Cowboy Closet Will Help McNeese Students Dress for Success: Clothing Donations Now Being Accepted

by Tori Hebert

If your spring cleaning included updating your professional wardrobe, your unwanted blazers and trousers could help McNeese State University students make a lasting impression at upcoming job interviews.

The new Cowboy Closet is expanding the access McNeese students have to career-ready clothing. According to McNeese’s Career and Professional Development Services Director Andrea Burton, “Many students do not have the means to purchase professional attire. We do not want this need to be a barrier to their success.”

The closet is housed in the Burton Business Center on the McNeese campus and will be open to students once per semester.

“When students makes an appointment to visit the Cowboy Closet, they will first have a consultation with a staff member to evaluate their needs,” says Burton. “That discussion will help us determine what clothing is needed and if they will require to take home more than our standard five-item limit.”

The Cowboy Closet has received support from the McNeese Foundation, McNeese Student Government Association and the Women’s Business Network with the Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance. “We are proud to support McNeese’s effort to help students put their best foot forward with potential employers,” says Erica McCreedy, chair of the Women’s Business Network. “This initiative directly aligns with the Women’s Business Network’s mission to provide resources to future business leaders across Southwest Louisiana.”

The Cowboy Closet is currently accepting men’s and women’s suits, button-down shirts, blouses, dresses, slacks, shoes, belts, ties, scrubs, outerwear, McNeese polo shirts and coat hangers.

The Office of Career and Professional Development Services supports the development of professional skills in students by connecting them with networking opportunities and potential employers. The office also hosts a Career Expo, Internship Soirée, and Education Professionals Recruitment Day each semester.

To find out how to donate clothing or support the Cowboy Closet in other ways, visit www.mcneese.edu/career/cowboy-closet.