Now a practicing clinical pharmacist at a leading cardiovascular hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, Jared Anders’ journey began in Baton Rouge and took him to ULM’s College of Pharmacy.

Anders was a third-year pharmacy student when he was crowned Mister ULM in 2022.

“I was inspired to apply for Mister ULM for two reasons: to serve the medically underserved community of Northeast Louisiana and to increase the on-campus involvement of the College of Pharmacy,” Anders said.

The title expanded his social network and allowed him to give back through health-related outreach and campus involvement.

“Earning the title of Mister ULM broadened my social network in Monroe, giving me invaluable resources and lifelong friendships,” Anders said. “Most importantly, it gave me the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the health of our community.”

Anders, a former musician, also found joy in performing once again through pageant events and appearances. He remembers the role’s origins as a one-night fundraising event and takes pride in how far it has come.

“One of my favorite responsibilities as Mister ULM was to entertain,” he said. “I stopped playing music professionally when I started pharmacy school, and the title gave me a chance to be a musician again.”

Reflecting on the past, Anders attributes many of his achievements during his time as Mister ULM to the influence of his late friend, Freeman Stamper.

“I owe a great majority of my success as Mister ULM to my late friend Freeman Stamper,” he said. “His kindness and generosity defined an era for the Mr. and Miss ULM organization. You are greatly missed, Freeman.”

His advice to students today is to “get uncomfortable and challenge yourself. That is how we grow.”