Burton College of Education at McNeese Celebrates Success 

McNeese State University’s Burton College of Education is celebrating consistent growth, top rankings and local and national recognition. 

Over the past three years, undergraduate enrollment in the Burton College of Education has increased. The H.C. Drew School of Kinesiology’s enrollment has increased by 17% and the McNeese Department of Education Professions has increased by 51%.  

“This enrollment increase is a clear sign of student confidence and academic excellence in our programs,” explained Dr. Angel Ogea, dean of the Burton College of Education. 

In the 2026 edition of “Best Colleges” by U.S. News and World Report, McNeese’s undergraduate degree in teaching program received national recognition as it tied for 18th in the South regional rankings among the Top 80 Best Undergraduate Teaching programs. 

For the second consecutive year, McNeese is ranked No. 1 in Louisiana in the Louisiana Teacher Preparation Report, published by the Louisiana Board of Regents for both undergraduate and alternative teacher certification programs. 

According to the 2023 and 2024 Teacher Preparation Report, McNeese has the highest percentage of undergraduate education graduates earning the highly effective distinction in student growth with 64% in 2023 and 67% in 2024 and in professional practice with 44% in 2023 and 45% in 2024. McNeese undergraduate education graduates also earned the highest final evaluation mean score in the state with a 3.5 out of 4.0. 

Students who completed the alternative certification coursework at McNeese also led the state in student growth with 58% in 2023 and 77% in 2024 and a final evaluation mean score of 3.6 out of 4.0. 

“We also have the second-highest percentage of male undergraduate education candidates in Louisiana for two years running, with 21% in 2023 and 26% in 2024,” Ogea said. 

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation has honored the Burton College of Education with the Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement. This distinction is awarded to educator preparation programs that meet all accreditation standards with no stipulations or areas for improvement. 

“This honor reflects our commitment to data-driven excellence and continuous growth,” Ogea said. 

For more information about McNeese’s Department of Education Professions or H.C. Drew School of Kinesiology, visit www.mcneese.edu/education/ or email kinesiology@mcneese.edu or teachforimpact@mcneese.edu.