McNeese’s First Reginald F. Lewis Scholar to Graduate  

Isaiah Johnson, a member of the first cohort of Reginald F. Lewis Scholars, will graduate from McNeese State University this week. 

“Being the first Reginald F. Lewis Scholar to graduate at McNeese is an amazing feeling,” Johnson said. “I am an example of why this program is so important. It has guided me toward graduation and made the process so much easier.” 

Johnson was chosen as part of the inaugural cohort of Reginald F. Lewis (RFL) Scholars by the University of Louisiana System in 2021. The three-year RFL Scholars Program enhances the collegiate experience of Black males at the nine institutions within the University of Louisiana System with unique opportunities they may not otherwise encounter. This includes study abroad, campus visits, networking with state and local dignitaries, internships and undergraduate research. Each cohort is comprised of two students chosen from each university in the system for 18 new members each year. 

Krisshunn Youngblood, director for the Office of Inclusive Excellence at McNeese, is the RFL Scholar facilitator. She offers support and engagement with the RFL Scholars that helps them navigate the program and college. 

“The exposure to opportunities has profoundly impacted Isaiah, and all of the Scholars, by building their confidence to pursue their dreams or any endeavors,” Youngblood said. 

“Being an RFL Scholar brings a sense of belonging to something greater than just yourself,” he said. “It takes dedication and commitment and is a brotherhood where we push each other to be the best version of ourselves.” 

From Opelousas, Johnson is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in health and human performance with a concentration in pre-physical therapy. He plans to attend the University of Louisiana at Monroe to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy.  

Johnson says one of the highlights of the RFL Scholar program was the opportunity to go to Paris, France. Students studied how different methods of government allow various levels of access to food and secondary education. The scholars presented their research to program leaders at a local university in Paris. Johnson said the presentation generated interesting conversations and feedback. 

“Before our trip to Paris, we researched how accessibility of secondary education, food and criminal justice differs among France, China and the United States,” Johnson said.  

Community service is another important part of the RFL Scholar experience and the service activities included handing out canned goods, speaking to grade school students, collecting food and picking up trash.  

“We always give back as much as possible because this program would not be possible without the help of our communities,” Johnson said. 

The students are held accountable in the RFL Scholar Program and Johnson says the study hall hours helped improve his grades. The scholars adopted the motto “To whom much is given, much will be required,” and he said it encouraged him to do his best. 

Balancing academics, extracurricular activities and program requirements helped the RFL Scholars learn to manage their time and prioritize their activities. Several RFL Scholars have been inducted into honor societies, joined Greek life and participated in campus engagements such as guest speaking at student organization events, mentoring and joining student government. 

“I know what it means to have the label of being a Reginald F. Lewis Scholar and I wanted to live up to the name,” Johnson said. “Getting my assignments done early and studying on a consistent basis allowed me to not worry when there were events and meetings to go to. I knew I had everything handled beforehand.” 

Along with academics, the program helped him get a summer internship and encouraged him to get out of his comfort zone to participate in campus events, join other organizations and make new friends.  

Johnson mentors the younger scholars since the program can be, initially, a challenging experience. He gives advice on how to manage time, stay on top of class work while attending multiple activities and how to conduct themselves in various situations. 

“He would check in on the younger scholars to make sure they were attending class, if they had concerns about class or studies that he may be able to help them with or just check in to see how they were doing,” said Youngblood. “He is a servant leader.” 

Johnson says that Youngblood was an excellent mentor. She helped him set goals, create schedules and encouraged him to be more involved.  

“If there was anything I needed help with, I knew she would be willing to listen and help,” he said. 

According to Youngblood, he embraced the program and all that was offered.  

“Isaiah’s growth in networking, critical thinking and communication skills will allow him to interact in any environment and do so with confidence,” Youngblood said. “His exposure to other cultures has provided him with an understanding of the diverse world. Most of all, his exposure to community service and stewardship has provided him with empathy to make a positive impact on people in the community, both personally and professionally.” 

“The RFL Scholar program helped mold me into the person I am today,” he said. “It has been a privilege to be part of this program and I am grateful for it.” 

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