Prince Omoruyi
The Poke Press


McNeese State University President Mike Reese said increasing student recruitment and helping students remain enrolled through graduation are among his priorities for his first year in office. 

Reese became McNeese’s ninth President July 1 after the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors selected him May 19. A Louisiana state senator and business executive, he also previously served as a student member on the Louisiana Board of Regents.  

Reese said he wants to reach students in local high schools and show them how a McNeese degree can lead to a career. After students enroll, he wants the university to quickly recognize when they are struggling and offer help.  

That support includes monitoring attendance and grades and connecting students with academic support, financial aid or mental health services.  

“We have to connect them to all of the services that we already have available here on campus,” Reese said.  

Duston Erwin, a civil engineering senior, said limited class options can make it difficult to complete upper-level coursework.  

“Curriculum-wise it is very difficult to complete the junior and senior level courses when there is only one option/class available and in only the Fall or Spring,” Erwin said. 

Erwin said he chose McNeese partly because it was close to home, and he credited his professors and fellow students with helping him during his time at the university.  

Reese also said McNeese is increasing discussions between employers and faculty members to expand internship opportunities and give students more chances to gain experience before graduation,  

He said the university needs to put as much effort into helping students finish their degrees as it does into getting them to enroll. He said campus services should “help them get back on their feet so that they are successful and they get to that finish line.” 

Mike Reese, McNeese State University President 2026. Photo courtesy of McNeese Office of Marketing and Communications