What is the Board of Directors? The 不良研究所 Alumni Association Board of Directors is comprised of a 22 alumni or alumni
advocates. These individuals hail from Louisiana, Texas and beyond carrying forth
the mission of the Alumni Association: to change futures. Each member serves a term
of 6 years and is voted into office by active members of the alumni association.听
What does the Board do? 听The Board serves in both working and advisory capacity and works in conjunction with
alumni staff to achieve our four major priorities: Investment in Key Stakeholders & Community Relationship management, Diversify Membership
Base & Benefits, Increase visibility and provide opportunities for active engagement,
Embrace Organizational Growth & Innovation to form sustainable resources.
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Maggie Sims Generoso (BS '09, ME '13)
President听
Hi! My name is Maggie Sims Generoso and I am a 2-time graduate of 不良研究所- Bachelor of
Science in 听Elementary Education (2009) and Master of Education in Educational Leadership
(2013). 听I just completed year 14 as an educator for Monroe City Schools as a 2nd
grade teacher at J.S. Clark Magnet School! 听I currently serve as a Mentor Teacher
& Math Content Leader for the state of Louisiana and as the Chairperson of Education
for the Monroe Chamber of Commerce Workforce & Education Initiative. 听I served 3 years
as the President of the Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society where I played an integral
role of revitalizing the zoo after many years of neglect. 听My role as President included
fundraising, events, overdue updates, new attractions, and so much more! 听I am serving
my 2nd term on the Board of Directors for the 不良研究所 Alumni Association as the newly
elected Vice President of Administration. 听I am a 2021 graduate of Leadership Ouachita
where I was honored with receiving the "Twice As Much" Award by my peers. 听I was named
a Golden Apple Teacher in 2020, Teacher of the Year in 2021, as well as a Top 20 Under
40 Young Professional by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce in 2021. 听In 2022, I received
the Kristen Chandler Rising Professional Award by the Women's Symposium at 不良研究所! 听My
husband, Ken (不良研究所 Class of 2010), and I have 2 boys- Max Patrick (10) and Reed Kendall
(6) and are members of St. Paul's United Methodist Church. 听We have a rescued Boston
terrier named Lola Bunny! 听As a family, we can often be found tailgating in the Grove
or cheering on the Warhawks in the end-zone with the L Club. 听I also enjoy traveling,
reading, and thrift shopping!
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Kandice Hunter Sanders (BS '09, BSN '13, MSN-AGPCNPK)
Vice President Administration
Kandice Hunter, a second-generation graduate of the University of Louisiana Monroe
(不良研究所), exemplifies commitment, diversity, and dedication. She holds a lifetime membership
in the 不良研究所 Alumni Association, which she joined upon graduating. During her undergraduate
years, Kandice made lasting contributions to campus life, being voted Miss Freshman
Maid, serving as a 不良研究所 cheerleader, working as a student assistant in Recruitment
and Admissions, participating in Maroon Platoon, and appearing in media marketing
brochures. She was among the inaugural graduates of both the Health Studies Degree
Program and the Master of Science in Nursing鈥揂dult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse
Practitioner program.
Kandice holds multiple degrees from 不良研究所, including a Bachelor of Science in Health
Studies, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Science in Nursing. She
also earned a Post-Master鈥檚 Family Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Southeastern
Louisiana University and is a double board-certified nurse practitioner. Professionally,
she serves as the Nurse Practitioner Lead in the Inpatient Medical ICU at Ochsner
LSU Health Monroe and previously worked as a Med-Surg and Critical Care nurse at St.
Francis Medical Hospital.
Her leadership and excellence have been widely recognized. She was selected to participate
in the 2023 Leadership Ouachita Program and was nominated in 2022 for Nurse Practitioner
of the Year. Kandice was also featured in Bayou Life magazine as one of the Faces of Power, a recognition of rising women leaders in the
community. She has served as a keynote speaker at the 2022 Annual Community Health
and Wellness Expo on behalf of Ochsner LSU Monroe, and as a guest panelist at Greater
New Antioch Church, addressing the challenges of post-COVID life. Additionally, she
delivered a keynote address to high school graduates at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church.
Kandice is deeply committed to community service, both personally and professionally.
