Published: Monday, March 26, 2012 at 12:57 p.m. Last Modified: Monday, March 26, 2012 at 12:57 p.m.

Longtime biology teacher, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Nicholls State University, and native son John Doucet will become a full dean, pending approval from the state University Board of Supervisors.

Doucet, who hails from Golden Meadow, has led the school since July, when Badiollah Asrabadi retired as dean.

Arts and Sciences is the largest academic unit on campus. It is responsible for many of the general education courses that all Nicholls students take and encompasses more than 150 faculty in 10 departments.

As a researcher, Doucet has contributed to 150 presentations, letters and workshops and more than 50 full-length publications. He has secured more than $1 million in research grants, and he also is the first certified public-health geneticist in the state of Louisiana.

He has served in several administrative roles, including heading up the schools honors program.

(Doucet) has been involved in projects and research related to both the arts and sciences, and his leadership is particularly evident through the continued growth of the University Honors Program, said Laynie Barrilleaux, vice president for academic affairs.

Aside from his scientific pursuits, Doucet has written stage plays and history books, most of which focus on his native south Louisiana.

Barrileaux said the focus on arts and sciences makes him a special fit for the head of the broadest college on campus. She also touts his ties to the local community.

Dr. Doucet brings with him an extensive knowledge of the university and the community it serves, she said.

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New dean named at Nicholls