Dr. Joe Ben Welch was a graduate of Louisiana Tech, McNeese State and Lamar University. He began his career as a high school math teacher, football coach and bus driver. After years of investing in his education, he swiftly rose from college math professor, to Dean, to Provost and eventually President of Lamar University at Orange.
After 25 years of faithful service, he then led Middle Georgia as their President, starting many groundbreaking initiatives. Dr. Welch ended his career close to home in Zachary, LA at River Parishes Community College where he, as the first employee of the college, built River Parishes Community College to what it is today – from the ground up.
Dr. Welch always believed in the ability of education to provide upward mobility to those who were hard working and perseverant, as he himself had learned first hand. Dr. Welch also loved attending church, Sunday School, serving as a deacon and taking mission trips to spread the gospel and do good works in the name of Jesus. He always had an affinity for gardening and loved also learned to love golf in his later years as well. He never failed to find time for a little football as well – especially LSU.
Services will be Sept. 15 at Charlet Funeral Home in Zachary, La Visitation. Visitation from 9-12 and Service at noon.
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