ENROLLED
2025 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 45
BY REPRESENTATIVE GEYMANN
A RESOLUTION
To designate Wednesday, April 23, 2025, as McNeese State University Day at the state
capitol and to commend McNeese State University for its recent successes and
contributions to the State of Louisiana.
WHEREAS, McNeese State University, faced with a decade long decline in
enrollment, undertook a comprehensive rightsizing effort to restore financial sustainability
and strengthen its educational mission; and
WHEREAS, all McNeese stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and
community partners, collaborated to craft a clear, focused strategic plan aimed squarely at
reversing enrollment declines; and
WHEREAS, early results of this strategic effort are exceptionally promising, where
the fall 2024 enrollment climbed by three percent to six thousand two hundred forty-three
students, the first increase in enrollment in fourteen years and spring 2025 enrollment rose
by three and six-tenths of a percent, which was the first spring over spring gain in fifteen
years; and
WHEREAS, interest from prospective students has surged, evidenced by Preview
Day attendance jumping by sixty-two percent, to seven hundred ninety-eight students;
Cowboy Commitment Day attendance increasing by thirty-six and seven tenths percent to
seven hundred twenty-nine students; the number of high school students sending ACT scores
to McNeese doubling this spring; and applications for fall 2025 increasing by thirteen
percent; and
WHEREAS, Southwest Louisiana communities are abuzz with pride, as social media
engagement and website visits hit record highs, reflecting widespread excitement about
McNeese's resurgence; and
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WHEREAS, McNeese students are distinguishing themselves academically by
presenting original research at national conferences and in the arts with theater students
competing in the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and reaching the
regional round for the first time in university history; and
WHEREAS, under the leadership of Coach Will Wade, the McNeese State
University men's basketball team's dynamic performance in the 2025 National Collegiate
Athletic Association tournament captured national attention, showcasing the talent and
tenacity of the Cowboys and shining a spotlight on the university across the country; and
WHEREAS, the Cowboy family's rallying cry, "Ride for the Brand", speaks to the
spirit of unity, ambition, and limitless possibility that defines McNeese State University; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting that the Louisiana House of Representatives pause its
deliberations to honor McNeese State University's outstanding achievements, to
acknowledge its positive impact on students and communities across the state, and to
celebrate the bright future ahead.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
Legislature of Louisiana does hereby designate Wednesday, April 23, 2025, as McNeese
State University Day at the state capitol in recognition of the university's exemplary
rightsizing, strategic planning, enrollment gains, community engagement, and student
accomplishments.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
President of McNeese State University as a token of the House of Representatives' esteem
and appreciation.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
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