She is a member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, the Junior League of Monroe, the Ochsner
LSU Health Diversity and Inclusion Council, and several professional organizations
including the American Nurses Association, the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners,
and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. She is also a proud member of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Les Martinique Civic and Social Club.
In addition to her lifetime alumni membership, she serves as a board member of the
Northeast Louisiana Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation, further reflecting the core values
of the 不良研究所 Alumni Association.
K Shawn McCoy (BA'85, MBA'87)
Vice President Operations
Shawn attended Northeast Louisiana University (now 不良研究所) and earned a Bachelor鈥檚 degree
in听 Economics, as well as, a Masters of Business Administration. While at NLU he was
a pole-vaulter on the track team, a cheerleader and was the cheerleader coach while
in graduate school. He is a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and remains involve with
the Kappa Sigma Alumni group raising money for the Kappa Sigma Alumni scholarship
fund.听
Shawn began his career in the financial services industry over 35 years ago. He started
his career in Carrolton, Texas working with MetLife and spent 20 years with the firm.
Over the years he has held many positions in the financial services industry including
Management Roles, Group Sales, Compliance, and Wholesaler. During that time, Shawn
developed and presented public seminars on various financial and investment topics.
He also has spoken to thousands of representatives and organizations about insurance
and investments.
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Ernest Finch (BBA '09)
Vice President Finance
Ernest's upbringing in Vernon Parish and his education at Anacoco High School eventually
lead him home to Monroe in 2005. He graduated from the University of Louisiana at
Monroe in 2009 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in risk management and insurance. While at
不良研究所, he was actively engaged serving as both member and officer of the Student Government
Association and the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.Ernest married his high school sweetheart,
Halie, also an alumna of 不良研究所. In 2010, he started his career at Thomas and Farr, now
known as Forth Insurance, where he has since assumed the role of Branch Manager and
Producer.
In his current role, he oversees the Life and Health Division for Forth while concurrently
managing a book of business. Ernest's dedication extends beyond his professional domain,
as evidenced by his active participation on the Board of Directors for organizations
such as The United Way of Northeast Louisiana, Red Cross of Northeast Louisiana, Boy
Scouts of America, and 不良研究所 RMI Advisory Board. He has furthered his leadership growth
through distinguished programs such as Leadership Ouachita in 2012 and the Origin
Bank Emerging Leaders Council in 2022.
He was selected as an Honorable Mention recipient of the Northeast Louisiana Top 20
Under 40 Young Professional award in 2014, subsequently being selected to a position
among the Top 20 in 2015. Ernest and Halie actively participate in the North Monroe
Baptist Church community, attending services alongside their daughters, Elliott and
Violet. He enjoys family road trips, coaching soccer, and playing golf in his down
time. Additionally, he finds fulfillment in contributing to the retreat ministry at
their church.
Lacy Durham (BBA '01)
Secretary/Parliamentarian
Lacy is an Assistant General Counsel at Constellation Energy, one of the nation's
largest producers of carbon-free energy and the leading competitive retail supplier
of power and energy for homes and businesses across the United States. As a practicing
in-house benefits counsel, she has primary legal responsibility and provides strategic
advice for the Company鈥檚 quailed and nonqualified benefit plans and equity and compensation
arrangements, and fringe benefits. Lacy also provides support for labor relations,
investment management, and M&A issues related to employee benefits. Before joining
Constellation Energy, Lacy worked at Deloitte Tax LLP for 15 years advising clients
on all aspects of total rewards. She also worked for the U.S. Department of Labor
as a Benefits Advisor.听
During her matriculation at 不良研究所, Lacy was very active. She received several honors
including Who鈥檚 Who, President鈥檚/Dean's List, Pi Sigma Epsilon National Founder's
Award, and the Student Involvement Scholarship. Lacy was also involved with Phi Eta
Sigma; Alpha Lambda Delta, Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, Mortar Board, the Student
Government Association, Beta Alpha Psi; Institute of Internal Auditors, Student Union
Board, and more.
Lacy is known as a developer of people, a coach and mentor to many, and a diversity
and inclusion champion. She is a zealous advocate of advancing women and being an
ally to children, the elderly, and disadvantaged persons who otherwise have no voice.
