May 9, 2007
Dear Colleagues,
I find myself saddened by the end of another great year at ULM. The endeavors of ULM’s faculty, staff, and students were numerous this year. Our students had the highest ACT scores in our history, faculty and staff generated record amounts of extramural funding, basketball coach Orlando Early was named Coach of the Year in the Sunbelt Conference, we welcomed a new mascot, the College of Pharmacy moved into a new building and regained full accreditation, and we opened a newly renovated Student Union Building, just to name a very few accomplishments. But most importantly, we continued the legacy of a great education for our students. I think the voice of a former student captures the essence of who we are and what we do, and I am including the student’s letter to me, with his permission.
Dear Dr. Cofer,
I don't know if you remember me or not, however I thought it important to write to you in regards of the last couple of years to my life.
I graduated from ULM in spring of 2005 with an acceptance into Florida State's graduate program in History. I could think of nothing better than getting out of Monroe and away from the small world of ULM. After all, what did ULM mean to the larger world of academics out there? When I arrived as a new graduate student in the company of those who had graduated from more "prestigious" universities I suddenly felt ashamed and unprepared to be at that level and in such company. I tried to hide, what I thought at the time, as the small school stigma from my new found peers; afraid I would be ostracized. Oh, how we learn from time.
It was not long before I realized that I was extremely wrong. Those "others" had paid for a more recognized degree, but they had definitely not paid for a more valuable one. Though I had come from a small school that few were familiar with, my academic foundation could not be questioned. In fact, there were many areas in which I seemed more prepared and seasoned than them. I had had the benefit of the "personal touch." Instead of being a number, at ULM I was considered an asset; and I was treated as such. Professors like Gordon Harvey and Christopher Blackburn were not only able to teach me the fundamentals of history, but more importantly, the essence of becoming an historian.
As I mentioned before, I don't know if you remember me, but we have had our moments; whether through the POW WOW or just discussion. I learned from these interactions lessons that few from so called flagship schools would ever have the opportunity to learn.
All in all, my reason for this email is simply to say I am sorry. I am sorry that I was embarrassed at first and I am sorry I was not able to see the gift I was given from ULM. I now know that whatever I achieve, no matter where I go, ULM helped me get there. As I am forever indebted to the History department at ULM for the foundation they provided me.
With Sincerest Regards,
Robert Bird
Grad Asst.
Dept. of History
Florida State University 32306
As your president there is little I can add to Rob’s sentiments except to say to you the faculty and staff at ULM . . . thank you for a job well done.
James E. Cofer, Sr.
ULM President