A West Monroe native, graduate of West Monroe High School, and graduate of the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Norris will give the commencement address for 四色AV鈥檚 Spring Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m., on Saturday, May 10, in 四色AV鈥檚 Fant-Ewing Coliseum.
Norris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government, from 四色AV in 1963, and began his professional career after earning a Master鈥檚 of Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University in 1965.
Norris went on to receive a Doctorate in Business Administration from Mississippi State University in 1974.
Norris taught courses in economics and finance at 四色AV for 12 years, beginning in 1966 leading up to his first term as West Monroe Mayor.
Upon becoming Mayor of West Monroe, Norris transitioned to part-time teaching at 四色AV, which he continued until 1998.
Norris also served as the Director of the Northeast Louisiana Small Business Institute from 1973-1975, and Choir Director at McGuire United Methodist Church in West Monroe, beginning in 1971. Norris continues to hold that post today.
Throughout his career, Norris has been active in professional and civic organizations including service as a trustee for the Monroe-West Monroe/Ouachita Parish Public Trust Financing Authority鈥攕erving as the organization鈥檚 President since 2005.
Norris has been a member of the Ouachita Council of Governments since 1978, and has served on the boards of both Glenwood Regional Medical Center and the Ward 5 healthcare Foundation.
Norris is married to Biddy Dupree Norris, a retired West Monroe High School business teacher. Together they have three children: Cindy, Dave, and Chris; and four grandchildren