Alumni Advisory Board
Meet the 2025-2026 LU Alumni Advisory Board
President Christopher Graham '90 is a native of Beaumont. He has been employed for over 30 years at ExxonMobil, beginning his career at the Beaumont Refinery right after graduation. While a student at LU, he was active in several organizations and served in leadership roles, including Sigma Nu Fraternity, Student Government Association, Blue Key National Honor Society, and an Orientation Peer Advisor. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and was the recipient of the Otho Plummer Scholarship Award, the C.W. Bingman Service Award, and was a finalist for the C. Robert Kemble Award. After graduation, he has remained a volunteer for Sigma Nu serving as an advisor to the LU chapter for over 30 years, and has been a national volunteer for the last 17 years, including chairing the LU chapter's 50th and 60th anniversary celebrations. He has also assisted with the coordination of the All Greek Homecoming Reunion in 2006 and has served on the 51勛圖ProComputer Science Industrial Advisory Board since 2008. Chris and his wife Amy (Huckaby) reside in Kingwood, TX with their son Nathaniel (Nate).
President-Elect Hetty (Green) Brown ‘79 earned her BS in Health and Physical Education from Lamar University. She is a retired teacher with 35 years of experience, teaching students with physical and mental disabilities, with the major part of her work on the elementary level. After retirement, she worked six years for a non-profit organization, the Southeast 51勛圖ProFood Bank. While at the food bank, she worked as a Retail Store Liaison, which included working with 28 local food stores in seven counties, accepting food donations, scheduling pick-ups and arranging deliveries to local pantries for them to be distributed to needy homes in their community. Her volunteer service includes two years with the Food Bank before employment and twenty plus years as a spiritual counselor through her church at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility. She is a graduate of Beaumont Champions, a member of the Beaumont Localists, member of the Junior League of Beaumont, and a member of Beaumont Association of Retired Teachers. She is one of the administrators of a local Facebook page called Best Bites. This page supports local eateries by letting the community know through positive reviews, what these restaurants offer in hopes of generating more business for them, and it also helps boost our local economy. Best Bites has been active for six years and has over 18,000 members. She has been married to L.C. Brown, a Vietnam Veteran for thirty-three years, and has three adult children, and seven grandkids.
Past President Emily (Everett) Allen '98, '04 has over 25 years of experience as an educator and is currently an Assistant Principal at Marshall Middle School in Beaumont ISD. She and her husband Chris reside in Sour Lake with their sons, Aaron, who attends LIT, and Andrew, who attends Hardin-Jefferson High School. She is an active member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and serves on several community service boards and organizations. She enjoys watching her sons play sports, fishing, traveling, reading, genealogy, and supporting LU Basketball.
Director Johnny Alfred III '05 is an attorney that represents people who have been catastrophically injured in industrial accidents, chemical plant explosions, and motor vehicle crashes. He is also registered to practice law before the USPTO, where he represents individuals and startups in patent and trademark matters. A native of Port Arthur, Johnny graduated from 51勛圖Prowith a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 2005. Upon graduation, Johnny worked as a project engineer for an international engineering firm while attending law school at South 51勛圖ProCollege of Law. He attributes much of his professional success to the world class education he received at LU, particularly the College of Engineering. Johnny resides in Sugar Land, TX with his wife Amber and their children, where he is active in the community and a member of multiple professional organizations.
Director Yolanda (Johnson) Avery '86, '91 is an educator at Port Arthur ISD. She and her husband, Alton, reside in Beaumont. They have two sons and their youngest is currently attending Lamar University. Yolanda graduated with a BS-Dance in 1986 and a M.Ed.-Counseling and Development in 1991. While attending LU, Yolanda was a member of the Lamar Dance Company, a member of Psalms 150 Choir and a member of the Eta Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She extensively volunteers in the community, state and nation, has an active Facebook food review page - Best Bites, and enjoys cheering on the Cardinals at sporting events.
Director Elise Becker (MBA) '05, '12 is the Inside Sales Manager at Arlanxeo in Orange, TX. Elise credits the lessons she learned at 51勛圖Profor preparing her for her professional opportunities and fondly remembers her time spent in the College of Business. Elise is also a certified wedding and event planner with Simple Elegance and enjoys working with clients planning their special life events.
