Cofer's efforts have revived ULM campus
Originally published October 6, 2009 in The (Monroe, La.) News-Star. Used with permission.
Editor's Note: Kenneth West is a student at Ouachita Parish Junior High. This is the second in a series profiling our area's university presidents.
By Kenneth West
The University of Louisiana at Monroe is the pride of our city. In fact, it is one of the most important places for miles around.
The University of Louisiana at Monroe is the educational center of our rural haven. I would like to tell you about the man who influences strong youth, wise elderly people and efficient bureaucrats to call themselves Warhawks.
In 2002, a noticeable tall man arrived on the ULM campus. James Cofer courageously took up the office of president. Although, ULM has always been a vital part of our community, it was in a state of prominent disrepair when Cofer arrived. Cofer enacted a huge initiative known as "Reclaiming Our Campus."
Concerned volunteers readily took up arms against dirt and trash. "Reclaiming Our Campus" started as the project of a few lone frontiersmen. It gradually grew to the multimillion dollar agenda we know today. Without Cofer's ingenuity, the ULM campus would be a saturnine place.
Cofer has truly enriched the lives of ULM students and Monroe citizens. His Presidential Lyceum Series has allowed people to hear different guest speakers of varying backgrounds. He values people and he has changed the face of our small town with his platonic thinking and revolutionary manner.
Cofer is attentive and careful. His early research indicated eight-graders decide whether they will or will not attend college.
Some college presidents are stiff and stoic. They do not feel inclined to leave the secure realm of their office. Cofer has given a sense of life and vigor to ULM. He and his wife are often seen on campus. Cofer is constantly among people. He tries to satisfy all parties through interactive methods.
Since Cofer has been president, the students have rated ULM higher than ever before. ULM pupils are happier with their school than the averages college student in this country. During Cofer's administration, gifts from alumni have drastically increased.
In the first five years of Cofer's presidency, financial gifts have risen by 69.7 percent. Cofer has advocated flexible education. He has added numerous online degree programs and he is valiantly crusading to provide support to students with busy work schedules. ULM is one of 13 colleges nationwide to offer a master's and doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy.
ULM may be contributing to saving the rapidly deteriorating American household on a local level.
In front of the library at ULM there is a statue of a golden Warhawk. I believe that this symbolizes the hope that Cofer has brought to our community. The Warhawk is like the legendary phoenix being born again. ULM has risen from the ashes. The best thing that any citizen of Monroe can say is: "Thank you, Mr. President."