Dear UHC Family & Friends,
As we move further into the Spring semester, I continue to be inspired by the energy
and momentum across our campus. One of the greatest affirmations of our mission is
the steady growth of our University. This spring, our enrollment has reached 1,048
students — a meaningful milestone that reflects the trust students place in Holy Cross
and the dedication of our faculty and staff who support our students every day.
For those considering joining our UHC community, there has never been a more exciting
time to take that step. Registration for our Summer and Fall 2026 semesters begins
on March 16th!
Speaking of exciting times, spring at Holy Cross brings one of our most beloved traditions
— the annual Crawfish Boil Cookoff on March 14th. This year, we are proud to expand
the event to also host our Spring Open House for prospective students and their families.
It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the spirit of our campus firsthand: faith-filled,
family-oriented, and distinctly New Orleans. We look forward to welcoming guests to
celebrate with us and see what makes Holy Cross so special.
At the end of January, I had the privilege of traveling to Washington, D.C. to represent
Louisiana’s colleges and universities. While there, I attended Washington Mardi Gras
events, met with leaders on Capitol Hill to advocate for our students, participated
in the Holy Cross Higher Education Presidents’ Forum, and engaged with colleagues
through the Association of Catholic Colleges & Universities. These conversations are
vital to ensuring that institutions like ours continue to have a strong voice at the
national level and that our students have access to the resources and opportunities
they deserve.
As always, thank you for your continued prayers, partnership, and belief in our mission.
Together, we are strengthening Holy Cross — not only in numbers, but in purpose —
forming graduates who lead with competence, conscience, and compassion.
Spes Unica,
Stanton F. McNeely III, Ed.D
President
The 2026 Crawfish Boil Cookoff is just around the corner!
Join us on Saturday, March 14, from 1:00–5:00 p.m. on the UHC campus for this beloved Louisiana tradition — delicious boiled crawfish, lively music, fun for the whole family, and the unbeatable spirit of community that defines Holy Cross.
This year, we’re doubling the excitement by hosting our Spring Open House alongside the Cookoff! Prospective students and families are invited to explore campus, connect with faculty and admissions staff, learn about academic programs, experience student life, and discover what makes Holy Cross a special place to learn and grow.
Whether you’re considering UHC or already part of our community, it’s a perfect chance to see our mission in action.
FYI- We’re still accepting team entries for the Crawfish Boil Cookoff! Bring your best boil, compete for fun prizes, and enjoy one of spring’s most delicious campus traditions. Teams are responsible for bringing and boiling their crawfish on site — and all are welcome to participate. Click here for more information and to enter.
Don’t miss this festive celebration of food, community, and the UHC experience!
Census 2026 Data is Here!
We are proud to announce continued enrollment growth for the Spring 2026 student census reaching 1,048 students. Another semester of year over year growth signals that more students and families are choosing Holy Cross for its personalized education, strong academic programs, and mission-driven community.
Our growth this spring reflects a broad and intentional approach to access. We continue to welcome first-time freshmen, community college transfer students, returning learners, and working adults seeking advancement or career change. At the same time, we our career-aligned pathways — particularly in healthcare and other high-demand fields — remain in high demand with employers and workforce needs in our region. Thanks to these efforts, UHC reports increases in all areas of enrollment.
Notable metrics:
- total enrollment for Spring 2026 = 1,048 students.
- degree-seeking and certification-seeking students rose 3.6% from Spring 2025, alongside
a 8% increase in total credit hours.
- new student enrollment growth continues to rise to approximately 20.6% than the
average of the past 4 years.
- healthcare programs - nursing, pre-med, radiologic technology, and neurodiagnostic
technology - have seen the highest rate of increase.
For the fourth consecutive year, UHC’s undergraduate teacher education program received the highest possible rating—"Highly Effective,” or a score of 4—from the Louisiana Department of Education’s Teacher Preparation Quality Rating system. In the recently released performance profiles, both UHC’s undergraduate degree programs and post-baccalaureate certification programs earned top ratings, making UHC one of only two institutions in Louisiana to receive this distinction across both pathways.
Congrats to our Department of Education for continued excellence!
ICYMI - A new online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program beginning Summer 2026 was approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). UHC’s new MAT program expands access to high-quality teacher preparation for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education. Offered fully online, the program is designed for career changers and non-traditional students seeking a flexible, high-support pathway into the classroom.
For more Department of Education for more information and to apply.
UHC Alumna Amie L. Lyons has been promoted to permanent President and Chief Executive
Officer by Fifth District Bancorp, Inc. Ms. Lyons had been serving in an interim basis
since June 2025.
Ms. Lyons graduated from the University of Holy Cross with a Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration (Management Concentration) in 2013.
Congratulations on your continued success! You represent UHC well and we are proud
to be a part of your career journey.
Throughout the month of January, UHC celebrated Holy Cross Heritage Month with events across campus, including a Back to School Holy Cross Heritage Month Mass for students, Book Study of Moreau’s Christian Pedagogy for faculty and staff, display of Hope Beyond Borders posters around campus, and Holy Cross Heritage Month Prayer at meetings, in classes, and through email.
We are proud of our Holy Cross Heritage and of the guidance and prayers of the Marianites of Holy Cross.
An article based on the dissertation written by Dr. Kelli Busbee was recently published by the national refereed counseling journal Adultspan. The article is was coauthored by Dr. Busbee and Dr. Ted Remley, her dissertation committee chair. “The Counseling Experiences of Gifted Adults” provides insight into the counseling issues of gifted adults and their reactions to being counseling clients. Dr. Busbee received her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Holy Cross in May, 2025.
Congratulations, Drs. Busbee and Remley!
The UHC Education Department will host their Spring Conference on Saturday, March 21 in the Moreau Center. This engaging conference brings together educators and other professionals from across the region for a morning of learning, reflection, and collaboration focused on supporting student success and educator well-being. Attendees will gain actionable classroom strategies, hear from an inspiring keynote speaker, and connect with local vendors who support teaching and learning.
Click here for more information and to register to attend.
UHC will host higher education leaders from across Louisiana on Friday, April 24 for a dynamic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share ideas shaping the future
of our institutions and our students. This statewide convening brings together presidents,
administrators, and higher ed professionals to discuss emerging trends, workforce
alignment, policy priorities, and innovative strategies that strengthen student success.
Click here to register to attend.
✅ Get ready with UHC gear.
✅ Mark your calendars for these upcoming dates and opportunities to engage with our UHC community:
March 14 - Spring Open House & Crawfish Boil Cookoff
March 16 - Registration Opens for Summer 2026 & Fall 2026 semesters
March 21 - UHC Education Department Annual Spring Conference
April 11 - UHC Admitted Student Day
May 16 - Commencement Mass
May 17 - Commencement
✅ Show your support for our UHC faculty, staff and students who have kicked off this academic year with gusto! Will you commit a small donation?