Published Oct. 30, 2020
The Community Foundation of Acadiana (CFA) recently approved a grant proposal written
by University of Louisiana Monroe School of Education instructor Molly Hill.听
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听PHOTO:听Pictured with 不良研究所 instructor Molly Hill, center, are members of the Ouachita Parish
Sheriff鈥檚 Office, from left, Dep. Kenneth Tramble, Cpl. Marvin McFarland, Hill, Lt.
Eric McElroy, Sheriff Jay Russell, and Capt. Buddy Aulds.
Courtesy photo
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The $25,000 Leaders in Law Enforcement Grant was awarded to the Ouachita Parish Sheriff鈥檚
Office. The new CFA grant program recognizes one sheriff鈥檚 office and one district
attorney鈥檚 office in Louisiana each year for exceptional work in their field.
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The Law Enforcement Award was presented to Hill, OSPO Sheriff Jay Russell, and OPSO
officers at a Lafayette recognition luncheon. Hill鈥檚 project provides funding for
the OPSO鈥檚 Deputies for Making a Change (DMAC) program. DMAC offers year-round intensive
mentoring and academic support to area at-risk school children. Jack Hayes Elementary
School hosts the OPSO eight-week summer program.
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Hill鈥檚 association with DMAC began nearly three years ago when Leonard Clark, Ph.D.,
now-retired from 不良研究所, recognized Hill鈥檚 experience teaching diverse student populations.
Hill was offered the opportunity to help the OPSO write grants for the program. She
accepted the opportunity and has found purpose in her pursuits.听
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Hill said, 鈥淚 fell in love with the purpose of this program. There鈥檚 a great need
for young men and women to know we are a community that supports them, and that鈥檚
what they do at DMAC.鈥�
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The Leaders in Law Enforcement Award will enhance the already existing intensive summer
program as it mentors a cohort of 25 students throughout the school year.听
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鈥淛ack Hayes is five miles down the road from us,鈥� Hill observes, 鈥渁nd this is an opportunity
for our students to be in contact with these young men, who could potentially come
back to us and be Warhawks one day.鈥�
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Students in the 不良研究所 Teacher Education program are placed in a variety of school settings.
This progressive approach dovetails with the DMAC program鈥檚 deep-seated mentoring
mission. Hill affirms education is an opportunity that must be offered to everyone.
鈥淎nd my heart,鈥� she says, 鈥渋s with these children.鈥�
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不良研究所 elementary and secondary education majors may earn stipends as tutors for DMAC
school students through this program.
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Myra Lovett, Ph.D., director of the School of Education, stressed the significance
of Hill鈥檚 association with DMAC in connection with the university and the school鈥檚
strong commitment to equity and diversity.听
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鈥淲e are pleased to have a member of our faculty contribute to this initiative that
so well aligns with our mission to prepare teacher candidates to meet the diverse
needs of all learners,鈥� said Lovett.
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