(Misty Leigh McElroy/Nicholls State University)
THIBODAUX, La. — Dr. John Doucet, dean of the college of arts and sciences at Nicholls State University, has been named an Alcee Fortier Distinguished Service Professor.
The designation recognizes the top educators at Nicholls. Others who hold the title include Dr. Al Davis, Dr. Marilyn Kilgen, Dr. Betty Kleen, Dr. Raj Boopathy, Dr. Earl Melancon, and David Middleton.
A south Lafourche native, Doucet received his bachelor’s from Nicholls in 1981 and his doctorate from LSU in 1992. He joined the Nicholls staff as an assistant professor of biological sciences in 1997 and has worked his way up to dean of the college of arts and sciences and director of the University Honors Program. In his twenty years at Nicholls, he has been named a Distinguished Service Professor of Biological Sciences and McIlhenny Professor of Human and Environmental Genetics.
Doucet has focused his research on genetic diseases in Louisiana populations, molecular anthropology of Louisiana populations, environmental and human disease and chromosome architectures. He is also an expert on Louisiana culture and history.
“This is a measure of the years of hard work that I and others have put in, in the name of Nicholls,” Dr. Doucet said. “I’m honored to have my name mentioned in the same breath as some of the great professors in our history like Marilyn Kilgen, David Middleton, Al Davis, Earl Melancon and Ran Boopathy.”
The Alcee Fortier distinguished service professorship is presented to faculty members with a reputation for excellence in instruction, dedication to academics, outstanding professional relationships and distinguished professional accomplishments. Awardees receive an annual professional stipend of $2,500 along with travel funds and support staff for research assistance and conference presentations.
“The Alcee Fortier Distinguished Service Professor award honors the best of the best of the Nicholls faculty,” said Dr. Lynn Gillette, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Doucet has devoted two decades to Nicholls and our students and he is well deserving of this honor.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 25, 2017
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu
