HAMMOND – Retired executive and former Senior Vice President at Chick-fil-A Robert “Rob” Dugas has been selected as the Southeastern Louisiana University Alumni Association 2026 Alumnus of the Year.

A 1986 graduate of Southeastern, Dugas will be honored at the Alumni Association’s annual awards evening on Oct. 16, during Homecoming Week.

“An Alumnus of the Year is someone who not only embodies the core values of Lion pride, excellence, caring, and service, but also goes above and beyond in their commitment to making a difference,” said Interim Director of Alumni Relations Amanda Hammonds in a prepared statement. “This year’s recipient, Rob Dugas, exemplifies these qualities in every way. His unwavering dedication to Southeastern is unparalleled.”

With a career spanning more than four decades, Dugas built a reputation for leading with humility, innovation and a genuine commitment to helping others reach their full potential.

He began his professional career in broadcasting, serving as on-air talent at WHMD-FM in Hammond before joining Southeastern’s staff as KSLU radio station’s operation manager. He later served as a communications professor and program director at Boise State University before transitioning into the restaurant industry, a move that launched an accomplished career in operations, supply chain and strategic leadership.

During his two decades with Chick-fil-A, Dugas served in leadership roles, including chief procurement officer, where he was responsible for supply chain during Chick-fil-A’s meteoric growth. His responsibilities also included organization-wide strategic planning, technology initiatives, restaurant experience, operations and talent development.

While at Chick-fil-A, Dugas also re-engaged with faculty and staff at Southeastern, mentoring students, conducting staff workshops, speaking to classes and connecting with programs like Project PULL.

For several years, he hosted groups of Southeastern Supply Chain students in Atlanta, hosting a workshop at the Chick-fil-A office, where they experienced the company’s culture and developed relationships with other leaders.

He currently serves on Southeastern’s College of Business Advisory Board.