Trey Gregory’s path to dentistry is defined by persistence, purpose, and an unwavering work ethic. From his earliest days at McNeese State University, he balanced a demanding academic schedule with long hours of work, determined to build a future through discipline and drive. That same determination now carries him forward as a student at LSU Health School of Dentistry in New Orleans.
Trey completed a clinical internship during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic while enrolled in the medical laboratory science program. His experience at Ochsner American Legion Hospital ultimately gave him the clarity to pivot his career path. He explains, “It showed me that while I respected the work, it wasn’t where I was meant to be.” That realization led him to explore dentistry, beginning with a mission trip to Honduras. “I loved every second of it,” he shared. “That was the moment I knew I had found the right path.”
At McNeese, Trey’s journey was shaped by both involvement and determination. He served as Student Government Association Speaker of the House, helping implement initiatives such as including the suicide prevention hotline on student IDs, while also working a variety of jobs to support himself. “I’ve always seen myself as a worker first,” Trey said. “That mindset is what’s carried me through.”
Scholarships played a pivotal role in making Trey’s journey possible. At McNeese, he received support through TOPS, the John McNeese Scholarship, and additional campus-based aid, along with the Dr. and Mrs. Lehrue Stevens, Jr. Scholarship in Medical Laboratory Science through the McNeese Foundation. He greatly appreciates Dr. Sonya Hidalgo for helping connect him to that support. Now at LSU Health, Trey is a recipient of the Board of Supervisors Scholarship, made possible with Rebecca Boniol. “Her belief in students like me makes a real difference,” he said.
Hands-on experience and mentorship have continued to shape his path. Through shadowing local dentists, like Dr. Jeffery Hennigan, and serving patients abroad, Trey found both purpose and direction in dentistry. Inspired by his father’s legacy as Sulphur’s first orthodontist, he hopes to return home one day to serve his community as a general dentist. “There is always something you can learn from others,” he said. “And you never know when someone might help you along the way.”
Article written by Madison Shuff
