Harlan Kirgan
The Eunice Rotary Club named LSUE Chancellor Kimberly Russell as its 2016 Citizen of the Year on Wednesday.
Russell was named chancellor in June 2015. Russell had been the vice president for advancement and external affairs and executive director of the Tyler Junior College Foundation at Tyler Junior College in Texas.
John Pucheu, chairman of the Citizen of the Year Committee of the Eunice Rotary Club, presented the award to Russell and noted the chancellor’s newness to the community.
“We think we are an interesting little community,” Pucheu said. “One of the things about Eunice is we think we are a community of people who come from other places.”
Pucheu said, “You adopted Eunice. We are adopting you back.”
Russell became chancellor as higher education’s budget was unraveling in Louisiana, he said.
“You had to know finances were not going to be great. You had to know that coming here was not going to be a cake walk. Getting things done is hard and it is hard work,” he said.
“You’ve done well,” he said noting enrollment is increasing and programs are being added to the campus.
Pucheu said there is a new enthusiasm on the campus since Russell has arrived.
Russell said, “LSUE is on the rise.”
She added, “It is not about LSUE and it is not about Eunice, it is really about the citizens of the state of Louisiana. We are not here to grow enrollment for enrollment’s sake. We are not here just to increase our finances so that we can survive in this community. We are here for the economic impact of our students on this state.”
Russell was nominated by Lynn Lejeune, Rotary Club president.
Russell earned doctoral and master’s degrees from the University of North Texas and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler.
The Eunice Rotary Club has been recognizing outstanding citizens since 1942. Past recipients include: Jerica Guillory, 2015; Doris Stagg, 2014; Donna Baltakis, 2013; Ginny Moody, 2012; Robin D. Parker, 2011; Alma B. Reed, 2010; Bill Thompson, 2009; Jeanne McManus, 2008; Harry Reed, 2006; Dr. Bill Nunez, 2005; Susan G. Gaspard, 2004; Pamela P. Quirk, 2003; Norma Jean Miller, 2002; Billy O’Donnell, 2001; Mickey Guillory (2000); Lynn Lejeune, 1999; Father Jules Arceneaux, 1998; Georgie Manuel, 1997; Pat Dossman and Dwight Jodon as co-recipients, 1996; Clarence Guillory, 1995; Janet Marcantel, 1994; Jerry Hoffpauir, 1993; Dr. Jack Miller, 1992; Curtis Joubert, 1991; Marc Savoy, 1990; Deacon Marius Soileau, 1989; Ivan Miller, 1988; Charles Seale, 1987; Dr. Rodney Landreneau Jr., 1986; Tom Voinche Jr., 1985; J. Nilas Young, 1984; Karl DeRouen, 1983; Johnny Bourque, 1982; John I. Reed, 1981; Gil Young, 1980; Cliff Broussard Jr., 1979; Joe Nagata, 1978; Fred McClain, 1977; J.E. “Boo” LeDoux, 1976; Johnnie Wasmuth, 1975; Lorita McManus, 1974; Dr. Tom LaHaye, 1973; PJ. Baker, 1972; Harvey Gil, 1971; Joe Doucet, 1970; Wilson Moosa, 1969; Dr. Bernard Fruge, 1968; Dudley Guillory, 1967; “Andy” Jackson, 1966; Leon Tujague Sr., 1965; Mary LaHaye, 1964; Grady Lowe, 1963; Stewart Rozas, 1961; Matt Fruge Sr., 1960; Connie Larson, 1959; Mitch Ashy, 1958; Jack Eaton, 1957; Eugene Picou, 1956; Gladney Manuel, 1955; Matt Vernon, 1954; O.A. LaHaye, 1953; Claudia Morton, 1951; Dr. JJ. Stagg, 1950; Tom Verges, 1949; Ernest Russell, 1948; Msgr. A.A. Martel, 1947; “Cubbie” Parrott, 1946; Clint Mornhinveg, 1945; Chester Derbes,,1944; J.C. Keller Sr., 1943; and Dr. Harry Jenkins, 1942. The Club chose not to present the award in 1952, 1962 and 2007.