Legacy of beloved faculty member memorialized through scholarships

When Carolyn Dural, the College of Liberal Arts’ assistant dean and an alumna, passed away in August 2020, her loss was felt deeply.

As a longtime faculty member in the college, she was a fixture, guiding students through their collegiate career, preparing them for bright futures.

“Ms. Dural assisted countless students in achieving their dreams. She also taught hundreds of faculty advisors how to help their students succeed,” said Dr. Joseph Savoie, UL Lafayette president.

Dural earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in French from the University. She later taught the latter subject from 1995 to 1998, the same year she became assistant to the dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Her tenure as assistant dean of the college began in 2009.

Her impact was undeniable, and in 2021, two funds were established to honor her legacy by providing support to both faculty and students in the College of Liberal Arts. The Carolyn Dural Memorial Fund will provide annual awards to outstanding faculty and the Carolyn Dural Endowed Student Support Fund will support a variety of student endeavors such as study abroad experiences, conference travel and research.

The funds proved a fitting remembrance of a person whose life’s work was rooted in supporting students and the faculty members who advise them.

Photo caption: The University of Louisiana at Lafayette will honor beloved assistant dean Carolyn Dural (left) by naming a plaza for her, and establishing a scholarship and an advising award in her name. A book filled with tributes and photos will also be published. Dural spent 25 years as a faculty member at the University, where she earned a reputation for tirelessly helping students and colleagues succeed. She died in August 2020. Submitted photo