Cavell tapped as Southeastern Young Alumnus of Year

Southeastern Louisiana University graduate David A. Cavell has been named Southeastern Louisiana University’s 2025 Young Alumnus of the Year. He will be officially recognized at the Southeastern Alumni Awards Evening to be held Oct. 17, during Homecoming week.

“We are proud to honor David Cavell as our 2025 Young Alumnus of the Year during Southeastern’s Centennial celebration,” said Southeastern Alumni Relations Director Malayne Sharp. “To be recognized with this distinction speaks to David’s remarkable achievements and his deep commitment to our university. He truly embodies the very best of what it means to be a Lion for Life.”

Cavell graduated from Southeastern in 2011 with a bachelor of arts in business management. He is a seasoned government affairs professional with a decade of experience navigating the intersection of business, politics, and public service. He currently serves as the state government affairs director for Dow, Inc. in the Southeastern United States, where he leads strategic initiatives in legislative engagement, policy development, and stakeholder relations across the region.

Before joining Dow, Cavell spent nearly a decade in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving as district director for Congressman Garret Graves and as a district representative for Congressman Bill Cassidy. His work focused on constituent services, district operations, and community engagement across Louisiana.

Cavell’s background also includes leadership roles in higher education and political campaigns. He served as director of advancement for the College of Business at Southeastern and as campaign manager for the successful re-election of Louisiana’s Lieutenant Governor.

An engaged civic leader, Cavell has held leadership roles on numerous boards and councils across Louisiana and has been recognized with several honors, including Baton Rouge Business Report’s Forty Under 40, Leadership Louisiana, and Dow’s Global Government Affairs Award for Excellence.

Alumni Awards Evening will also include recognition of several Southeastern faculty, staff and alumni, including Alumnus of the Year for 2025 District Attorney Scott Perrilloux.

For more information about Homecoming week, visit southeastern.edu/homecoming.