McNeese State University was established by the Louisiana Legislature in 1939. The institution was first named the Lake Charles Junior College, and was a division of Louisiana State University with the opening session beginning on September 11, 1939. The following fall, the school changed its name to John McNeese Junior College to honor John McNeese, a renowned Southwest Louisiana educator and the first superintendent of schools in Imperial Calcasieu Parish. In 1950, McNeese became a four-year college in its own right and came under the authority of the Louisiana Board of Education. Finally, in 1970, McNeese State University became the official name of the school.
McNeese achieved Commission on Colleges/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation in 1954 and maintains its regional accreditation status as a Level IV institution authorized to award associate, bachelor, master, and specialist degrees. The University also provides opportunities for continuing education in support of its mission to value lifelong learning.
What an incredible opportunity for McNeese State University and the United States Army to partner together by bringing excellent educational opportunities to Soldiers and their Families who live and work at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Though sponsorship with MWR we can ensure everyone in our community is aware that McNeese State University is offering bachelor and master’s degree programs at the Fort Polk Education Center (7460 Colorado Ave). This arch is amazing and will get a lot of visibility through the numerous MWR activities that take place year round at Fort Polk.