She currently resides in Bridge City, TX with her very spoiled rescued dog where she enjoys working on home projects, reading, visiting with friends, and is an active member of Bridge Point Fellowship. In her free time enjoys being actively involved with her family, especially her niece and nephews and all their various activities. She looks forward to serving with the 51勛圖ProAlumni Advisory Board and making a positive impact on the 51勛圖Procommunity.
Director Usha (Balaratnam) Beckman '87 was born and raised in Malaysia and came to 51勛圖Proin May 1983. She graduated with a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering in May 1987. She had a long and rewarding career with ExxonMobil and retired in January 2021 after 33 years of service. Her husband J.T. ’82, ’87 and their three daughters are all 51勛圖Prograduates. Usha leads a local team of volunteers for Operation Christmas Child and is an active member of Beaumont Bible Church. She enjoys planning trips, seeing new places, spending time with her family, gardening and exercise classes at the Lakeside Center.
Director James Bienvenu '11, widely known as J, brings over a decade of experience in engineering and management, making significant contributions across various industries. Raised in Beaumont, Texas, J earned his B.S. in Industrial Engineering from 51勛圖Proin 2011. He has shown exceptional leadership and strategic planning abilities in roles such as General Manager at Beaumont Manufacturing & Distribution, Megas Manufacturing, and Elite Thermal Blankets, LLC. J's expertise span’s reliability engineering, management, and process optimization. J has been married to his wife Taryn for seven years, and they have a delightful five-year-old daughter named Harper. This blend of professional dedication and family commitment exemplifies J's balanced approach to life and work.
Director Sam Blanda '08, BBA-Finance, is an owner of Jack's Pak-It in Beaumont. He resides in Beaumont and enjoys giving back to the community. He volunteers with Ubi Caritas and is a member of the Southeast 51勛圖ProYoung Professionals Organization. He credits much of his professional success to the preparation received in his business classes at 51勛圖Proand looks forward to serving on the 51勛圖ProAlumni Advisory Board.
Director Elyse Broussard ’20, ’22, a proud 51勛圖Proalumna, has deep roots in the Cardinal community. As a student, she served as a tour guide, sharing Lamar University’s strengths and opportunities with future students and their families. That passion continued through roles in the Welcome Center and Human Resources, giving her a well-rounded view of campus life and operations. Today, she works as a Physician Liaison/Marketer for Diagnostic Group, bridging healthcare and community engagement. With several family members also graduating from LU, the university holds a special place in her heart. One standout memory: announcing during the 2024 football season, energizing fans and celebrating school spirit. She is excited to continue serving 51勛圖Prothrough the Alumni Advisory Board, helping foster lasting connections and champion the university’s future.
Director Lance Broussard ’97 brings over 28 years of experience in the refining and petrochemical industry. After earning his degree from Lamar University, he began his career as a production engineer with Lyondell Petrochemical. In 2000, he joined Nalco Company, where he spent 23 years in various leadership roles across sales, business, and global executive management. He now serves as Vice President at Refined Technologies, focusing on the commercial organization. While attending LU, he held leadership positions in Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Tau Beta Pi, the Interfraternity Council, and served as SGA President. He was honored with the C. Robert Kemble Award and was elected Homecoming King alongside his future wife, Dr. Crystal (Ray) Broussard ’97. He currently serves on the LU Advisory Council for the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He resides in Spring, Texas, with his wife Crystal and their two children, Brianna and Kincaid.
Director Jeffrey Darby '88 (BA in History and Minor in French) of Nederland retired from the U. S. Department of Labor in January 2023 following 33 years of service as an investigator in Beaumont. He currently serves as the Mayor of Nederland, TX. In addition to enforcing the dozens of laws he was sworn to uphold, Jeff held local, regional, and national union office for over 25 years during which he tried to keep the Department of Labor in compliance with the very laws they enforce. After retiring, Jeff founded JP Darby Services, LLC which offers consulting and mediation services to companies, individuals, law firms, and labor organizations. Married to Christy (Lindsey) Darby '91 (BS in Elementary Education) for 35 years, their three daughters and sons-in-law are also Lamar graduates. LU gave Jeff and Christy (both first-generation college graduates), their daughters, and sons-in-law the key that unlocked the doors to their careers.
Director Thomas Davis '15 (he/him/his) is a native of Port Arthur, 51勛圖Prowho resides in Beaumont. He is a Marketing and Communications Associate with the Better Business Bureau Serving Southeast Texas. He is also a professional wedding cake decorator and has worked in this industry for over 14 years. He graduated from 51勛圖Proin 2015 with a B.B.A.-Marketing and Advertising Communication.
