McNeese Alumnus and Friend Dr. John Noble  

Today, June 11, we have learned of the passing of Dr. John Noble, a longtime advocate for McNeese State University and a member of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors representing the Lake Charles area. Dr. Noble courageously battled illness until the time of his death.  

“Dr. Noble was fully devoted to advancing McNeese through his service to the ULS Board. Even while dealing with health issues, he found ways to be involved at a level that was of great benefit to our university. Dr. Noble was a well-respected orthopaedic surgeon and a patriarch within his family. He was truly dedicated to service, and his legacy will live on for generations to come. He will be deeply missed,” said Dr. Kedrick Nicholas, Interim President of McNeese.   

Dr. Noble was named a McNeese Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 2023 and the McNeese Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal in 2025. In 2024, Gov. Landry appointed him to the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors to represent Southwest Louisiana.  

Dr. Noble earned a bachelor’s degree at McNeese in 1986 and his medical degree from Louisiana State University Medical School in New Orleans. He completed an orthopaedic residency at LSU Medical Center, also in New Orleans, and a fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He was a board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and was a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. His leadership was a cornerstone of numerous medical organizations, including serving as past president of both the Louisiana State Medical Society and the Louisiana Orthopaedic Association.  

Dr. Noble made significant contributions to the field of athletics. For many years, he served as a team physician for McNeese, where he provided exceptional care to athletes and played a key role in advancing sports medicine within the community.  

Flags on McNeese campus will be lowered to half-staff next week in honor of Dr. Noble’s service to McNeese and the State of Louisiana. 

McNeese offers its condolences to Dr. Noble’s family and friends. His leadership, knowledge and friendship will be deeply missed at McNeese and across Southwest Louisiana.