McNeese State University

Statue of John McNeese on the campus. McNeese, a regional pioneer educator, is the namesake of the university. McNeese State University was founded in 1939 as a division of Louisiana State University and was originally called Lake Charles Junior College . It offered only the first two years of higher education. McNeese opened its doors on an 86-acre (35 ha) tract donated by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury , the parish governing board. There were two original buildings: the former Administration Building (Kaufman Hall) and the McNeese Arena (Ralph O. Ward Memorial Gym). The auditorium, now Francis G. Bulber Auditorium, was completed in 1940 as the third building on the campus. These three buildings are still in use today. The name became John McNeese Junior College in 1940 by resolution of the University Board of Supervisors in honor of Imperial Calcasieu Parish 's first superintendent of schools. [ citation needed ] In 1950, the college became an autonomous four-year institution as McNeese State College . The bill was advanced by State Senator Gilbert Franklin Hennigan of DeRidder in neighboring Beauregard Parish . It was separated from Louisiana State University and renamed McNeese State College. Its administration was transferred to the Louisiana State Board of Education. In 1960, legislators authorized McNeese to offer curricula leading to the master's degree; in 1966, the degree of Educational Specialist was first offered. In 1970, its name changed to McNeese State University. McNeese was first accredited in 1954 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools . [ citation needed ] Leadership The President's Home Joseph T. Farrar (1939–1940) William B. Hatcher (1940–1941) Rodney Cline (1941–1944) Lether Frazar (1944–1955) Retired in 1955, became lieutenant governor of Louisiana thereafter. Wayne N. Cusic (1955–1969) Retired in 1969. Thomas S. Leary (1969–1980) Resigned from presidency. Jack Doland (1980–1987) Resigned in order to run for state office.

Robert Hébert (1987–2010) Philip C. Williams (2010–2017) Daryl Burckel (2017–2024) Wade Rousse (2024–present)

The Quadrangle looking toward the Student Union, also known as The Ranch . McNeese State University consists of 79 buildings over approximately 1,560 acres. The 121-acre main campus, dotted with live oak trees and azaleas, features approximately 51 buildings including the three original structures – Kaufman Hall, Ralph O. Ward Memorial Gym (the Arena), and Francis G. Bulber Auditorium. Bulber Auditorium, a striking example of Art Deco architecture, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Campus features include the 503-acre (204 ha) McNeese Farm, a 65-acre (26 ha) Athletic campus, and nearly 1,600 acres (650 ha) of donated farm property used for research, farming, and ranching. [ 5 ] The newest addition to the campus is the 145,000 square foot Townsley Law Arena, which houses the academic classes, faculty offices, and training facilities for the Department of Health and Human Performance (effective June 1, 2024, the department will be renamed as the H.C. Drew School of Kinesiology), in addition to being home to the men's and women's basketball and volleyball programs. The basketball arena features the Joe Dumars Court, [ 6 ] named in honor of McNeese's most accomplished basketball player to date. The basketball arena seats 4,242 and the volleyball court has seating for 500. [ 7 ] Jack V. Doland Field House is named after a former McNeese head football coach, athletic director and university president. The 53,838 square foot facility, which houses the ticket office and features a digital and interactive Hall of Fame room and a club level with an indoor club room and outside seating, also includes team meeting rooms and coaches offices.

The campus features four significant sculptures, including "An Honest Day's Work" by sculptor Fred Fellows [ 8 ] located at Entrance Plaza, a commemorative statue of John McNeese by sculptor Janie Stine LaCroix [ 9 ] located near Smith Hall, "The Cowboy" created by legendary western painter and sculptor Buck McCain located inside Jack V. Doland Field House [ 10 ] and the iconic replica of the famous Frederic Remington sculpture, “The Bronco Buster,” [ 8 ] located in front of the Field House. The McNeese State Recreational Sports Complex includes two weight rooms, basketball courts, tennis courts, an indoor track, and an Olympic-size swimming pool . [ 11 ]