Published June 12, 2026

CAPTION: ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille (left) and UPR President Dr. Zayira Jordán Conde (right) signed the agreement on June 12, 2026, at UPR.  

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MONROE, La. – The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) to establish a general framework for collaboration between the two universities with the intent of supporting academic cooperation, research engagement, student and faculty exchange, and other joint activities that advance the missions of both universities. The agreement was signed by ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille and UPR President Dr. Zayira Jordán Conde at a ceremony at UPR in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on June 12, 2026. 

“We are honored to partner with the University of Puerto Rico for the advancement of both of our universities. Agreements like this broaden the cultural horizons for all of our students, faculty, and staff, while creating new learning and research opportunities. Thank you to Dr. Conde and her team for joining us in this collaborative vision. This is the beginning of a wonderful partnership,” said ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille.  

The agreement comes after months of planning and cooperation between the universities, which began when President Castille and other ULM representatives visited Puerto Rico in November 2025 to explore opportunities for future partnerships. The goals and objectives of the agreement include academic collaboration, student and faculty engagement, research and innovation, and strategic funding and grant development.  

The two universities will explore opportunities to enhance academic programs through shared expertise, joint curriculum development, and exchange of academic resources. The agreement also lays the groundwork for students to participate in study-away programs and experiential learning opportunities, while faculty and staff may participate in collaborative research, teaching, and training.  

Additionally, ULM and UPR may collaborate in pursuing funding opportunities from federal and state agencies, philanthropic organizations, and private foundations, with funding priorities focused on workforce development, cultural exchange, and community engagement.  

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers while strengthening the ties between Puerto Rico and Louisiana,” said UPR President Dr. Zayira Jordán Conde. “The University of Puerto Rico is proud to partner with ULM to foster innovation, promote cultural exchange, and develop initiatives that will positively impact our communities. We look forward to building a lasting relationship founded on academic excellence, collaboration, and a common vision for preparing future generations to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”  

Castille notes that the two universities have much to learn from each other, with Puerto Rico being home to eight of the ten major pharmaceutical manufacturers and ULM having Louisiana’s only publicly funded College of Pharmacy. ULM’s forthcoming Bachelor of Science in Disaster Management program can potentially aid Puerto Rico in disaster response, readiness, and recovery. Puerto Rico is vulnerable to hurricanes, with Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastating the island in 2017.  

According to the agreement, ULM and UPR seek to strengthen academic excellence, expand, global learning opportunities, enhance research capacity, and promote cultural understanding between Louisiana and Puerto Rico. The partnership aims to create meaningful educational experiences, support innovation, and contribute to the well-being of the communities served by both institutions.  

While at UPR for the signing of the agreement, Dr. Castille also attended a commencement ceremony where she had the privilege to share a few words with the graduating class.  

“This moment also reflects something larger—the importance of partnership. Institutions like the University of Puerto Rico and the University of Louisiana Monroe are united in a shared mission: to create opportunity, strengthen communities, and prepare students to thrive in a complex and interconnected world. When we work together, we multiply that impact,” said Castille.  

The memorandum of understanding with UPR follows another agreement President Castille signed with Louisiana State University Alexandria (LSUA) in May 2026, underscoring her focus on expanding alliances and learning opportunities with other institutions. Castille is returning to Monroe energized by the possibilities of the partnership with UPR.  

“Just like Northeast Louisiana, Puerto Rico is working to build the human and physical infrastructure that strengthens its communities. After spending two days on the island and returning to Louisiana, I’m reminded of what a gift this region is and how our partnerships expand opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to learn with and from different cultures,” said Castille.  

About the University of Louisiana Monroe 

The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) is a regional institution serving more than 8,500 students through over 95 academic programs across the Colleges of Arts, Education, and Sciences; Business and Social Sciences; Health Sciences; and Pharmacy. Founded in 1931, ULM is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success, with particular strengths in the health sciences and professional education. The university offers distinctive programs in pharmacy, toxicology, atmospheric science, risk management and insurance, and construction management, while maintaining a strong focus on workforce development and community engagement.  

As Louisiana’s only state-funded pharmacy program, ULM prepares graduates for high-demand careers and educates more than 1,500 healthcare professionals annually. Through extensive regional outreach, student-led clinics, research centers, and partnerships with local industries and government agencies, ULM contributes more than $617 million annually to the regional economy while advancing educational access, public health, and economic development across Northeast Louisiana and beyond. 

Learn more at ulm.edu.  

About the University of Puerto Rico 

The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) is Puerto Rico’s principal public higher education system and one of the island’s most important academic, research, and economic development institutions. Founded in 1903, UPR serves students through 11 campuses: UPR Aguadilla, UPR Arecibo, UPR Bayamón, UPR Carolina, UPR Cayey, UPR Humacao, UPR Mayagüez, UPR Ponce, UPR Río Piedras, UPR Utuado, and the UPR Medical Sciences Campus.  

Across the system, UPR offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs while advancing scientific research, innovation, entrepreneurship, culture, and public service. For more than a century, the University has prepared generations of professionals and leaders, expanded access to education, strengthened Puerto Rico’s workforce, and contributed to the social and economic development of communities across the island and beyond. 

Learn more at upr.edu.