Paulette Poche

Paulette Poche began working at Southeastern as a student worker in Southeastern’s Publication Office in 1970, where she first met her supervisor, mentor and future best friend Judy Couvillion.

Ultimately, Poche began her professional career at Southeastern as a stock clerk in 1988. She worked in various departments and capacities over the years, mostly in human resources and enrollment services.

“Throughout her career at Southeastern, Paulette repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to be of service to the students,” Couvillion said. “This was her commitment, and I know from experience that she was always eager to help those who aspire to be students at Southeastern.”

During her tenure, Poche contributed to many projects on campus, such as the implementation of the PeopleSoft system. She also assisted in the success of Southeastern’s newest system, WorkDay, even though she knew she would retire before it was implemented.

Beyond her job duties, Poche’s service extended to many extracurricular activities. She was a board member and treasurer of Southeast Advocates for Family Empowerment, a volunteer usher at the Columbia Theatre, team member and captain for South Tangipahoa Relay for Life, student conduct hearing board volunteer, and board member of the Ponchatoula Museum.

“Growing up, service was not a defined word, but a natural part of a meaningful life. My parents were my first examples of what it meant to be a part of a greater good by serving,” she said. “I plan to establish a scholarship in my parents’ name, as they afforded me the opportunity to be a student at Southeastern and served as my very first and never ending examples of true service.”