Daboval named associate VP

McNeese State University announces the appointment of Jeanne Daboval as associate vice president for academic affairs.

Daboval brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role, having served at McNeese in key positions, including provost and vice president for academic affairs and enrollment management. She is also an accreditation evaluator for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in business education and a Master of Business Administration from McNeese and a Doctor of Business Administration from Nova Southern University. Daboval began her career at McNeese as an instructor and assistant professor in  the McNeese College of Business and the Burton College of Education in 1990. In addition to teaching, she also served as institutional effectiveness and academic support director, dean of enrollment and institutional planning, and provost and vice president for academic and student affairs.

Daboval led McNeese through two accreditation cycles and her experience will be beneficial in preparing for the next cycle in 2027.

Granger joins OBG-1 of WCCH

SULPHUR — West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is pleased to announce the addition of Jadah Granger, FNP-C, to the team at OBG-1. A board- certified Family Nurse Practitioner, Granger brings a passion for women’s health to the practice, where she will work alongside Dr. Scott Bergstedt, Dr. Uzma Naeem and Certified Nurse Midwife Allison Hansen to provide comprehensive OB/GYN care.

Granger earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Herzing University and has over eight years of experience as a registered nurse. Her background encompasses gynecology, obstetrics and surgical nursing.

Sanner named to hospital board

SULPHUR — West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital is proud to announce the appointment of Cecil R.Sanner, J.D., to its Board of Commissioners.

With a distinguished background in law, public service and military leadership, Sanner brings a wealth of knowledge and community commitment to his new role.

A graduate of Hackberry High School, Sanner went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies and French Education from McNeese State University in 1967. He received his Juris Doctor degree from LSU Law School in 1970 and served as Cameron Parish District Attorney for 12 years, focusing on real estate, successions and wills. Sanner recently retired from law practice in 2023.

Sanner’s military service includes a 21-year military career, during which he served as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army and the Louisiana Army National Guard, with active duty assignments during the Vietnam Conflict and Operation Desert Storm.

Duhon presented service award

Pattie Duhon, School of Industrial Technology support coordinator at Sowela Technical Community College, received the Customer Service Star Award for the fall 2024 semester at the annual employee holiday luncheon this month.

Those nominating Duhon stated, “her day-to-day service allows for smooth operation throughout the School of Industrial Technology. She always is kind and willing to help, and is a safe space for students, faculty and staff alike. Her wisdom enables the school to move from semester-to-semester with minimal stress. She is a phenomenal force of progression in any environment she is offered.”

Duhon has worked at Sowela for 15 years. She was recently promoted to HR Generalist and earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Sowela’s Customer Service Star Committee selects award winners from nominations submitted by faculty and staff of the college.

Sowela honors donors, partners

The Sowela Foundation recently spotlighted exceptional individuals and organizations at its second annual Donor Appreciation Reception. Honorees were recognized for their invaluable contributions and played a pivotal role in advancing the Foundation’s mission and Sowela Technical Community College.

The following companies and organizations were honored:

CSE Federal Credit Union received the Outstanding Community Partner Award for their commitment and philanthropic support to Sowela Technical Community College. In addition to CSE’s philanthropic support, they facilitate the college’s financial literacy program, serve on accounting and business administration advisory committees, sponsor and participate in career fairs and faculty and staff convocation.

L’Auberge Casino Resort also received the Outstanding Community Partner Award, and they have supported Sowela for many years. Not only do they consistently support the Sowela Foundation annually through their TITO box donation program, but they also provide various in-kind contributions such as gift certificates for fundraising events, dealers and staff to assist with Taste of Sowela, and were a major partner in the creation of Sowela’s dealer school.

The first-ever Outstanding Alumni award went to Chad Dearien for his professional excellence, dedication to service and continued support of the College. Dearien graduated from Sowela’s Process Technology program in 2005 and works as training manager at Cheniere Energy.   

DOTD recognizes Hebert, Allen

The Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development has announced two prestigious awards honoring leaders at Lake Charles Regional Airport. Amelia Hebert, marketing and business development manager at LCH, has been named the David Slayter Memorial Aviation Professional of the Year, while Heath Allen, executive director of LCH, has been awarded the Allen Taylor Legacy Award.

The David Slayter Memorial Aviation Professional of the Year recognizes outstanding dedication, service, and innovation in the field of aviation in Louisiana. Hebert’s exemplary work in elevating the airport’s visibility, fostering business growth, and building relationships within the community and the aviation industry has earned her this distinguished honor. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing successful marketing campaigns and enhancing the airport’s role in the economic development of the region.

Allen’s decades of service as executive director of LCH have led to advancements in airport infrastructure, operations, and community engagement. His vision for sustainable growth and commitment to aviation excellence have made an indelible impact on the region and state.