Academic Affairs

About Us

For many students, whether undergraduate or graduate, traditional or online, non-traditional or transfer, or full or part-time, continuing your education at McNeese State University means leaving behind what is comfortable and familiar and venturing into a new space with new people. A place where you will spend considerable time, energy, and effort. A place where you will learn, grow, and stretch yourself in ways you thought were impossible. At McNeese, we recognize the unique contribution you will make and will strive to provide not only education but also experiences that will support your learning.

As a comprehensive university, there is a place for you from majors in Agricultural Sciences, the Arts and Humanities, Business, Education, Engineering, Health Professions, Human Performance, Nursing, and Natural and Physical Sciences. We will support your learning through formal advising, mentorship programs, experiential opportunities such as internships and field experiences, and many tutoring services through our Student Success Center. There are also ways in which you can stay connected with what you value. That might be through Greek life, participation in the creative and performing arts, the debate team, robotics and engineering competitions, pre-medical and pre-law societies, the student newspaper, conference presentations, sports, rodeo, research, and academic clubs. For every student, there is a place for you at McNeese, and we look forward to helping you connect with your goals and aspirations.

Contact Information

Dr. Michael Buckles
Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Office Phone: 475-5508
E-Mail: mbuckles@mcneese.edu

Stephanie Tarver
Director of Special Projects
Office Phone: 475-5508
E-Mail: starver@mcneese.edu

Visit the Division of Academic Affairs

Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Buckles has over thirty years of teaching and administrative experience to include K-8, community-based teaching, and higher education. In addition to McNeese, he has taught at Dillard University, Xavier University, and the preparatory school at the University of New Orleans. Before his educational career, he was a professional violinist with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Aloha Piano Quartet, principal second violinist with the Rapides Symphony, and concertmaster of the Lake Charles Symphony. Dr. Buckles holds degrees in music from Tulane University, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Louisiana State University.

He has been the recipient of many awards at McNeese to include the President’s Award for Outstanding Community Service, the Student Government Association’s Faculty Member of the Year, and the Faculty Senate Award for Outstanding Service. For his work with the Francis G. Bulber Youth Orchestra, he was recognized locally with the Mayor’s Award for Best Arts Organization, and nationally from the American String Teacher’s Association, String Project of the Year.

Driven by a commitment to student success, Dr. Buckles has dedicated much of his career to improving student success and retention, which includes analyzing student progression data, fostering engagement inside and outside of the classroom, and ensuring that academic programs remain strategically aligned with current workforce needs.