Dr. Carrie L. Castille began her role on June 9, 2025, as the 10th president of the
University of Louisiana Monroe. With over a decade of experience in higher education
and nearly 30 years of distinguished public service, she is recognized for her leadership
in science, education, andpublic policy. Her career has been defined by advancing research innovation, expanding access
to transformative learning, and fostering public engagement that strengthens communities.
Dr. Castille previously held national and institutional leadership roles focused on
agricultural education and scientific advancement. She was appointed director of the
National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), becoming the first woman to lead
the federal science agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Under her direction,
NIFA invested over $2 billion annually to support research, education, and extension
across the country—prioritizing sustainable agriculture, food system innovation, conservation,
and workforce development. She also served as Senior Vice-Chancellor and Senior Vice-President
at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, where she further expanded
research capacity, fostered strategic partnerships, and advanced student success as
part of her broader mission to serve land-grant institutions and their communities.
I am incredibly honored and grateful to be named the tenth president of this incredible
institution. I believe that great days are ahead for the University of Louisiana Monroe.
I look forward to working hard alongside the faculty, staff, and community to provide
the best education, experience, and opportunities for our students. Go Warhawks!
Between 2009 and 2025, Dr. Castille provided expert support to four U.S. Presidents
and received three presidential appointments, reflecting her trusted leadership across
multiple administrations and her integral role in shaping national agricultural and
rural policy.
Her academic career began at Louisiana State University as a faculty member and cooperative
extension leader. She later held state government leadership positions, including
associate commissioner and science advisor at the Louisiana Department of Agriculture
and Forestry, and USDA Rural Development state director for Louisiana—where she oversaw
a historic increase in rural investments from $800 million to nearly $1.5 billion.
A trailblazer throughout her career, Dr. Castille has been the first woman to hold
several influential leadership roles: she was the first female director of NIFA, the
first female inductee into the University of Louisiana Lafayette College of Engineering
Hall of Distinction (2017), and now serves as the first female president of the University
of Louisiana Monroe. She is also a two-time recipient of the USDA Secretary’s Award
for Excellence (2003 and 2018), recognizing her enduring contributions to rural America.
Dr. Castille holds a Ph.D. in Renewable Natural Resources (with an emphasis on environmental
and public policy) and an M.S. in Environmental Studies from Louisiana State University,
along with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
She is married to Dr. Robert Robichaux, and have two children, Josh and Megan. Dr. Castille and Dr. Robichaux are excited to welcome their new grandbaby, celebrating the joy of family alongside
a life of service.