Lacy鈥檚 breakthrough leadership is exemplified through numerous civic and professional
leadership roles. She serves on the Board of the Dallas Theater Center, the ChildCare
Group, and the Diverse Attorney Pipeline Program (DAPP). She is an active member of
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Junior League of Dallas, the National Association
of Black Accountants (NABA) the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), the Society
of Human Resource Management (SHRM), and several bar associations including the National
Bar Association (NBA) and the American Bar Association (ABA). Lacy is in the line
of succession to Chair the ABA Civil Rights and Social Justice Section whose mission
is to protect and advance human rights, civil liberties, and social justice. She is
also a past Chair of the ABA Young Lawyers Division, the largest association of its
kind in the world, in which she represented the voice of 180,000 young lawyers Lacy
has also been appointed to several highly coveted committees and commissions both
in the legal profession and community. She is a graduate of many leadership programs
and has received numerous awards and accolades including several 40 Under 40 and several
young professional recognitions, the Texas Lawyer Extraordinary Minorities in Texas
Law, and has been recognized by her alma maters including the Southern University
Law Center Distinguished Alumni Award, and the Southern Methodist University Black
Alumni Association History Makers Award, and was featured in the 不良研究所 Fall 2018 magazine,
just to name a few. Lacy also has an MBA from Louisiana Tech University, a Juris Doctor
from Southern University Law Center, and an LLM in Taxation from Southern Methodist
University Dedman School of Law. She is admitted to practice law in Louisiana and
Texas; she is also a certified mediator and senior-level HR professional.
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Joseph Beard (BS '09)
Past President听
Joseph (09) lives in Monroe with his Wife, Betsy (10) and they are the proud parents
of Bailey, Josie, Lottie and Jack Beard. Joseph enjoys giving back to his community
and enjoys giving back to 不良研究所 because of the great times he had while there as an
undergraduate. His family is very involved in their church, North Monroe Baptist and
enjoys traveling to any ocean to sit on the beach. He has been employed for the last
six years by Chase Bank as an Account Executive.听
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Courtnie Beach (BGS '08)
Courtnie Beach serves as the Senior Vice President of Lending and Branch Manager at
Guaranty Bank & Trust鈥檚 Monroe branch. She and her husband, Jonathan, have been married
for ten years and are the proud parents of two daughters, Brooklynne and Aubrie. The
Beach family calls Monroe home and is deeply rooted in the local community.
Courtnie earned her Bachelor鈥檚 degree in General Studies from the University of Louisiana
at Monroe (不良研究所) in 2012, all while working full-time. She is a 2015 graduate of Leadership
Ouachita. By the age of 29, she had advanced to Assistant Vice President of Lending,
was promoted to Vice President in 2016, and assumed the role of Branch Manager in
2018. Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to growth, leadership,
and excellence in the banking industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Courtnie is passionate about community service.
She has served as a board member for both the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and the Sterlington
Sports Complex. She was also actively involved with the Susan G. Komen Committee,
helping to organize events and secure corporate sponsorships to support breast cancer
awareness and research.
One cause especially close to her heart is the United Way Organization, where she
serves as Guaranty Bank's United Way Coordinator. She also volunteers at the Northeast
Louisiana Food Bank, often bringing her daughters along to instill in them the value
of giving back to the community.
Whether through her leadership in banking or her dedication to community service,
Courtnie Beach is committed to making a meaningful and lasting impact on those around
her.
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Robert Brown (BBA '13)
Robert Jerrod Brown is an entrepreneur, photographer, and educator with a BBA in Computer
Information Systems from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and a Master of Arts
in Strategic Communication from Southeastern Louisiana University. He founded RJBrown
Photography over 17 years ago and is known for exceptional customer service and compelling
storytelling through photography. Additionally, he is the Assistant Director for the
Jefferson Parish Classic Upward Bound Program, where he empowers students through
academic guidance and outreach workshops. He recently relaunched his nonprofit, DowUrk
Inc., which promotes social and economic growth within underrepresented communities
in Louisiana through comprehensive programs, services, and innovative solutions.
