MONROE, La. – Michelle McEacharn, DBA, has been named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs for the University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM). McEacharn has served in the role as interim since June 2025, and her appointment was made permanent by ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille on October 13, 2025. McEacharn was selected for the role following a national search.
"I am thrilled to announce the permanent appointment of Dr. Michelle McEacharn as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at ULM,” said ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille. “Dr. McEacharn has already made animpact serving as interim, and I am proud to work alongside her as we continue to better this university. Her years of experience and deep institutional knowledge of ULM will be invaluable to me and the entire university as she serves in this role.”
Prior to serving as interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, McEacharn served as Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences for four years, and she is also the Susan and William Banowsky Endowed Chair and Professor of Accounting.
“I am humbled by the trust and confidence that President Castille and the Search Committee have placed in me in my selection as the next Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs,” said Dr. McEacharn. “More so, the support and encouragement I have received from the deans, faculty, staff, and students has been energizing, uplifting, and extraordinary—that support has been humbling. ULM is my home and my heart. It is truly my honor to work each and every day for the ULM family in making sure everyone sees the value, quality, impact, and beauty of ULM and to continue to move the university forward.
McEacharn’s service to ULM began in 1989 as an instructor in the accounting program. She then progressed to assistant professor, associate professor, and attained full professorship in 2003. She has held many administrative titles. including Department Head, School Director,and Associate Dean, before becoming Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences in 2021.
McEacharn earned her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration at ULM and her Doctor of Business Administration from Louisiana Tech. She is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, and Chartered Global Management Accountant.
“Beyond her academic contributions, Dr.McEacharn’s service to ULM and the broader communityis extraordinary,” said Dr. Castille.“She has chaired numerous university committees, participated in accreditation visits as a peer review team member and chair, and served on boards for BRIP, Strauss Theater, the Society of Louisiana CPAs, and the Northeast Louisiana Cancer Foundation. Her dedication to accounting education has earned her the Lifetime Achievement Awardfrom the Society of Louisiana CPAs, among other prestigious accolades.”
McEacharn is a first-generation college graduate, earning her bachelor’s degree after originally working at ULM as staff in the Controller’s Office and then Human Resources/Payroll. In 2022, she established the McPhearson/McEacharn Opportunity Scholarship to support non-traditional ULM students majoring in accounting.
“I believe that Dr. McEacharn is the ideal person for this job. This appointment is well-deserved, and her leadership will undoubtedly guide ˶ even greater achievements,” said Dr. Castille.
McEacharn’s appointment is pending University of Louisiana System board approval.