McNeese Students Earn Degrees Through Compete LA Program

Some say scrolling through social media can cause brain rot, but for two McNeese State University seniors it was quite the opposite. Marcus Bosby and Christine Jones, who are steps away from achieving their bachelor’s degrees, learned about the Compete LA program on social media. 

Compete LA is a program designed to help Louisianians with some college credit complete their degrees online. The program pairs students with personal coaches who guide them through the process of re-enrollment, find the fastest pathway to a degree and support them until graduation.  

Bosby, a general studies major with a concentration in behavioral sciences from Glenmora, long dreamed of returning to finish his degree. 

“The moment I held my son in my arms, I knew I wanted more for our lives,” Bosby said. “I needed to go back and earn my degree to show my children, and myself, to never give up on achieving your goals.” 

After he saw an ad for the Compete LA program on social media, he started the program as a father of two while working full time as a logistics manager. 

“The main obstacle was finding the time to be a full-time student,” he explained. “McNeese offers 100% online majors, which helped me better allocate time for schoolwork while navigating my busy life.” 

Assistant professor of family science, Dr. Ilya Okhotnikov, supported Bosby at McNeese. “Anytime I had any personal issues going on outside of school that may affect my work, I would reach out to him. He treated me with respect and empathy and worked with me to make sure I got the work done before the course ended,” he explained. 

Bosby will be accepting a promotion once he earns his degree. “I also plan to work with a few of my close friends, who are McNeese alumni, to launch our non-profit organization aimed at providing mental health resources to the underserved children in Lake Charles.”  

Jones, a general studies major from White Castle, chose to follow through on her promise to herself by finishing her degree after all her kids were high school graduates.  

“Mary Stafford with Compete LA had a lot of great things to say about McNeese, so I decided to give it a try,” she said. 

Jones explained that McNeese encouraged her to be a better person and student. 

She has worked full time for the Iberville Parish School District while pursuing her degree. After graduating, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in secondary and special education. 

Bosby encourages prospective students to consider McNeese as a top choice because of its quality education and affordability. “If you are considering returning to school to finish your degree like me, do it! 

“The class sizes are small, which gives students the chance to interact with professors on a level that doesn’t make them feel like they are just a number in the class,” he said. 

Bosby says that the sacrifices he made have been worth it. “Not only is it gratifying, but this degree has also raised my long-term earning potential.”  

Jones said, “I have recommended both McNeese and Compete LA to another student and I told her that this was the best experience ever.” 

“I have found a home here and will forever be proud to be called an alumnus of this great university,” Bosby said. 

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