Published May 11, 2021
University of Louisiana Monroe President Ron Berry announces Michelle McEacharn, D.B.A.,
as the new Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences, pending University of Louisiana System board approval.
McEacharn is the Susan and William D. Banowsky Endowed Chair and Professor of Accounting
in the William D. Hoover School of Accounting, Financial and Information Services
in the CBSS.
Berry said McEacharn possesses qualities essential for a college dean – experience,
expertise, and enthusiasm.
"The university is truly fortunate to have Dr. Michelle McEacharn accept the position
of dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences. She is an outstanding teacher
and scholar who will provide strong advocacy and leadership for the college. Dr. McEacharn
will be able to begin immediately leading the college towards new levels of achievement,"
said Berry.
When Berry, former dean of the CBSS, became ULM president in 2020, Associate Dean
and Professor Peggy Lane, Ph.D., filled the role of interim dean. Lane was the CBSS's
first female interim dean, and McEacharn is the first female dean of the college.
When interviewing for the position, McEacharn was asked why she wanted to be dean.
Her response captured the momentum building at ULM.
“The CBSS is a great college with high-quality students who are engaged in the programs,
a group of faculty and staff whose dedication and devotion is unmatched, and an alumni
base which both appreciates and supports our students and programs. This is my home
and my family, and my love for ULM and the college runs very deep.”
Dr. Michelle McEacharn
Dean
College of Business and Social Sciences
"Who wouldn't want to serve in this role at this time? The excitement across campus
is genuine and pervasive with Ron Berry as president. What a bright future for ULM
under his direction.”
“The CBSS is a great college with high-quality students who are engaged in the programs,
a group of faculty and staff whose dedication and devotion is unmatched, and an alumni
base which both appreciates and supports our students and programs. This is my home
and my family, and my love for ULM and the college runs very deep,” McEacharn said.
McEacharn has served in the ULM Accounting program continuously since 1989. She began
as an instructor and progressed to assistant professor, associate professor, and full
professor in 2003.
McEacharn earned her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration
at ULM and her Doctor of Business Administration from Louisiana Tech. She is a Certified
Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and Chartered Global Management Accountant.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Alberto Ruiz, Ed.D., said McEacharn would cultivate
and build the CBSS to meet the expectations of students and exceed the demands of
the job market.
"Dr. McEacharn possesses the skills, knowledge, and abilities to lead the CBSS. I
have every confidence Dr. McEacharn will work tirelessly to enhance and develop programs
in the college that are required today and essential for the future. I congratulate
her on this accomplishment in an already exceptional career in higher education,"
Ruiz said.
Berry and Ruiz thanked the committee for their dedication in the nationwide search
for a new dean, especially chairman Don Simpson, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Health
Sciences.
"Dean Simpson and the committee conducted an intense search, and they found the right
person. I am delighted our new dean is one of our own," Berry said.
McEacharn currently serves as the Executive Director for the Federation of Business
Disciplines and is a recent past president for the Northeast Chapter of the Society
of Louisiana CPAs. She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Accounting Education
Award by the Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants in 2009 and the Outstanding
Educator for the Southwest Region of the American Accounting Association in 2008.
