Dr. Mahlon P. Poche Jr. Appointed to LSU University College’s Advisory Board

12/03/2014 10:49 AM

BATON ROUGE – Dr. Mahlon P. Poche Jr., medical director of Pointe Coupee General Hospital’s Emergency Department, has been appointed to LSU University College’s Advisory Board.

 

“I’m excited to join University College’s Advisory Board,” said Poche. “University College is the primary resource for retaining students at LSU, mentoring the students who are struggling, yet also advising the brightest students into further excellence. University College hits on all cylinders helping students to achieve their dreams, and for some, helping them to determine what their aspirations are and how they can achieve them.”

 

LSU University College’s Advisory Board is comprised of 30 business executives and community leaders. It is a strong and active board, and members participate in a number of activities and events, such as an Annual Meeting and Pigskin Preview hosted by LSU Football Coach Les Miles, selection of University College’s more than 60 scholarship recipients, and host/hostess to various LSU recruitment receptions.

 

“It is a privilege to have Dr. Poche join our advisory board,” said R. Paul Ivey, executive director of LSU University College. “Already a generous benefactor to our scholarship program, he has demonstrated an interest in our college’s support of students and their success. Dr. Poche’s personal involvement as a member of this board will offer him an opportunity to expand his involvement with University College and LSU.”

 

Poche, a Nicholls State University graduate, began his industrious medical education at Tulane School of Medicine, where he graduated in 1991 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at LSU’s Earl K. Long Hospital in 1999. Poche held many notable positions practicing medicine. Since 2003, he has led Pointe Coupee General Hospital’s Emergency Department as medical director, as well as maintains practice with Schumacher Group at West Cameron/Calcasieu General Hospital in the Emergency Department in Sulphur, La.

 

Excellence, extending into valuing higher education, has always been a focal point in Poche’s life, as his parents encouraged him to work hard and strive for a life filled with choices and opportunities.

 

“I lean into the words my parents continually reinforced: ‘If there is a will, there is a way’ and ‘Give it 110 percent,’” Poche said. “Today, I still live by their encouragement.

 

“I’m grateful for the mentorship and opportunities given to me,” he said. “This scholarship with LSU University College provides the same to young, aspiring students who excel in the classroom and work hard while playing a musical instrument, marching in the band, and attending daily practices. I feel I can be a part of the spirit of Tiger Band by rewarding these high-achieving students.”

 

The endowed scholarship is awarded to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in University College who are members in good standing with the LSU Tiger Band.
LSU Color Guard member and mass communication freshman Haley Deshotels of Marietta, Ga., and chemical engineering sophomore Jonathan Melancon of Prairieville, La., who plays the cymbals for Tiger Band, are the first two recipients of the Dr. Mahlon P. Poche Scholarship.

 

“Seeing and meeting Haley and Jonathan has been a remarkable experience,” Poche said. “Knowing they have worked hard in the band all season while maintaining high academic records makes me proud for them and for LSU. Seeing them in their band uniforms made me proud, filled me with emotion and brought me to tears.”

 

“On behalf of all the students working to overcome financial difficulties to achieve their dreams, I would like to thank you again for all that you are doing,” Deshotels said to Poche.

 

“My words could not do justice to my feelings of gratitude towards your generosity,” Melancon added. “Tiger Band has been one of my best college experiences. I would not trade the past year for anything. I play cymbals on the drum line, and those guys and girls have become my closest friends. Thank you so much.”

 

“I am truly honored to be a part of these young students’ lives,” said Poche. “I hope someday they can be donors in some small way, because this feeling of giving is joyous. And may the spirit live in us, forever LSU.”

 

Poche is a member of the American Board of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association, and the Sothern Medical Association. He spends a great deal of time in community activism and volunteerism, contributing to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Christ the King Catholic Church, YMCA of Baton Rouge, Crawfish Aquatics Masters Swimming, Tulane Alumni Association, Tulane School of Medicine’s The 1834 Society, Rotary’s 1905 Society, Nichols State University Alumni Association and Tiger Athletic Foundation.

 

Since 1933, LSU University College has served as the portal of entry for students enrolled at LSU. Academic and personal success is the hallmark of a well-rounded student, and University College provides a foundation of support services for students beginning their academic careers at LSU. University College has two enrollment divisions: The Center for Freshman Year and The Center for Advising and Counseling. Additionally, University College offers retention-specific programs: Student Support Services, Ronald E. McNair Research Scholars and Summer Scholars. These academic support programs focus on particular student populations and are a significant part of the role and mission of University College.

 

For more information on LSU University College, visit www.uc.lsu.edu or follow the conversation at www.facebook.com/geauxlsu.

 

 

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Contact Jacquelyn Schulz Craddock
LSU University College
225-578-5342
jcraddock@lsu.edu

 

Contact Aaron Looney
LSU Media Relations
225-578-3871
alooney@lsu.edu

Posted on Wednesday, December 3, 2014