College of Nursing and Health Sciences
2009 Distinguished Alumnus: Donnie Booth
Donnie Booth received her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Southeastern
in 1969. She then joined her alma mater and served in many capacities. Her tenure
at Southeastern included service as a member of the nursing faculty, the head of the
School of Nursing’s Hammond campus, and Dean of the College of Nursing and Health
Sciences. In all, Dr. Booth served Southeastern Louisiana University for over 36 years.
She served as chair of the Louisiana State Board of Nursing Task Force on Nursing
Articulation, president of the State Nurses’ Association, and president of Phi Kappa
Phi Honor Society.
Dr. Booth was recognized as nursing school administrator of the year by the Louisiana
Nurses’ Foundation. She was also inducted into the Nightingale Hall of Fame, honored
as a ‘Great 100 Nurse’ by the Great 100 Foundation, and was one of New Orleans City Business’ “Women of the Year for 2002.” She was also honored with the President’s Award for
Excellence in Service.
She was in Southeastern’s second graduating class. Her dedication continued into
retirement as she volunteered to oversee the continued refinement of the University’s
pandemic plan.
She is married to Louis Booth, also a Southeastern alumnus and retiree from the university.
They are the parents of two children Ashley, a doctor, and Chad, a professor. Both
of their children are Southeastern Alumni and followed in their parents footsteps.