SOWELA honorees cited for their years of dedicated service to the statewide college system
Two staff and two faculty members at SOWELA Technical Community College were honored for their service and dedication at the Louisiana Community and Technical College System’s annual conference earlier this month in New Orleans.
This year’s four SOWELA honorees include Director of Student Services Maegan Lewis, Welding Instructor Melvin Caesar, Distinguished Retiree and Retired Process Technology Instructor Doug VanDyke, and School of Industrial Technology Support Coordinator Pattie Duhon.
Each year, colleges in the statewide system honor up to four outstanding faculty or staff members for the awards handed out at the annual LCTCS conference.
Awarded “Outstanding Professional Staff Member,” Maegan Lewis has proven to be a dedicated and effective leader in student services. As Director, she ensures students receive the guidance and resources necessary for success. Her prior role as scholarship coordinator highlighted her collaborative skills, which she continues to leverage in her current position, fostering a supportive environment for both students and staff. Beyond her responsibilities, Lewis’ proactive nature, team-oriented mindset, and positive attitude have significantly contributed to SOWELA’s mission and values.
With nine years of service, Melvin Caesar was named SOWELA’s “Outstanding Faculty Member” for his dedication as a welding instructor. Not only does he teach the Core Plus curriculum, but he also fills in across four locations, often commuting long distances. Known for his teamwork and willingness to assist colleagues, even during breaks, Caesar is a reliable figure at SOWELA. His practical wisdom and hands-on guidance support new and seasoned instructors alike, demonstrating his commitment to collaboration and student success.
The award for “Distinguished Retiree” was presented to Doug VanDyke, a former process technology instructor who left a lasting legacy at SOWELA during his seven years at the college. His approachable nature and collaborative spirit earned him respect and admiration from students and staff. VanDyke’s innovative mindset introduced new trends and technologies that improved operations, and his ability to foster teamwork ensured positive outcomes. His contributions have not only enhanced immediate success but also laid a foundation for future advancements at the institution.
Named “Outstanding Support Staff,” Pattie Duhon, with 14 years of service, has been an exemplary coordinator for the School of Industrial Technology, consistently providing outstanding assistance to students, staff, and faculty. Known for her reliability and mentoring skills, Duhon’s proactive approach ensures efficiency and care in her daily tasks. She is a forward-thinking innovator, seeking new methods to improve processes and achieve institutional goals. Her creative use of resources leads to more effective outcomes, benefiting the entire college community.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College provides traditional, online, and lifelong learning experiences and awards associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. The College empowers learners in career and technical education and enables transfer students to pursue a four-year degree, so all learners excel as globally competitive citizens. The College has been educating the region’s workforce for 80 years and has locations in Jennings, Lake Charles and Oakdale, Louisiana.