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Erick Burton (BBA '21)
Erick D. Burton Jr., is a Vidalia, Louisiana native. He graduated from Vidalia High
School in 2016 then began at 不良研究所 in Spring of 2017. During his time at 不良研究所 as an undergraduate,
he was a member of the 不良研究所 Campus Activities Board for 3 陆 years then served as a
Committee Head for 3 years. In 2021, in support of the Black Lives Matter movement,
he started the Cultural Diversity Council serving as the Founding President. The purpose
of the organization was to create a 鈥榮ense of belonging鈥� to all students on the campus
of 不良研究所. The organization thrived and became the 2020-2021 Best New Recognized Student
Organization. In Spring of 2021, he received a bachelor's degree in business administration
then began working for 不良研究所 in the office of Recruitment. Currently, he serves as the
Senior Recruiter at 不良研究所 and represents the underserved/ underrepresented populations
across Louisiana. In 2023, Erick received the 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Spotlight Award presented by Dr. Pamela Saulsberry, former D.E.I Executive Officer.
Erick鈥檚 other roles include being the Advisor for 不良研究所 NAACP (National Association
for the Advancement of Colored People), Co-Advisor for Cultural Diversity Council,
不良研究所 Executive Commencement Committee member, Quachita Parish Chapter NAACP member
and Board member for the 不良研究所 Alumni Association. Erick strives to be in the words
of Mahatma Ghandi 鈥淭he change he wishes to see in the world.鈥�
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Dr. Brian Bush (MAEd'06, MEd-EdL'13)
Dr. Bush is the current principal of JS Clark Magnet School. For almost 20 years as
an educator, he has dedicated his life to improving the educational experience of
students. He possesseses a unique track record of serving students from Monroe and
Ouachita public schools. He has also effectively served as assistant principal and
Principal of Martin Luther King, Jr. Jr high school.As with many of the students that
he serves, Dr. Bush grew up as what he distinguishes a 鈥淪outhside child鈥�. Growing
up on the Southside of Monroe taught him many lessons as it relates to life and being
someone of color. He has learned lessons in resilience, work ethic, humility, and
the essence of family and community. Dr. Bush attended Southern University-Baton Rouge
where he majored in Secondary Education. He then attained his Masters and Doctorate
in Educational Leadership from the University of Louisiana, at Monroe. His teaching
career began as a 7th grade teacher at Woodlawn Middle School. He then transitioned
to MLK Jr as the assistant principal. His work at JS Clark Magnet School has ranked
the school as the top elementary in the city of Monroe, and one of the top schools
in the parish of Ouachita. A few of Dr. Bush鈥檚 proudest accomplishments is developing
his Jaguar Club and Medical School Elementary. Jaguar Club was established to drive
young men to be better than what may be perceived of them and attempts to push them
to new heights. Medical School Elementary was developed as a partnership with Ochsner
LSU Health to introduce our young minds to the world of health and medicine. Dr. Bush
has received numerous awards including, but not limited to the Henry Carroll Education
Award, the MLK award for Educational Excellence, Top 20 under40 for NE Louisiana,
Principal of the Year (2018), as well as serving on local boards including the Board
of Directors for United Way, Monroe Police Affecting Change, among many others. Additionally,
Dr. Bush is currently serving as a recipient of Leadership Louisiana and Level Up
League: Future Superintendents Academy. While some people have frowned upon the notion
of working in urban schools, Dr. Bush was driven by the challenge of changing the
lives of both their students and their families. In addition, he is committed to developing
communities by effectively educating its citizens.
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Twainna Calhoun (M.A.Ed'99)
Twainna Fortner Calhoun earned a master鈥檚 degree in administration and supervision
from Northeast Louisiana University in 1999 and thirty-plus graduate hours from the
University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2005.
As a second-generation educator, Twainna began her twenty-nine-year career in the
Ouachita Parish School System, where she has served as a classroom teacher, assistant
principal, and principal for eighteen years, and is currently in her position as personnel
supervisor in Ouachita Parish Schools. Some of her certifications include the National
Institute for School Leadership, the Louisiana Principals' Induction Program, and
Teacher of the Year, Quota Club Woman of the Year finalist, and a finalist for Louisiana
State Principal of the Year. Finally, Mrs. Calhoun served as a member of the Board
of Directors for the National Association of Secondary Schools Principals and the
Louisiana Association of Principals.
