2024 Hall of Distinction
October 31, 2024
Event Details:
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Laura F. Lindsay Ballroom
Huey P. Long Field House | LSU Campus
6:30 p.m.
Register to Attend
The College of Human Sciences & Education honors our outstanding alumni through our Hall of Distinction program. Learn more about 2024's inductees below.
Philanthropy Award: Diane Goyette
Diane Goyette, 2024 Philanthropy Award Recipient
Diane Goyette is a Child Development Specialist, a Master Registered Level Trainer, and a Child Care Health Consultant. Goyette received her bachelor’s degree in family life and environment with a certification in nursery school/kindergarten teaching from LSU in 1984 and her master’s degree in child development from the University of Texas at Austin in 1986. She also holds a Lifetime Texas Educator Certificate for Pre-K and Kindergarten.
Goyette has more than 30 years of experience in early childhood education, teaching both children and adults. Her teaching experience with children includes public school, university laboratory schools, faith-based preschools and childcare programs. Goyette's adult education experience includes serving as an adjunct professor as well as developing and presenting training and professional development. She is a frequent presenter at local, state, national and international conferences.
In addition to keynotes, as owner of Early Childhood Specialties, Goyette offers training and consulting to early childhood professionals and children's presentations and products that support emotional regulation. She is especially passionate about the important role of relationships, fostering children’s social and emotional development, and helping teachers work with children who exhibit challenging behavior.
Goyette’s passion for early childhood education led her and her husband, Henry, to make a $5 million gift to benefit the LSU Early Childhood Education Institute in July 2022.
Shelly Mullenix, 2024 Alumna of Distinction Recipient
Alumna of Distinction: Shelly Mullenix
Shelly Mullenix is a distinguished professional in athletic training, holding a bachelor’s degree in health education and two master’s degrees—one in athletic administration and another in social work. With more than 30 years of experience as a certified athletic trainer (ATC), she is a recognized pioneer in multi-disciplinary healthcare in sports, ensuring the physical and mental well-being of LSU's student-athletes.
Starting in 1997, Mullenix served as a senior associate athletic trainer for the LSU Football program, leveraging her extensive experience to address the complex needs of athletic training, mental health, substance use prevention, and nutritional support. Mullenix’s promotion to senior administration in 2019 expanded her professional scope to serve the entire LSU student-athlete population. She plays a vital role in developing healthcare policies that are both practical and innovative, often serving as national models.
Her second master's degree in social work has enhanced her expertise in behavioral health and social justice issues. As a former instructor at the LSU School of Kinesiology, she has inspired emerging professionals and actively mentors women in the field.
In 2006, Mullenix founded Integrated Sports Management, LLC, a consulting firm that integrates various aspects of athletic program administration. She has also provided psychological consultation to the Miami Dolphins under Coach Nick Saban. Mullenix is married to communications consultant Matt Mullenix and is the mother of twin daughters, Maggie and Briana.
Collis Benton Temple Jr., 2024 Alumnus of Distinction Recipient
Alumnus of Distinction: Collis Benton Temple Jr.
Collis Benton Temple Jr., raised in Kentwood, Louisiana, was the first African American major sport scholarship athlete to attend LSU in 1971. During his time on the basketball team, Temple’s academic and athletic performance qualified him to earn SEC All-Academic and All-SEC Team awards and honors. He completed his college basketball career with 679 points and 472 rebounds, making him the 8th leading rebounder in LSU history and landing him a spot as an All-Century team member. After graduation, Temple was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs. In 1995, he was named a member of the Louisiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame. He was honored and inducted into the LSU Hall of Distinction in 2010 and the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017.
After his basketball career, Temple returned to LSU to attain a master’s degree. In Temple’s entrepreneurial endeavors, he established a non-profit organization that has housed over 5,000 individuals, including foster children, adjudicated youths and individuals with disabilities. He is also a real estate developer and builder.
Temple currently serves on the LSU Board of Supervisors. He has also served on the LSU Alumni Association Board, Tiger Athletic Foundation, National L Club, BREC Board, and Greater Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce. He has held the position of President of the Guaranty Bank of New Roads and trustee for his church, Mount Zion First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge.
Temple is married to Judge Kelli Terrel Temple. He is the proud father of four children: Collis III, Elliott, Garrett, and Colleen.
The 2024 Hall of Distinction will take place on Thursday, November 14, 2024 in the Laura F. Lindsay Ballroom in the Huey P. Long Field House. Arrivals will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the ceremony following at 7:30 p.m. If interested in attending this year's Hall of Distinction, please RSVP below.