ULM signs agreement with University of Puerto Rico

Published June 12, 2026

President Castille and President Conde display the agreement signed between ULM and UPR.

CAPTION:ÌýULM President Dr. Carrie L. CastilleÌý(left)Ìýand UPR President Dr. Zayira Jordán CondeÌý(right)ÌýsignedÌýthe agreement on June 12,Ìý2026,Ìýat UPR.ÌýÌý


MONROE, La.Ìý– ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒôÌý(ULM)Ìýhas signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Puerto RicoÌý(UPR)Ìýto establish a general framework for collaboration between the two universitiesÌýwith the intent ofÌýsupportingÌýacademic cooperation, researchÌýengagement, student and faculty exchange, and other joint activities thatÌýadvance the missions of bothÌýuniversities. The agreement was signed by ULM President Dr. Carrie L. Castille and UPRÌýPresident Dr. Zayira Jordán Conde at a ceremony at UPRÌýin San Juan, Puerto Rico,Ìýon June 12, 2026.Ìý

“We are honored to partner with the University of Puerto Rico for the advancement of both of our universities.ÌýAgreements likeÌýthisÌýbroaden the cultural horizonsÌýforÌýall ofÌýour students,Ìýfaculty, 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 beginningÌýof a wonderful partnership,â€�ÌýsaidÌýULM President Dr. Carrie L.ÌýCastille.ÌýÌý

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 2025Ìýto explore opportunities forÌýfuture partnerships.ÌýThe goals andÌýobjectivesÌýof the agreement include academic collaboration, student and faculty engagement,ÌýresearchÌýand innovation, and strategic funding and grant development.ÌýÌý

The two universities will explore opportunities to enhance academic programs through sharedÌýexpertise, joint curriculum development, and exchange of academic resources.ÌýThe agreement alsoÌýlaysÌýthe groundwork for students toÌýparticipateÌýin study-away programs and experiential learning opportunities, while faculty and staff mayÌýparticipateÌýinÌýcollaborativeÌýresearch, teaching, and training.ÌýÌý

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.ÌýÌý

“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to expanding opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers while strengthening the ties between Puerto Rico and Louisiana,â€� said UPR President Dr.ÌýZayira Jordán Conde.Ìý“The University of Puerto Rico is proud to partner with ³ÉÈ˶¶Òô foster innovation, promote cultural exchange, and develop initiatives that will positivelyÌýimpactÌýour 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.â€�ÌýÌý

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 DisasterÌýManagement program can potentially aidÌýPuerto Rico in disaster response, readiness, and recovery.ÌýPuerto RicoÌýis vulnerable to hurricanes, with Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastating the island in 2017.ÌýÌý

According to the agreement, ULM and UPRÌýseekÌýto 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.ÌýÌý

While at UPR for the signing of the agreement, Dr. Castille also attended a commencement ceremony where sheÌýhad the privilegeÌýto share a few words with the graduating class.ÌýÌý

“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 createÌýopportunity, strengthen communities, and prepare students to thrive in a complex and interconnected world. When we work together, we multiply that impact,â€� said Castille.ÌýÌý

The memorandum of understanding with UPRÌýfollows another agreementÌýPresident Castille signed with Louisiana State University Alexandria (LSUA)Ìýin May 2026, underscoring her focus on expandingÌýalliancesÌýand learning opportunities withÌýother institutions.ÌýCastille is returning toÌýMonroeÌýenergized by the possibilities of the partnershipÌýwith UPR.ÌýÌý

“Just like Northeast Louisiana, Puerto Rico is working to build the human and physical infrastructure that strengthens its communities. After spendingÌýtwo days on the island and returning to Louisiana,ÌýI’mÌýreminded of what a gift this region is and how our partnerships expand opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to learn with andÌýfromÌýdifferent cultures,â€�Ìýsaid Castille.ÌýÌý

About the University of Louisiana MonroeÌý

TheÌýUniversity 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, withÌýparticular strengthsÌýin the health sciences and professional education. The university offers distinctive programs in pharmacy, toxicology, atmospheric science, risk management and insurance, and construction management, whileÌýmaintainingÌýa strong focus on workforce development and community engagement.ÌýÌý

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.Ìý

Learn more atÌý.ÌýÌý

About the University of Puerto RicoÌý

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, UPRÌýUtuado, and the UPR Medical Sciences Campus.ÌýÌý

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.Ìý

Learn more atÌý.ÌýÌý