She is a member of Pleasant Green Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor William
Smith, where she has served as a Sunday School teacher, Children鈥檚 Ministry, and Bible
School. Her community service includes being a sustainer in the Monroe Junior League,
where she served as the education chairperson, Monroe Symphony鈥檚 Book Fair Volunteer,
and the Big Brother/ Big Sister Advisory Committee.
Of all the things she has achieved in her life thus far, she considers her most significant
accomplishments to be her twenty-five-year marriage to Abram Calhoun Jr. and her three
daughters, Lauren, age twenty-one, and thirteen-year-old twins Layla and Ava. Her
family enjoys traveling and enjoying the little things in life!
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Josh Carroll (BA'08)
Josh Carroll graduated from 不良研究所 in 2008 with a bachelors in Mass Communications &
then graduated from The Art Institute of Dallas in 2010 with an Associates in Graphic
Design. He is married to Jamie Carroll. Together, they have 3 children, Kyndi, Bexley,
& Axton. Josh is a partner and creative director at SnapMe Creative Agency, an advertising
and marketing agency here in Ouachita Parish. Josh is a 2022 graduate of Leadership
Ouachita and currently serves on the board of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce as the
Chairman of the Ambassadors. He and his family attend North Monroe Baptist Church
and he has served on numerous men's retreats as well as assisted other churches in
the region with their men's retreats.
DeJaneiro Davis (BBA听 '99, MAT '13, M.Ed. '18)
Mr. Davis is a native of West Monroe, La and currently holds a position in Ouachita
Parish Schools as Principal of Riser Middle. He obtained his 听 听 Business degree in
1999 and was a member of the 不良研究所 football team. He lettered from 1995-1998. After
spending several years in the mortgage and insurance industries he transitioned and
became an educator. 听Davis came back to 不良研究所 and received both Master鈥檚 of Arts in
Teaching and Master鈥檚 of Education. (2013 and 2018 respectively). 听The last thirteen
years have allowed Davis to author two books, run two businesses focused on youth
empowerment, and release a motivational album. Davis is very active in his community
as a catalyst for positive change. He works hard also for the 不良研究所 L-Club and his fraternity,
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.听
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Kalena Jackson (BS'17)
Kalena Jackson currently works in finance for Entergy Louisiana, where she contributes
to key financial operations that support the state鈥檚 utility infrastructure, operations,
resiliency, and long-term economic growth. A proud 不良研究所 alumna, Kalena earned her Master鈥檚
in Business Administration and Bachelor鈥檚 in Risk Management and Insurance. As a former
four-year student-athlete, she developed leadership, discipline, and teamwork skills
that continue to influence her career and community involvement. Her firsthand experience
at 不良研究所鈥攂oth in the classroom and on the court鈥攇ives her a unique perspective on the
needs and opportunities facing today鈥檚 students. Along with her expertise in finance
and risk management, Kalena is passionate about giving back to the 不良研究所 community and
advocating for initiatives that support academic achievement, athletic excellence,
and long-term financial success for the university. Kalena resides in Monroe, Louisiana
with her husband, JT Jackson and son James Jackson. In her free time, she enjoys cheering
on her 不良研究所 Warhawks, traveling, and trying new restaurants
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Nicholas Lebas (BS Pharmacy'97)
Nick is a 1997 不良研究所 School Of Pharmacy graduate. Married to Nicole LeBas 不良研究所 '96 with
three daughters: Natalie 不良研究所 '22, Kylie(currently a Senior at 不良研究所), and Laci, future
Warhawk. He is the owner Fuselier's Pharmacy and currently live in Ville Platte, La.听While
at 不良研究所, Nick was active on Union Board, NLU 31, PREP Staff and a member of the NLU
Cheerleaders. He was also a member of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Nick also serves
on the Louisiana Wholesale Drug Board of Directors. After graduating in 1997,Nick
and Nicole moved back to his hometown of Ville Platte, La to enter into the family
pharmacy business. Nick is looking forward to helping the Alumni Association grow.
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Javvi Lewis (BBA'02)
A proud 2002 graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Javvi remains a passionate
supporter of his alma mater鈥擥o Warhawks! He currently serves on the State of Texas
Governor-appointed Advisory Council for the Promotion of Adoption of Minority Children,
where he contributes to important initiatives supporting family and child welfare.
