A larger-than-life cowboy has appeared on the west side of the Shearman Fine Arts Center on the McNeese State University campus.

“We are rebranding McNeese to demonstrate that this is an exceptional university with a proud history and a bright future. This mural is one of the first steps in our MyMcNeese campaign,” said McNeese President Dr. Daryl Burckel.

The MyMcNeese campaign was developed with the assistance of the Lamar Advertising Company and it will be featured in marketing efforts across the university. One of the goals of the campaign is to reinforce that McNeese is part of the fabric of Southwest Louisiana and that its graduates are integral to the economic success and quality of life in the region.

“Lamar has developed a strong relationship with McNeese over the years and we are thrilled to help with its rebranding effort,” said John Miller, senior vice president of sales and sales operations for Lamar Advertising Company and a 1980 McNeese graduate. “One of our artists developed the out-of-home media concept and wall design for the ‘MyMcNeese’ campaign to drive brand awareness and engagement for the university. We are proud to help emphasize Dr. Burckel’s vision for McNeese and we expect this campaign to deliver strong results for the university.”

The mural was funded through the Campus Development Committee, a student self-assessed fee that focuses on campus improvement projects. Lamar Advertising handled the design, production and installation.

“We are doing a number of things now to change and improve the appearance of the campus that is creating a beautiful and inspiring environment for students, faculty and staff and an attractive and welcoming atmosphere for prospective students,” Burckel said. “We also have several long-term initiatives, including a new student union, that will enhance the student experience.”

Visual enhancements on and around the McNeese campus will compliment the new $44 million Health and Human Performance Educational Complex. This multi-purpose facility will bring thousands of visitors to McNeese each year for volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, commencement and cultural events. These guests are in addition to the thousands that come to McNeese annually for recruiting events, Rouge et Blanc and Banners performances, professional conferences and seminars, homecoming and alumni events.

The new facility will open this fall and it will also house the rapidly growing department of health and human performance.