McNeese Announces 2024 Outstanding Graduates 

McNeese State University students Ashlyn Parrott, of Sulphur, and Kaylee Cormier, of Lake Charles, were named McNeese Outstanding Graduates for fall 2024. 

The McNeese Student Government Association (SGA) and the McNeese Alumni Association worked together to create the Outstanding Graduate Awards. Students are nominated on the basis of scholarship, leadership, service and the nominee’s impact on the college or on campus.   

Each of the six colleges at McNeese may nominate an outstanding undergraduate and a graduate student in their final semester. A committee from the McNeese Alumni Association then selected one undergraduate and one graduate student for the award.   

Parrott, an undergraduate outstanding student in the College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in biological science with a concentration in molecular biology. She has participated in research at McNeese, Louisiana State University and Texas A&M University, and is a founding member of the McNeese Biology Club. Parrott plans to attend the genetics and genomics doctorate program at Texas A&M through the early graduate school admissions program and to become an academic researcher. 

Cormier, a graduate outstanding student in the College of Science, Engineering and Mathematics, will earn a master’s degree in environmental and chemical sciences with a concentration in integrative biology. She earned Best Graduate Oral Presentation at the Louisiana Academy of Sciences meeting and published research about the relationship to soil texture and burrow depth and diameter of Baird’s pocket gophers. Cormier is also a McNeese rodeo team member and qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo three times. She plans to earn a doctorate degree in microbiology focusing on microplastics and their effect on aquatic bacteria. 

The Burton College of Education outstanding students are Abigail Meaux and Elizabeth Kenley.  

Meaux, an undergraduate from Maurice, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a concentration in pre-occupational therapy. She plans to attend an occupational therapy doctoral program to become a therapist.  

Kenley, a graduate student from Mandeville, will graduate with a master’s degree in kinesiology. She plans to attend an occupational therapy doctoral program and hopes to work in pediatrics. 

The College of Business outstanding students are Emily Brown and Elysia Caldarera. 

Brown, an undergraduate student from Lake Charles, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a concentration in professional accountancy and exam preparation. She plans to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at McNeese while working for a local accounting firm. 

Caldarera, a graduate student from Lake Charles, will graduate with an MBA degree. She plans to attend LSU Health to pursue a doctorate in dental surgery and then open a dental practice. 

The College of Liberal Arts outstanding student is Mia Bonds, of DeRidder. Bonds will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in writing. She plans to work in editing while writing her own novels, short stories and poetry.  

The College of Nursing and Health Professions outstanding students are Emily Stillwell and Dallas Lauderdale, both of Lake Charles. 

Stillwell, an undergraduate student, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She plans to work in a pediatric intensive care unit and, in a few years, pursue a Doctor of Nursing Practice 

Lauderdale, a graduate student, will graduate with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. She plans to practice counseling in Lake Charles and eventually pursue a doctoral degree in counseling education. 

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