An active member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., he was initiated in the Fall of
2002 on the 不良研究所 campus and now holds leadership roles as Editor to the Oracle and
Social Action Chairman for the Omicron Nu Nu Chapter in Round Rock, Texas. He also
plays an active role on several fraternity committees, including Adopt-a-School, Voter
Registration Drives, the Charles Drew Blood Drive, Talent Hunt, Reclamation and Retention,
and College Endowment efforts.
Previously, he served two successful terms as a board member of the Williamson County
Literacy Council, also known as the Wilco Literacy Council. The organization provides
free services such as GED preparation, reading comprehension support, job training
programs鈥攊ncluding plumbing, HVAC, and electrical certifications鈥攁s well as English
as a Second Language (ESL) and Serve Safe Food Certification courses for residents
of Williamson County.
Deeply committed to community service, he frequently volunteers his time to feed the
homeless and participates in charitable clothing drives. He is also a registered Voter
Drive Registrar in both Travis County (Austin, Texas) and Williamson County (Round
Rock, Texas).
Driven by a desire to make a positive impact, he is dedicated to strengthening the
mission and vision of the University of Louisiana at Monroe Alumni Association Board
and continuing to serve the communities around him.
听 Elliott McGlory (BBA'95)
Dr. Elliott McGlory is a seasoned human resources leader and business strategist with
over 20 years of experience driving organizational success across both the public
and private sectors. Based in the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Georgia, he brings
a wealth of expertise in talent acquisition, organizational and leadership development,
change management, and employee relations. A proud alumnus of the University of Louisiana
Monroe (不良研究所), Dr. McGlory earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration
in Marketing in 1995 and was a member of the 不良研究所 Track & Field team. He later earned
his Master of Business Administration in 2011 and Doctor of Business Administration
in 2016 from Argosy University. His doctoral dissertation, "The Relationship Between
Business and Athletics in a Small Community in the State of Louisiana," examined the
collaborative partnership between the City of Monroe and 不良研究所鈥檚 Athletic Department.
A life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Eta Pi Chapter, Spring 1992), Dr.
McGlory is committed to community involvement. He has played a key role in supporting
initiatives that promote physical activity, build social bonds, and improve community
well-being. His work in Clayton County, Georgia, has helped maintain and enhance local
parks and recreational facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality public
spaces. Throughout his career, Dr. McGlory has partnered with both governmental and
private organizations to lead cultural transformation initiatives and implement innovative
strategies for performance improvement. He currently works as a business consultant,
HR strategist, and college professor, merging academic insight with practical experience
to deliver meaningful, result-driven solutions. He also holds several professional
certifications, including SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Workday Basics Certified,
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Registered Civil Mediator (State of Georgia), and OSHA-10.
Nirali Patel (BA'18, MPA'20)听听
Nirali Patel is the Main Street Director for the City of Monroe where she is responsible
for the development, conduct, execution and documentation of the Main Street program
and overall cultural听 听development of Downtown Monroe. Since her start in April of
2022, she has been involved in reviving community participation in downtown and helping
create an overall sense of place for the area. One of听 听her favorite tasks is that
she gets to support brand-new annual events and activities for the community and local
businesses to participate in. Due to the fluctuating needs of our arts and culture
in Monroe,听 she is loves that her career allows her to play many roles and wear every
hat imaginable to make sure the job gets done right! Nirali never imagined that she
would find a place in the university in the same听 city she grew up in, but 不良研究所 quickly
became her home and safe place. She found lifelong friendships and connections with
people who worked hard to help shape the person she is today.
