MONROE, LA – On June 16, 2022, as part of the annual Universities of Louisiana System Black Male Summit, two students from each of the nine institutions that comprise the University of Louisiana System were presented as the second cohort of Reginald F. Lewis Scholars at a pinning ceremony at Bayou Pointe on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Representing ULM in cohort two are TRIO Scholar Braxton Jackson, a sophomore majoring in Political Science and TRIO Scholar Eric Lair, Jr, a sophomore majoring in Social Work. Lair said, “Acquiring this scholarship opportunity if life changing, not only to my life, but my family’s life as well. It’s going to be an amazing journey.”
On the Bayou Pointe stage, the scholars were ceremoniously pinned by University of Louisiana System Board Chair Liz Pierre, former Board Chair James Carter, and System President and CEO Jim Henderson. U.S. Sen. Troy Carter joined with a video of the widow of Reginald F. Lewis, Mrs. Loida Nicolas Lewis honoring and congratulating the Scholars.
“Before you today stands the second cohort of Reginald F. Lewis Scholars. In reality, you were just introduced to the next generation of leaders in Louisiana and beyond,” UL System President and CEO Jim Henderson said. “These 18 young men join the first cohort ready to develop into better students, more engaged community members, and culturally aware citizens equipped for life and career success.”
The Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Program of the Universities of Louisiana Systems improves the college experience for black male students in our system. The Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Program provides a three-year curated educational experience focused on three key areas—academics, social advancement and community service.
Mr. Tommie J. Nelson, Retention Coordinator for TRIO Programs, and Dr. Pamela Saulsberry, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion & Multicultural Affairs are the UL System Reginald F. Lewis facilitators for ULM.