History of McNeese State University in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 12, 2025

McNeese State University, located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a public university founded in 1939. Initially named Lake Charles Junior College, it was later renamed after John McNeese. As a Master's University within the University of Louisiana System, McNeese comprises six colleges and a graduate school. The university holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and its programs are accredited by national boards, affirming its commitment to quality education.

1939: Lake Charles Junior College Founded

In 1939, Lake Charles Junior College was founded as a division of Louisiana State University, offering the first two years of higher education.

1939: McNeese State University Founded

In 1939, Lake Charles Junior College was founded, marking the beginning of what would become McNeese State University.

1939: The Contraband first published

In 1939, The Contraband, the university's student newspaper, was first published.

1940: Name changed to John McNeese Junior College

In 1940, the college's name was changed to John McNeese Junior College to honor Imperial Calcasieu Parish's first superintendent of schools.

1941: The Log first published

In 1941, The Log, the university's student yearbook, was first published.

1950: Became an autonomous four-year institution

In 1950, the college achieved autonomy as a four-year institution, becoming McNeese State College and separating from Louisiana State University.

1954: First Accredited

In 1954, McNeese was first accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

1956: Cowboys won the NAIA Division I Men's Tournament

In 1956 the Cowboys won the NAIA Division I Men's Tournament defeating Texas Southern 60 to 55. It was the only appearance the Cowboys made in the NAIA tournament.

1960: Authorized to offer master's degrees

In 1960, McNeese was authorized by legislators to offer curricula leading to the master's degree, expanding its academic offerings.

1966: First Educational Specialist degree offered

In 1966, McNeese first offered the degree of Educational Specialist, further enhancing its graduate programs.

1970: Name changed to McNeese State University

In 1970, the institution's name was changed to McNeese State University.

1976: Played in the inaugural Independence Bowl game

In 1976, the McNeese football team played in the inaugural Independence Bowl game, securing a 20–16 victory over Tulsa.

1979: Appeared in Independence Bowl

In 1979, the football team made another appearance in the Independence Bowl.

1980: Appeared in Independence Bowl

In 1980, the football team made another appearance in the Independence Bowl.

1985: Joe Dumars drafted by Detroit Pistons

In 1985, Joe Dumars was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Pistons, starting his Hall of Fame career.

1996: Soccer program began

In 1996, the Cowgirls soccer program began.

1997: Played in Division I-AA Finals

In 1997, the Cowboys football team played in the Division I-AA Finals.

2000: Appearance in NCAA Division I Baseball Championship

In 2000, the Cowboys' baseball team made an appearance in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship.

2002: Played in Division I-AA Finals

In 2002, the Cowboys football team played in the Division I-AA Finals.

2003: Appearance in NCAA Division I Baseball Championship

In 2003, the Cowboys' baseball team made an appearance in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship.

2006: Cowgirl Soccer team captured the Southland Conference tournament title

In 2006, the Cowgirl Soccer team captured the Southland Conference tournament title and earned a bid to the NCAA Championship tournament.

2007: Southland Conference Championship

In 2007, the soccer team claimed 1 regular season Southland Conference Championship.

2008: First appearance in the second round of the tournament since 2008 season

In 2015, Drew Fitzgerald led the Cowgirls to their first appearance in the second round of the tournament since the 2008 season.

2011: Both basketball teams claimed Southland Conference title

In 2011, both the men's and women's basketball teams claimed the Southland Conference title in their respective divisions.

2011: Qualified for the NIT

In 2011, the men's basketball team qualified for the NIT.

2015: Drew Fitzgerald named Head Coach

In 2015, Drew Fitzgerald was named the second Head Coach in program history.

2018: Basketball and volleyball teams moved to the Legacy Center

In 2018, the basketball and volleyball teams moved into The Legacy Center, marking the basketball teams' first on-campus facility since leaving the Ralph O. Ward arena.

2019: Appearance in NCAA Division I Baseball Championship

In 2019, the Cowboys' baseball team made an appearance in the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship.

2021: First Doctor of Nursing Practice degree offered

In 2021, the college began offering the first Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in advanced practice psychiatric mental health nursing in the state.