University of Louisiana at Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) is a coeducational public university in Monroe, Louisiana, United States, and part of the University of Louisiana System.

ULM opened in 1931 as Ouachita Parish Junior College. Three years later it became the Northeast Center of Louisiana State University. In 1936 and 1937, its dean was Stephen A. Caldwell.

Its name changed agan in 1949, to Northeast Junior College of Louisiana State University. A year later, it became an autonomous four-year institution as Northeast Louisiana State College. In 1969, it granted doctoral degrees for the first time and was elevated to university status as Northeast Louisiana University (NLU).

Much growth occurred during the administration of president George T. Walker from 1958 to 1976. Under Walker, enrollment increased from 2,100 to 9,700. NLU became the largest university in North Louisiana in terms of enrollment and state appropriations. Among all of the universities under the Louisiana Higher Education Board of Trustees, Northeast had the greatest percent of faculty holding terminal degrees, more nationally accredited academic programs, and offered the highest faculty salaries.

In 1999, NLU was renamed to its present name (ULM).

Other activities

ULM is home to several award-winning groups including the Sound of Today marching band and the competition cheerleading squad.

The ULM water ski team is the most successful in the history of the collegiate sport, having won 28 National Collegiate Water Skiing Association championships since 1979.In that year, Bayou Desiard was the host site of the national competition.