Her involvement听 in several student organizations including SGA, Campus Activities
Board, and Up 'til Dawn, and gave her the opportunity to hold leadership roles in
each one. Some of her favorite memories are from her听 time as a student, which helped
shaped her to be the leader and community advocate. 不良研究所 taught her how to use her
voice, to be a leader, and showed her that she is more than qualified to be where
she听 is today. It also provided the unique support she needed to thrive as a first
generation American and college student. The necessary resources were there for her
to utilize and grow independently. Nirali's听 job relies on her ability to develop
authentic connections and focus on building real relationships with everyone. She
hopes to bring that same energy to the Board to help foster stronger relationships
with听 current and future alumni members. She's a strategic thinker who never runs
out of ideas. She loves to volunteer and understands what it requires of a working
board, she doesn鈥檛 think any job is too small. A听 win-win in her book. Nirali earned
a Bachelor of Science in English and Master of Public Administration from 不良研究所. She
resides in Monroe with her cat, Hamlet Bell Pepper Samosa Patel! In her spare听 time,
she loves to go to shows and volunteer at Strauss Theatre, thrifting, and reading
books that weren't on her TBR list!听
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Mario Payne (BBA'08)
Mario is a retired Veteran from Bastrop,LA. He graduated from 不良研究所 in 2008 with a Bachelor
of Business Administration (B.B.A.). He received his Masters of Public Administration
(M.P.A) from Columbia Southern University. He鈥檚 also an active member of Kappa Alpha
Psi Fraternity Inc.,听
Mario is a proud farther of 听three children; Mari, Makaila, & Terrion (who plays football
at Grambling State University). 听Mario is a native of Bastrop, La but currently resides
in Dallas,TX . In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling,
and watching TV.听
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Tim Rightsell (BBA'97)听
A proud graduate of Neville High School, Class of 1993, and the University of Louisiana
Monroe鈥檚 College of Business, Class of 1997, Tim has built a successful career rooted
in dedication and growth. Their professional journey began during their final semester
at 不良研究所, when they joined JPMorgan Chase as a part-time Customer Service Representative.
Over the past 28 years, they have advanced through numerous roles and currently serve
as a Vice President in Loan Administration.
Outside of their professional accomplishments, Tim is a passionate supporter of Warhawk
athletics. They and their family are often found tailgating at 不良研究所 baseball and football
games, proudly cheering on the teams alongside fellow fans and friends.
Tim is happily married to their spouse, Juleyin, and is the proud parent of two adult
children, Alex and Emory. Committed to giving back, they are eager to support the
University of Louisiana Monroe and the Alumni Association in any way possible, helping
further its mission and continued growth. Go Warhawks!
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听 David R. Smith (BGS '82)
听David is a life member of the 不良研究所 alumni association. He graduated from 不良研究所 in 1982,
attended 不良研究所 on a US听 听 Army ROTC scholarship and was commissioned. 听David served
in the Army for 26 years. 听He was featured on the cover of Life Magazine twice in
March and April 1991. He is an active member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity alumni
association. He also attends 不良研究所 events and football games.
David leaders the Biomedical Research Foundations Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program
and Angel investment group in Shreveport, Louisiana. In this role, he sponsored the
first student business competition at 不良研究所. He also contributed to the 不良研究所 Foundation
to make the foundation part of the North Louisiana Angle Investment group that allows
business students to participate in investment meetings and due diligence. David also
successfully supported licensed 不良研究所 School of Pharmacy technology into local North
Louisiana startup companies.
He is always a supporter of 不良研究所 across Louisiana. David Is married to Jamie Cox Smith
from Plain Dealing, Louisiana and have four children, His 听daughter Lily became a
freshman at 不良研究所 in the fall 2021 semester.
听
Areah Thompson (BA'19)听听
Areah Thompson has actively served Louisiana students and families for over a decade,
building a diverse background in education. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in
Secondary Education from the University of New Orleans, she began her career as a
dedicated classroom teacher in Baton Rouge. Her impact expanded as she took on roles
as a school counselor, school leader, and consultant, including work with the Louisiana
Department of Education, where she supported systems-level initiatives to improve
educational outcomes across Louisiana.
Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to earn a Master of Science in Counseling
from the University of Louisiana Monroe and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Southern
University and A&M College. Today, she serves as Manager of Learning & Research at
Teaching Lab, a national nonprofit dedicated to transforming professional learning
for educators. In this role, she contributes to large-scale research initiatives and
supports the development of data-driven tools that translate evidence into meaningful
impact for systems and students.
Areah鈥檚 dedication to service extends beyond her professional work. She empowers others
through skill-building, resource sharing, and community engagement. She is a proud
member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated庐, the Junior League of Baton Rouge,
and other civic and professional organizations. Areah credits 不良研究所 with helping shape
her leadership philosophy and is honored to give back to the university community
that helped refine her purpose.
听
