About

Carrie Castille, Ph.D. serves as the tenth president of The University of Louisiana Monroe, making history as the first woman to lead the university in its nearly 94-year history. As president, she is committed to advancing student success, strengthening academic excellence, fostering innovation, and expanding ULM's impact across northeast Louisiana and the state.

Dr. Castille brings decades of leadership experience spanning higher education, agriculture, public policy, and federal government. Prior to joining ULM, she served as an Agriculture and Natural Resources Consultant, advising organizations on agricultural policy and strategic initiatives at the national, state, and local levels. She previously held senior leadership positions at the University of Tennessee, where she oversaw agriculture research and extension programs, and served as Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, managing more than $1.9 billion in funding to support research, education, and Extension partnerships nationwide. Throughout her career, she has also held numerous leadership roles within the USDA, contributing to agricultural policy, crisis management, and economic recovery efforts.

Dr. Castille earned her Ph.D. in Renewable Natural Resources from Louisiana State University, with a concentration in environmental and public policy. She also holds a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. A collaborative and visionary leader, she is dedicated to building partnerships that create opportunity, strengthen communities, and prepare students to lead in an ever-changing world.