McNeese State University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

McNeese State University has 5 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial management, academic administration, cultural outreach, and institutional leadership.

Dedicated to fostering academic excellence and student-centered learning, McNeese State University empowers regional students through innovative programs and community engagement to achieve long-term professional success.

Leadership Roles at McNeese State University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Andrew Foshee
  • Interim President - Kedrick Nicholas
  • Co-Founder and President of the African Rhythm - Christabel Simon-Alade
  • President - Daryl Burckel
  • Chief Information Officer - Chad Thibodeaux
  • Andrew Foshee - Chief Financial Officer

    Andrew Foshee, the Chief Financial Officer at McNeese State University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations of the institution. Overseeing long-term financial planning and resource distribution, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the university maintains stability while funding academic innovation. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams and expenditure patterns to maximize the impact of public funding. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Andrew Foshee directly supports the university's commitment to providing affordable, high-quality education. Foshee collaborates with administrative departments to align spending with strategic goals, ensuring that every dollar contributes to student success and campus development. Through careful oversight of institutional assets, the Chief Financial Officer mitigates fiscal risks and promotes sustainable growth. This dedication to financial transparency and efficiency strengthens the university's market position. Ultimately, Foshee provides the economic framework required for the institution to thrive as a premier regional public university.

    Kedrick Nicholas - Interim President

    Kedrick Nicholas, the Interim President at McNeese State University, guides the institution through transitional periods while maintaining focus on academic excellence. Overseeing daily administrative operations and faculty relations, the Interim President ensures continuity in the university's mission of student-centered learning. This leadership role involves coordinating with the board and executive staff to uphold institutional standards during leadership shifts. By fostering a collaborative environment, Kedrick Nicholas directly impacts the morale and productivity of the campus community. Nicholas manages external partnerships and community engagement initiatives that define the university's regional presence. Through proactive communication and strategic decision-making, the Interim President stabilizes core functions and prepares the institution for future growth. This commitment to steady leadership supports the university's reputation as a hub for quality education. Ultimately, Nicholas maintains the momentum of the university's strategic objectives, ensuring that students and faculty continue to receive the necessary support for personal and academic development.

    Christabel Simon-Alade - Co-Founder and President of the African Rhythm

    Christabel Simon-Alade, the Co-Founder and President of the African Rhythm at McNeese State University, drives cultural enrichment and student engagement initiatives. Overseeing the development of programs that celebrate diversity, the Co-Founder and President of the African Rhythm ensures the campus environment remains vibrant and inclusive. This leadership role involves organizing events and educational workshops that broaden student perspectives on global traditions. By facilitating cross-cultural dialogue, Christabel Simon-Alade directly impacts the personal development of the student body. Simon-Alade collaborates with student organizations and faculty to integrate cultural awareness into the broader university experience. Through the promotion of artistic and historical appreciation, the Co-Founder and President of the African Rhythm enhances the university's commitment to community engagement. This focus on inclusivity supports the institution's goal of providing a well-rounded education. Ultimately, Simon-Alade fosters a sense of belonging and global citizenship among the diverse student population at the university.

    Daryl Burckel - President

    Daryl Burckel, the President at McNeese State University, architects the overarching strategic vision and long-term goals for the institution. Overseeing all academic and administrative departments, the President ensures the university remains a leader in regional public education. This leadership role involves engaging with stakeholders, government officials, and the community to secure resources and support for campus initiatives. By championing academic innovation and student-centered learning, Daryl Burckel directly impacts the university's ability to attract top-tier faculty and students. Burckel manages the executive team to align institutional efforts with the mission of providing quality education and personal development. Through the implementation of growth-oriented policies, the President strengthens the university's reputation and market impact. This dedication to excellence drives the institution's success in preparing students for future careers. Ultimately, Burckel provides the decisive leadership necessary for the university to achieve its vision of being the first choice for prospective students.
    Daryl Burckel

    Chad Thibodeaux - Chief Information Officer

    Chad Thibodeaux, the Chief Information Officer at McNeese State University, directs the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting academic operations. Overseeing campus-wide network security and data management systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity for students and faculty across the regional campus. This leadership role involves architecting scalable cloud solutions that facilitate modern learning environments. By optimizing information systems, Chad Thibodeaux directly impacts the university's ability to deliver high-quality educational resources. Thibodeaux manages complex software integrations while maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols to protect institutional data. Through strategic planning, the Chief Information Officer aligns technological investments with the broader mission of academic excellence. This focus on digital transformation supports the university's goal of remaining a top choice for prospective students. Ultimately, Thibodeaux secures the technological foundation necessary for sustained institutional growth and operational efficiency within the competitive higher education landscape.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding McNeese State University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads McNeese State University?
    McNeese State University is led by Andrew Foshee (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Kedrick Nicholas (Interim President) and Christabel Simon-Alade (Co-Founder and President of the African Rhythm).
    Who is part of McNeese State University’s executive team?
    The executive team of McNeese State University includes leaders such as Andrew Foshee (Chief Financial Officer), Kedrick Nicholas (Interim President), Christabel Simon-Alade (Co-Founder and President of the African Rhythm) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does McNeese State University have?
    McNeese State University has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in McNeese State University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of McNeese State University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Interim President, Co-Founder and President of the African Rhythm, President, Chief Information Officer.