Louisiana Engineering Society Honors a McNeese Faculty Member and an Alumna 

The Louisiana Engineering Society recognized a McNeese State University faculty member and an alumna at its recent awards program.  

Retired Lt. Col. Theodore “Ted” Thompson, a McNeese faculty member, received the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award, and Kalyn Partin received the Waldemar S. Nelson President’s Award. 

Thompson graduated from McNeese with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and a Master of Science in engineering. He began his engineering career in the U.S. Army Field Artillery where he put his engineering knowledge to use by surveying artillery firing positions in combat.  

After his service, he worked for F. Miller & Sons Inc., a major Louisiana general contractor, starting out as a field engineer and working his way up to head of the company. Throughout his career, he served his community as a deputy sheriff, the state of Louisiana as a member of the Louisiana Army National Guard and the country as an active duty and reserve Army officer. 

In 2000, Thompson joined the faculty at McNeese as a visiting lecturer in the College of Engineering and Sciences teaching civil engineering part time.  

The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Louisiana Engineering Society is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of engineering and to the Society. 

Partin graduated from McNeese with a bachelor’s degree in engineering with a concentration in civil engineering. She previously worked for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and is currently employed by GIS Engineering LLC. 

As an active member of the Louisiana Engineering Society, Partin is currently the Lake Charles chapter president and the state membership chair. Partin has also served as chapter treasurer/secretary and second vice president and has been the regional MathCounts coordinator for mor than 10 years.  

The Waldemar S. Nelson President’s Award is given to a member who has provided outstanding service in an unselfish manner and in keeping with the highest professional standards. The honoree for this award is chosen at the discretion of the immediate past-president of the Society.