BREAKING: McNeese narrows presidential search to two
Published 4:15 pm Wednesday, May 13, 2026
The search committee has narrowed its choices to two for recommendation for the next president of McNeese State University — Dr. Dee Dee Anderson and state Sen. Mike Reese. The ultimate decision now rests with the full University of Louisiana System Board during a special meeting set for Tuesday, May 19.
Anderson is a seasoned academic insider serving as the vice chancellor for Student Life at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She brings 30 years of deep higher education experience. A Louisiana native, she pitched herself to the committee on Wednesday as a leader wanting to return home. Her vision emphasized student retention, mental health resources and expanding traditional academic programs.
Reese, a two-term state lawmaker from Leesville, offers a non-traditional direction. Though he has no professional experience in higher education management, he does possess a massive advantage that the committee previously said it highly valued — a deep, powerful presence in Baton Rouge and a background in commercial business.
This story will be updated with today’s interviews.