McNEESE STATE UNIVERSITY
Dates / Times
We are excited that you will be visiting our campus and learning more about how you can best support your student during their journey to becoming a college graduate. Cowboy Family Connection is an optional one-day orientation experience for parents and family members that takes place during the first day of Cowboy Camp with the goal of equipping parents and guardians with the knowledge needed to be fully supportive of their students throughout their McNeese career.
During Cowboy Family Connection, you will discover on-campus support services available for your student such as counseling, accessibility services, tutoring, and health services. You will also learn about student financial matters, like financial aid and scholarships, tuition and fee bills, setting up installment plans and other payment options as well as purchasing textbooks and supplies. You will have the opportunity to tour campus and find out more information about campus safety, housing and meal plan options, recreational facilities and more.
When your student registers for one of the four Cowboy Camp Freshman Orientation sessions, they have the option to provide parent/guardian contact information; we will use this information to invite parents to attend.
Registration fees cover access to meals and branded giveaways provided to families.
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00–10:30 a.m. | Check-In | Richard Student Union |
| 10:45–11:30 a.m. | Opening Assembly | Tritico Theatre (Shearman Fine Arts Annex) |
| 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. (optional) | Lunch – Parents sit together | Rowdy's Dining Hall (Richard Student Union) |
| 12:30–1:00 p.m. | Parent/Family Welcome | Ballroom C (Richard Student Union) |
| 1:00–1:30 p.m. | Student Support & Advocacy / Student Success / Safety | Ballroom C (Richard Student Union) |
| 1:30–1:45 p.m. | Break | |
| 1:45–2:15 p.m. | Student Panel | Ballroom C (Richard Student Union) |
| 2:15–2:45 p.m. | Ranch Round-Up #1
|
Ballroom C (Richard Student Union) |
| 2:45–3:00 p.m. | Break | |
| 3:00–3:30 p.m. | Ranch Round-Up #2
|
Ballroom C (Richard Student Union) |
| 3:30–3:45 p.m. | Break | |
| 3:45–4:15 p.m. | Ranch Round-Up #3
|
Ballroom C (Richard Student Union) |
| 4:15–4:45 p.m. (optional) | Campus Tour (Ends at Team Store) |
|
|
4:45–6:00 p.m. |
Meet up with student to take care of McNeese business (parking decal, etc.) | |
|
6:00–7:00 p.m. (optional) |
Family Social hosted by McNeese Leadership Team | Noland Room, SEED Center |
| 7:15–7:39 p.m. | Join students for Clock Tower tradition | Quad at the Clock |
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2 mi away from McNeese State University (4.0 Stars Google)
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1.8 mi away from McNeese State University (4.3 Stars Google)
Staybridge Suites – Lake Charles
2 mi away from McNeese State University (4.4 Stars Google)
Wingate by Wyndham – Lake Charles
2.4 mi away from McNeese State University (4.2 Stars Google)
Wyndham Lake Charles
2.7 miles from McNeese State University (4.0 Stars Google)
L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
3.03 mi away from McNeese State University (4.3 Stars Google)
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
3.04 mi away from McNeese State University (4.3 Stars)
Check out visitlakecharles.org for a list of things to do in our area:
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.