After serving ULM’s College of Education and Human Development for 33 years, Joyce Choate retired on June 30. But it’s not the end for Choate. She was recently named Professor Emerita, an achievement that will allow her to continue to represent ULM well.
For Choate, the honor serves as an appreciation of her instruction and her professional contributions, she said.

“The title permits me to retain my professional identity as a representative of ULM and enhances my credibility for future professional endeavors,” she said. “As an invited presenter at an accreditation workshop in Washington, D.C. next month, the title will serve to validate my expertise while also expanding the visibility of ULM at the national level. I welcome the central message of this appointment: Retired but not forgotten.”

Choate, who retired as professor of curriculum and instruction and associate dean, also served as ULM’s National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and Professional Design Committee Coordinator.

Her contributions to ULM are important, said Luke Thomas, dean of College of Education and Human Development. Thomas has known Choate for 22 years.

“I have never known a university professor so passionate about her profession and loyal to her university. Joyce Choate has not only made extraordinary contributions to the academy at the ULM, she has also been a wonderful mentor to numerous faculty and students over the years.  She is truly an amazing individual.”

ULM presidents have given this honor to 29 men and seven women, including Choate.