Hey cowboy fans, do you know the history of the school you support? I bet many of you don't know your McNeese facts. Well, it's time for a lesson on all things McNeese. So, put on your favorite McNeese Cowboys T-shirt, sit back, and read the article.
History
The Lake Charles Junior College was opened in 1939; it was a division of Louisiana State University. The next year the school's name was changed to John McNeese Junior College to honor John McNeese, the first superintendent of schools in Calcasieu Parish and a famed Southwest Louisiana educator. Ten years later, McNeese became a four-year university and under the Louisiana Board of Education. Later in 1970, the school's name changed for the last time to McNeese State University.
Diversity and Academics
The university offers degrees in General and Basic Studies including six other academic colleges: Business, Education, Engineering and Computer Science, Liberal Arts, Nursing and Health Professions, and Science and Agriculture. McNeese's student body is comprised of student from all over the United States and approximately 50 different countries. Since 1954, McNeese has been a Level IV institution, which means it has authorization to award associate, bachelor, master, and specialist degrees. There are also opprotunities for continuing your education as well.
Athletics
The athletic programs are NCAA certified for Division 1. McNeese is part of the prestigious Southland Conference and competes for championships in men's football, basketball, indoor track, cross country, outdoor track, baseball, and golf and women's cross country, indoor track, outdoor track, tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball, softball, and soccer. Over the years, athletes have won conference championships, bowl games, and even played for national championships.
Student Organizations
McNeese has tons of school organization you can join; the list is huge, so much so that it is broken down in to different categories: academic, campus ministries, chartered, Greek, honors, multicultural, political, professional, special interest, spirit, service, and sports/recreation. To view all the organizations under each category, go to www.mcneese.edu/studentlife/student_organizations; it is very simple, just scroll down the page and click on each category to find the one or ones right for you.
Location
McNeese State University is Lake Charles, Louisiana. The main campus is 121 acres. There is a 503 acre farm, 64 acre Doland Athletic Complex, 1,600 acres of farmland donated for research, farming, and ranching. Many people come from Texas to go to school hear because its just a few hours away.
Tradition
The university's motto is "Excellence with a Personal Touch." McNeese upholds a long tradition of service that goes beyond the classroom; back in WW2, the campus was the headquarters of Louisiana Maneuvers, a training facility fro men going to battle. The university has helped many people during the devastating effects of hurricanes and even survived the destruction some hurricanes.
Anniversary
Two years ago, McNeese had its 75 year anniversary; the slogan was "Celebrating the Past~Pioneering the Future." It captured the essence of McNeese through its journey from a small junior college to a regional university. With all of this change happening, the university never lost its core values: academic success, student success, fiscal responsibility, and university/community alliances.
McNeese will continue to thrive in Southwest Louisiana by remaining to be an influence of cultural and economic success. If the cowboys ever lose a football a game, don't lose hope because the school will continue to contribute to student success, and that is way more important than winning a football game.
