McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
The safety and well-being of students, faculty, staff, and visitors are a priority at McNeese State University. Through the assistance of several other university departments, every effort is made to better serve the university community and provide a safe environment.
Although McNeese does not experience serious crimes often, it is a large, university campus on which serious crimes may occur. In any given semester, McNeese has about 7,000 students and 1,000 full and part-time employees on campus – more than the size of some small cities. In addition, McNeese is located in the city of Lake Charles, a fast-growing city with a population of more than 70,000.
A truly safe campus can only be achieved through the cooperation of all students, faculty, and staff. If you are involved in an emergency situation, are the victim of a crime, witness any criminal activity, and/or in need of assistance, you are urged to notify the McNeese Police Department as soon as possible by dialing 911 or 337-475-5711.
Off-campus crimes may be reported to the Lake Charles Police Department or the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office. Both of these law enforcement agencies can be reached by dialing 911.
To help protect students who need to reach a particular destination on campus after dark, the department provides a police escort service. The service operates seven days a week, 24-hours a day.
The department may utilize ATVs to supplement vehicle and foot patrol as part of its overall effort to make the campus safe. The bike patrol enables officers to cover more areas and allows for quick response should the need arise. Officers are also better able to talk with students, faculty, and staff on bike patrol.
McNeese works in conjunction with the Calcasieu Parish Crime Stoppers program. Crime Stoppers serves the community as an informant interaction system whereby the public is invited and encouraged to provide valuable information that might lead to the arrest and possible conviction of criminals. Participants who call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 337-439-2222 remain anonymous. The value of rewards range from $25 to $1,000 depending on the crime.
The university makes every effort to ensure that the campus facilities, buildings, and grounds are designed and maintained in such a way as to promote safety and reduce criminal opportunity. Particular attention is paid to the design of landscaping and exterior lighting.
With the exception of events that are open to the general public, the university’s facilities and programs are generally reserved for students, faculty and staff of the university. For the safety of the McNeese community, visitors and non-university affiliated groups seeking to utilize university facilities must make prior arrangements with the appropriate university office. Visitors and guests to McNeese residence halls must also be registered by their hosts while in the residence halls.
Procedures to ensure safety within residence halls include limited access through main doors only. Procedures for guest visitation have been established in accordance with McNeese residence hall guidelines. Residence halls are equipped with fire safety equipment that includes smoke detectors and/or heat sensors that activate the central fire alarm system. In residence halls, emergency exits are equipped with alarms that sound whenever opened. Residence hall staff are trained to maintain security and to summon police, fire, medical, and maintenance assistance when needed. Criminal activity observed within or in the vicinity of buildings is reported to the McNeese Police Department. Firearms, explosives, fireworks, or other hazardous materials are not permitted in or around residence halls or university apartments.
Academic and administrative buildings are secured by university personnel. Hours of security may vary from building to building, depending on use. Like the residence halls, these buildings are equipped with fire safety equipment that includes smoke detectors and/or heat sensors that activate the central fire alarm system.
I am a McNeese graduate with a bachelor's degree in Family and Consumer Science and a concentration in Child and Family Studies. As a student, I competed on the rodeo team and served on the SGA board. I earned my master’s degree in 2022 from the University of South Dakota in Educational Administration and Leadership with a concentration in Adult and Higher Ed. I have over 13 years of experience in adult education and 20 years of educational experience.
My favorite part of being a Freshman Advisor is helping students navigate their new life routine as a college freshman by offering support with in-person office visits or by email to help students meet their goals. I always remind students of my favorite BB King quote – “Education is one thing no one can ever take away from you.” I believe that supporting students is vital to a student's success.
In my spare time, I raise registered American Brahman cattle, and I enjoy all the "country girl" things like hunting, fishing, growing a garden and cooking.