McNeese Police Chief Receives UL System Staff Award

William Scheufens, chief of police for the McNeese State University Police Department, has been recognized with the Outstanding Staff Member award by the University of Louisiana System. The annual award is presented to one member among the System’s nearly 10,000 faculty and staff members across the System’s nine campuses.

Scheufens was nominated by Dr. Chris Thomas, vice president for student affairs at McNeese, for the central role he played in preparing the campus to face Hurricanes Laura and Delta and his leadership throughout the post-storm chaos of the storms.

“Chief Will Scheufens is a dedicated leader and guided our campus with compassion after two devastating events,” says Thomas. “From coordinating with local agencies to working side-by-side with thousands of National Guard troops, Chief Scheufens remained committed to safety and an urgency to restore and our campus.”

McNeese President Dr. Daryl Burckel agrees. “During this challenging year, Chief Scheufens and the McNeese Police Department have faced the challenges of a global pandemic and two hurricanes with unwavering strength,” Burckel said. “Chief Scheufens is a leader with vision and he and his staff are dedicated to McNeese and the well-being and safety of our students, faculty and staff.”

Scheufens, who was named McNeese’s chief of police in 2018, has almost 40 years of law enforcement experience. Scheufens holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from McNeese and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

“This is a true honor and I want to accept this award on behalf of the entire McNeese State University Police Department,” said Scheufens. “Over the past 12 months, through the COVID-19 pandemic, two hurricane strikes six weeks apart and the recent severe winter storm, our officers, dispatchers and staff have worked tirelessly, going above and beyond their duties, to support our university mission. I am humbled by the award and proud to serve as the chief of the McNeese Police Department.”