First Person: Mike Reese – McNeese State University President

by Kristy Como Armand

Mike Reese has spent his career building businesses, strengthening communities and championing economic growth across Louisiana. Now, he brings that same servant-leader mindset to McNeese State University as its ninth president.

A Vernon Parish native with more than three decades of leadership experience spanning government, business, economic development, finance, logistics and higher education policy, Reese holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Commercial Banking with a minor in Economics from the University of Louisiana Monroe. As a local business owner who is involved in chambers in Rapides, Vernon, Beauregard and Calcasieu parishes, Reese served as founding chairman of Fort Polk Progress, an organization born out of the 2008 realignment threat to the installation and dedicated to preserving and strengthening its role as an anchor of the regional economy. He has served in the Louisiana Senate since 2020, representing District 30 across portions of Beauregard, Calcasieu, Rapides and Vernon parishes, building a reputation for advancing economic development, workforce initiatives, fiscal responsibility and business growth statewide.

Alongside his public service, he is managing partner and CEO of the Reese Companies, a diversified group operating in transportation, logistics, aviation and commercial real estate. Now, he is channeling that collective background, the policy experience, the business acumen, the deep regional roots and the instinct to fight for what matters, into leading the institution he believes is central to Southwest Louisiana’s future. He and his wife, Morgan, an artist and art teacher in Vernon Parish, are parents to a son and daughter.

Thrive sat down with President Reese to talk about his career, the leadership lessons that shaped him and his vision for McNeese’s next chapter.

What led to your interest in public service?

 I’ve always believed that if you have the opportunity to make your community better, you have a responsibility to step forward. My background in business gave me an appreciation for hard work and problem-solving, but it also showed me how decisions made at the local and state levels affect families, employers and the future of a community. One of the defining moments for my path was helping launch Fort Polk Progress. We brought business leaders, elected officials and community members together with a common purpose, to support one of our region’s greatest economic assets. That experience reinforced what I’ve always believed: when people work together around a shared vision, they can accomplish far more than any one person or organization can alone.

What led to your decision to pursue the position as McNeese President? 

This opportunity brought together two things I’m deeply passionate about: serving Southwest Louisiana and investing in the next generation. Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand the impact McNeese has on our region. Beyond providing an excellent education to students, McNeese develops leaders, strengthens our workforce and drives economic growth. When the opportunity arose, I saw a chance to give back to a university that means so much to this community.  I believe McNeese is uniquely positioned to shape the future of Southwest Louisiana, and I’m honored to help lead the university into its next chapter. My goal is to ensure that future generations have even greater opportunities than those who came before them.

Your resume doesn’t follow the traditional path to a university presidency. How will your unique background shape the way you lead? 

Higher education is changing. Universities today are expected to do more than educate students; they’re expected to drive economic development, build partnerships, attract investment and prepare the workforce for a rapidly evolving economy. That’s why you’re seeing more institutions look for leaders with experience beyond academia. I have tremendous respect for the academic side of higher education, and I’m fortunate to work alongside outstanding faculty and academic leaders. My role is to create opportunities and make sure they have the resources they need to succeed. My focus is simple: support our people, strengthen our partnerships and ensure McNeese continues to be a driving force for Southwest Louisiana.

What leadership lessons from the Legislature will you bring to McNeese? 

Lasting success comes from building relationships and bringing people together around a common goal. No meaningful progress happens alone. It takes listening, collaboration and earning trust. I’ll also bring a strong understanding of how state government works and the importance of advocating for higher education. My experience has helped me build relationships across Louisiana that I believe will benefit McNeese as we work to secure resources and create new opportunities for our students and faculty. Most importantly, I’ve learned that leadership is about serving others. As president, my role is to support our faculty, staff and students by removing obstacles, providing the resources they need and creating an environment where they can thrive. McNeese already has outstanding people in place. My job is to help them succeed and continue moving this university forward.

McNeese has experienced tremendous momentum in recent years.  What will it take to sustain it? Momentum doesn’t happen by accident, and it doesn’t last unless you’re intentional about it. The progress McNeese has made is a credit to the leadership, faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters who have worked incredibly hard over the past several years. My job is to build on that strong foundation, not change course. That means staying focused on recruitment and retention, putting students first, investing in academic excellence and ensuring our programs meet the needs of today’s workforce.

What are your top three priorities as you begin your presidency?

First, ensuring McNeese continues to prepare the workforce our region needs. Southwest Louisiana is experiencing tremendous economic growth, and it’s our responsibility to make sure students graduate ready to fill those opportunities, whether in industry, healthcare, education, business or technology, and build meaningful careers right here at home.

Second, strengthening our partnerships with business, industry and the broader community. McNeese has always played an important role in the economic success of this region. I want to expand collaboration with employers, create more internship and research opportunities and ensure our programs stay aligned with workforce needs.

Third, being a strong advocate for McNeese and for higher education. My experience in the legislature taught me the importance of relationships and securing resources for long-term success. My role is to champion McNeese, providing the funding, facilities and opportunities our faculty and staff need to keep delivering an exceptional education.

How can the Southwest Louisiana community become stronger partners with the university?

McNeese has always been Southwest Louisiana’s university, and our future success depends on strong community partnerships. For businesses, that means collaborating with us on workforce development, offering internships and hiring our graduates. And for the community at large, the best way to support McNeese is to stay connected. Attend campus events, cheer on the Cowboys and Cowgirls and take advantage of the educational and cultural opportunities the university offers.

What message would you like to leave with the people of Southwest Louisiana? 

We have to keep telling the McNeese story. People across Louisiana and beyond are recognizing what we’ve known for a long time—that McNeese offers an outstanding education, a close-knit campus experience and graduates who make an impact wherever they go. If we continue delivering results, investing wisely and staying true to who we are, I believe the best days for McNeese are still ahead.