of Supervisors of
the University of Louisiana System to formally invest you as the ninth president of
the University of Louisiana Monroe,” Henderson said.
Berry then made his first comments as the invested ninth president.
“Christine and I are truly honored to be here with you today as well as to have the
opportunity to serve our community and the campus as the ninth president and first
lady of the University of Louisiana Monroe,” he said.
“It is a task that both of us take on with the utmost of seriousness, appreciation,
and honor. We pledge to serve you, our university, and our community with our passion
and our energy, our talents, and with selflessness. And to always represent ULM with
honesty, integrity with gratitude, and with true servant hearts.”
“The University of Louisiana Monroe must continue to serve proudly as an anchor for
this community as it has done for the past 90 years. At the same time creating the
momentum, innovation, and creativity to move our region and our students boldly toward
the future,” Berry said.
“I know with your help we will be the best in the world at what we do. This I pledge
to you. Our students, faculty, and staff; our community deserves no less.”
Following investiture, President Berry and Dr. Christine Berry had pizza with students
in the concourse at the coliseum. A brunch for faculty and staff was held at Bayou
Pointe, which the Berrys attended after lunch with the students.
