Published August 4, 2026

CAPTION: Pictured L-R: ULM Foundation Director of Grants and Scholarships Roxanne Smith, ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille, AT&T Louisiana President David Aubrey, ULM Foundation Executive Director Cindy G. Foust 

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MONROE, La. – The University of Louisiana Monroe Foundation welcomed leaders from AT&T to campus on August 3, 2026, for the official presentation of a $25,000 gift establishing the Workforce Scholarship Program, a new fund created to help ULM juniors reach graduation despite serious financial obstacles. 

The check presentation, held at the Laird Weems Center, was attended by AT&T representatives including David Aubrey, along with ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille, deans and administration members. 

The Workforce Scholarship Program will support ULM juniors in the College of Business and Social Sciences who are pursuing degrees in Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, and Construction Management. These are students who have already invested years of work toward their degrees and now find themselves facing financial need serious enough to put that progress at risk. The scholarship is designed to close that gap and carry recipients through to on-time graduation in 2027, positioning them to step directly into the Louisiana workforce in fields where AT&T and other regional employers are actively hiring. 

"Every day we help students gain the skills and knowledge that lead to meaningful careers," said Dr. Castille. "This scholarship support will help more students overcome financial obstacles and stay focused on completing the education and training that can change the trajectory of their lives." 

AT&T echoed that commitment through David Aubrey, who leads the company's operations across the state. 

"Access to education and workforce training can open doors to opportunity," said AT&T Louisiana President David Aubrey. "We're proud to support the University of Louisiana Monroe's efforts to help students gain the skills and confidence they need to pursue rewarding careers and strengthen Louisiana's workforce." 

The gift reflects AT&T's long-standing investment in Northeast Louisiana, from expanding fiber connectivity across the region to its continued partnership with ULM and the ULM Foundation.