ULM professor named Archaeologist
of the Year

Dr. Diana Greenlee, Poverty Point Station Archaeologist and adjunct assistant professor in the School of Sciences at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, received the state's highest archaeology award.

She was named the Archaeologist of the Year at the Louisiana Culture Awards Ceremony in Baton Rouge.

“Dr. Greenlee is a well-respected professional in her field and has worked diligently to understand the archaeology of Poverty Point and make it accessible to visitors,” said Dr. Eric Pani, Vice President for Academic Affairs at ULM.

“Her effort to have the site named to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage List underscores the importance Poverty Point has in our human history.  We are very proud that she is a member of our distinguished faculty and congratulate her on this award.”

Greenlee has been the Poverty Point Archaeologist since 2006, overseeing the archaeological research at the site.

“I feel truly honored to have received this award,” said Greenlee.

“Developing Poverty Point's World Heritage nomination was a long and challenging project and it’s nice to be recognized for that. In truth, it really was a team effort.  A lot of people, including several from the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development, the Office of State Parks, and the University of Louisiana at Monroe, contributed to the project.  It is a privilege to work at such a remarkable archaeological site and with such a group of dedicated people.”

Dr. Gary Stringer, ULM professor emeritus, nominated Greenlee for the award.

“Although the awards are annual, some awards, such as Archaeologist of the Year, are only given when a person has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments and dedication in that area,” he said. 

“This year, the Archaeologist of the Year was awarded, and it went to Dr. Diana Greenlee… I was immensely pleased she was given the well-deserved honor.”

Greenlee received her Ph.D. from the University of Washington, and has taught at ULM for over six years.

Photo of Diana Greenlee, George Riser, and Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne courtesy