‘My McNeese’ classroom unveiled courtesy of Chennault partnership

Published 10:24 pm Sunday, February 20, 2022

McNeese State University unveiled its first fully renovated “My McNeese” classroom this week located in the College of Business. The Chennault Classroom, a $25,000 contribution to the campus, features state of the art presentation technology, modern seating and a photographic wrap around the room highlighting the aviation business park’s contributions to the region.

Kevin Melton, Chennault executive director, said deciding to partner with the university was an easy choice. “Chennault is incredibly supportive and a major proponent for education. In fact, the majority of our jobs require some sort of formal, post-secondary education.”

In a news release, Daryl Burckel, MSU president, said a prime feature of the My McNeese classrooms would be that they would “resemble training spaces found in classrooms.” Such a project was right up Chennault’s ally, Melton said.

“We’re very keen on making sure our local education system, and not just post-secondary, is primed and ready to support our upcoming students and even potential employees,” Melton said.

Chennault was approached two yeas ago about the project and Melton said they wanted to be one of the first partners to complete their contribution. “In fact, we were. We’re the first to get our room complete,” he said.

“We wanted to leave a legacy in that.”

In addition to the photographic wrap in the classroom, Melton partnered with Chennault businesses Citadel Completions, Landlocked Aviation and Million Air to add special touches to the space. “We went above and beyond and asked for additional support because I wanted to have support from our tenants…They’re the ones that provide the job opportunities,” he said.

“It was completely ours to decide how we wanted it to look…So, in the room you have support or artifacts from some of our tenants that represent what they do,” he said referencing a Boeing 747 seat and an airplane propeller inscribed with John F. Kennedy’s famous, “Ask not what your country can do for you…” words. “We wanted to let the students know through their hard work and dedication—that’s what makes life good. They’re responsible to give back to the community and improve themselves.”

Four more My McNeese classrooms are in progress in the College of Business.