Published June 9, 2021
The University of Louisiana Monroe chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon collaborated with Northeast
Delta Human Services Authority on a marketing campaign to reduce underage drinking
among college-age students and younger in Ouachita and Franklin parishes.
PSE is a national professional fraternity for sales, marketing, and management.
The campaign stems from the Louisiana Partnerships for Success II project, which,
according to the website, "will focus exclusively on addressing underage drinking
behaviors, consequences, and risk factors among 9-20-year-olds."
ULM students created content for NEDHSA to distribute through social media and publish
on billboards. The students also spread the content through their respective networks.
Marketing instructor Melissa Kiper of the ULM College of Business and Social Sciences
said the collaboration allowed the students to gain experience by working on a marketing
campaign from beginning to end.
"I enjoyed seeing them collaborate and letting their creativity shine," Kiper said.
"We appreciate the Northeast Delta Human Services Authority for this opportunity."
Monteic A. Sizer, Ph.D., NEDHSA Executive Director, said agreements like this are
ideal for both sides. It plants the message and mission in the target audience's hands
and helps the students build their professional experience.
"We recognize that building sustainable relationships with students and faculty amplifies
the message of alcohol's negative effect," Dr. Sizer said. "Proactively responding
to what is occurring in our region is how we build a unified Northeast Louisiana,
where individuals are thriving and reaching their full human potential."
Zach Moore, Ph.D., assistant professor of marketing at ULM, said the partnership between
NEDHSA and ULM's Pi Sigma Epsilon is the embodiment of the university's mission to
transform students' lives while having a positive impact in Northeast Louisiana.
"We are very grateful for the team at NEDHSA's mentorship of our students and their
willingness to allow our students to engage in the transformative work they do for
our community," Moore said.
Helen Davila, a senior marketing major and Pi Sigma Epsilon president, said this project
taught her the dangers of underage drinking and "how important it is to spread awareness
on the issue."
"I had a lot of fun working on this project," Davila said, "and I'm thankful NEDHSA
allowed us to show our creativity through these ads."
