Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Member Alexis Barbry Creates UL Lafayette Scholarship
LAFAYETTE, La. (press release) – The Alexis Barbry Scholarship, a new, non-endowed scholarship established at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, will expand educational access and opportunity for students enrolled in the UL LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) Program.
The Alexis Barbry Scholarship exists to support students with disabilities as they pursue independence, personal growth and meaningful participation in university life.
Alexis Barbry
The scholarship is named in honor of Alexis “Lexi” Barbry, whose life continues to inspire her family’s commitment to disability advocacy, inclusion and access.
Diagnosed with lissencephaly at three months of age, Lexi, now at age 28, is the inspiration behind “This Ability Podcast.” Based in Lafayette, the podcast is dedicated to amplifying the voices and experiences of individuals with disabilities, their families, friends and caregivers.
Now in its third season, “This Ability Podcast” seeks to inspire, educate and build community.
“As a university employee, graduate student and parent, I have seen firsthand how transformative inclusive postsecondary programs can be,” said Mary Hooks Baudoin, Lexi’s mom and founder of “This Ability Podcast.”
“This scholarship is rooted in faith and gratitude,” said Baudoin. “It is our hope that it will remove financial barriers and affirm the potential of each UL LIFE student who receives it.”
Barbry is also a proud member of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana, and her heritage is an important part of her identity and her family’s values.
“My father, Earl Barbry Sr., dedicated his life to serving our people and strengthening our community,” said Tribal Historic Preservation Officer and Project Director for the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana Earl J. Barbry Jr. “He believed deeply in education, opportunity and lifting others up.”
“I know he would be incredibly proud to see his granddaughter’s name connected to a scholarship that helps students pursue their goals and build meaningful futures,” said Earl J. Barbry Jr. “This reflects the values he instilled in our family: service and commitment to others.”
Scholarship Details
The scholarship reflects a deep belief in community, dignity and opportunity, principles that guide both the Barbry family and the mission of the UL LIFE Program.
Scholarships from the Alexis Barbry Scholarship Fund will begin being awarded in 2027 through the non-endowed fund.
Information about the scholarship application process will be announced when the application period opens.
Unlike most scholarships, the Alexis Barbry Scholarship invites contributions from the general public, allowing community members to help expand opportunities and reach more UL LIFE students.
Contributions to the Alexis Barbry Scholarship may be made online or mailed to the UL Lafayette Foundation, P.O. Box 43657, Lafayette, La., 70504. Please include “Fund #02094” in the memo line to ensure proper designation.
Once the fund reaches $25,000, it will be transferred into an endowed account, allowing the scholarship to support UL LIFE students in perpetuity.
UL LIFE
The UL LIFE Program provides students with intellectual and developmental disabilities access to a comprehensive postsecondary experience that emphasizes academic enrichment, career development and independent living skills within a university setting.
The Alexis Barbry Scholarship represents a lasting commitment to access, belonging and the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive at UL Lafayette.
“I know many of the students in the UL LIFE Program and work closely with the program administration,” said Tracy L. Cross, Ph.D., dean and professor at UL Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development. “The students bring their positive energy and enthusiasm to campus as students who enhance the entire UL community.”
