2008 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year

U.S. Air Force Brigadier General (Ret.) Kenneth L. Ross

General Ross began his education at Southeastern, where he received his Bachelor’s
Degree in Government in 1967. He then received his Juris Doctorate from Louisiana
State University in 1971. He passed the bar and has been practicing ever since.His work includes civil litigation, casualty, employment law, business formation,
and corporate issues, as well as estate planning and insurance issues. He is a senior
partner in the law firm of Seale & Ross and has practiced law in the Hammond area
for many years. His practice now has 18 attorneys that comprise the largest law firm
on the northshore.

Additionally, General Ross earned the rank of Brigadier General in both the United
States Air Force and the Louisiana Air National Guard. He began his military career
as an Air Operations Specialist in the Louisiana Air National Guard, receiving his
commission in 1970 as a pilot trainee. He served as a fighter pilot flying the F-100,
F-4, and F-15 Eagle aircraft, Operations and Plans Officer, Chief of Plans, Director
of Air Operations, Commander, Assistant Adjutant General, and Chief of Staff.

His assignments included Webb Air Force Base in Texas; 162nd tactical fighter group
in Tucson, AZ; 122nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, United States Naval Air Station, New
Orleans; 159th Tactical Fighter Group, United States Naval Air Station, New Orleans;
and Chief Of Staff, Headquarters, Louisiana Air National Guard. 

He is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force’s Squadron Officer School and Air Command
and Staff College and National Security Management course. He completed his military
career with his retirement in 1998. Prior to that he served as National Treasurer
of the United States National Guard Association and President of the National Guard
of Louisiana. At the peak of his military career, Ken Ross held the second highest
position in the entire United States National Guard. His military honors include the
United States Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal,
Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.He has also been active and served as Commander in the American Legion. Ken has held
numerous civic and professional positions including member of the Louisiana Association
of Business and Industry, President of the 21st Judicial Bar Association, President
of the Tangipahoa Parish Manufacturers Association, President of the Tangipahoa Chamber
of Commerce, and Chairman of Leadership Tangipahoa.He is President of the Hammond manufacturing company Ross and Wallace Paper Products,
Inc., and managing partner of Ross property management, L.L.C.Ken is a member and chairman of the board of trustees of the First Baptist Church
of Hammond. He is married to the former Linda Cooper, and they are the parents of
four children.