Reginald F. Lewis Scholars at McNeese

McNeese State University is honoring Black History Month by spotlighting students, faculty and alumni.

Three McNeese State University students, Cadenley Francois, a nursing major from Gonaïves, Haiti, Chima Owunna, a computer engineering student from Anambra, Nigeria, and Isaiah Johnson, a health and human performance major from Opelousas, are Reginald F. Lewis Scholars through the University of Louisiana System.

The Lewis Scholars program, which is designed to enhance the collegiate experience of Black males across the UL System, provides a three-year curated educational experience focused on three key areas—academics, social advancement and community service. Recipients – who receive a full tuition scholarship – were chosen based on academic merit, financial need and proven leadership skills.

“This is an excellent opportunity for our scholars. I am excited to be the facilitator for this program at McNeese,” says Krisshunn Youngblood, director of Inclusive Excellence at McNeese. “With the support of mentors on campus and in the community, our scholars will truly profit – from community and campus volunteering to professional workshops and job shadowing. These young men will grow as leaders in their careers and will also be positive role models to their peers and young people they mentor.”

Francois sees his community project as interacting with children ages 5-11. He thinks that “positively engaging with the kids can encourage them to have a successful path in life.”

“I feel that I can be an example and make a difference in the community. If other Black students see more Black males succeeding in life, it motivates them to keep pushing and going after their dreams,” he said. “Do not work because you expect something but work to better yourself and be an asset to your community. It is not just about you; it is about the people you lead.”

Owunna said he welcomed the experience at the Black Male Summit and felt a sense of belonging and brotherhood among the people attending.

He said that Youngblood once told him to “have integrity and do the right thing when no one is watching.” “Doing the right thing not only benefits you but also everyone else,” Owunna said

Planning to become a physical therapist after graduation, Johnson, who graduated from Opelousas High School, says that it was his mother that inspired him to pursue his career goals.

“My mom was in health care and always told me to help people as much as I could. Having played sports in high school, I know how important physical therapists are in helping people recover from injuries,” Johnson explained. “When I came to Preview Day at McNeese, I saw that the pre-physical therapy program has a 90% acceptance rate for graduates pursuing physical therapy school, so McNeese was my first choice.”

All the scholars say that the scholarships will make a big difference in helping them cover tuition and fees for school. They are also looking forward to the mentorship aspect of the Scholars program.

“I think a lot of people, even though they may not say it, need a little help to keep going,” says Isaiah. “College can be tough sometimes so I’m looking forward to having someone help guide and motivate me as I work toward my degree.”

To find out more about the Reginald F. Lewis Scholars program, visit mcneese.edu.