McNeese State University, founded in 1939, is a university located in Lake
Charles, Louisiana. Originally called
Lake Charles Junior College, the
name became John McNeese Junior College in 1940; the school was part of the Louisiana State
University system. In 1950, the school parted from the LSU system and became McNeese State
College; in 1970, the institution gained university status.McNeese State's colors are blue and gold and their nickname is the Cowboys. McNeese State sports teams
participate in NCAA Division I (I-AA for football) in the Southland Conference.