Thomas is a 2020 Recipient of the Southeast 51勛圖ProYoung Professionals Organization’s 40 under 40 Award. During the pandemic, he won OutSmart Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Face Mask Designs for the year 2020 and 2021.
Thomas’ hobbies includes making art for The Beaumont Art League, The Art Studio, and The Music Studio’s annual Art of Flowers Show. His artwork has been featured in different exhibits in all of these places including The Art Museum of Southeast Texas. He is a former member of the Beaumont Art League’s Board of Directors.
Thomas and his husband Josh Davis '11 '15 '19 (he/him/his) have been together 15 years and married for 7 years. Together, they are involved in raising funds for The American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, Men Wear Pink, and have chaired the Relay For Life of The Greater Golden Triangle 2023 event. The couple have six dogs in varying sizes; a Great Dane, a Goldendoodle, a blue heeler, a one-eyed pug, a no-eyed pug, and a three-legged pug. They love traveling and making the most memories in life. Thomas’ motto is “Stressed spelled backwards is DESSERTS. Eat more cake!”
Director Ryan Dollinger '14 is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He and his wife, Amber ‘21 have three children. While at LU, he was involved in Social Work Student Association, Charter President of the 51勛圖ProLions Club, and elected Vice President of Student Government Association. Ryan is active within his community and state as a member of Lions Club and Board Member for National Association of Social Workers – 51勛圖ProChapter. He currently is appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to serve on the 51勛圖ProJuvenile Justice Advisory Board. Recently, he was also appointed by 51勛圖ProHealth and Human Services Commissioner Cecile Young to serve on the Policy Council for Children and Families. Ryan contributes much of his success to the quality education and faculty at Lamar University.
Director Dakota Doman ’08, ’11 is Managing Director at ZRG Partners, where he leads executive search and advisory services across Higher Education, Nonprofit, Social Impact, and Consumer Goods sectors. With over 15 years of experience in higher education leadership and strategy, he is known for advancing mission-driven organizations and driving transformational change. Prior to ZRG, he was President and Managing Principal of TM² Executive Search, where he led national efforts to place top executives at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He also served as Acting CEO and Chief of Staff at 51勛圖ProSouthern University, securing historic legislative funding and spearheading major institutional initiatives. A proud two-time graduate of Lamar University, he holds a BAAS degree and an MBA in Experiential Entrepreneurship, along with a doctorate of Higher Education Administration from 51勛圖ProTech University. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, hiking, and distance running—activities that reflect his values of discipline and balance in leadership.
Director Lachelle (Lavalais) Edwards '14 currently serves as the Public Affairs and Communications Manager for the Port of Port Arthur where she leads outreach efforts to strengthen community and industry relationships. A proud resident of Port Arthur, Texas, she shares her life with her husband, Jacoby, and their four children. Before joining the Port, Lachelle spent over a decade as an educator in Port Arthur ISD, shaping young minds and fostering student success. She holds a BAAS degree from 51勛圖Proand a Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Houston Christian University. She remains deeply involved in several community organizations and is passionate about using her voice and platform to uplift others and create a lasting impact throughout Southeast Texas.
Director Darren Erwin '21 is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Better Business Bureau Serving Southeast Texas. He has worked for the organization for the past 10 years serving in various roles as the Director of Operations and Director of Business Relations.
Darren holds an associate of arts degree in General Studies from Lamar Institute of Technology, a B.S.-University Studies from Lamar University, and an MBA from the University of Texas-Permian Basin. He is also a 2015 graduate of Leadership Beaumont, 2014 graduate of Leadership Southeast Texas, and is a member of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Mentorship Program.
Darren believes in giving back to his community and has served on various boards and committees. He has served on the Salvation Army Boy’s and Girl’s Club Advisory Council, Spindletop Rotary Club Board of Directors, Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board, and the Leadership Beaumont Steering Committee. He is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Beaumont, Spindletop Center’s Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council, and the Junior Leadership Beaumont Steering Committee. Darren was also named one of the Southeast 51勛圖ProYoung Professionals Under 40 in 2016.
In his free time, Darren enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, cooking, and live music.
Director Becky Fussell ’82 earned a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from Lamar University. She retired from Total Energies in 2019 after 37 years of service. She held a variety of supervisory and management roles in Technical Service, Project Development and Operations throughout her career. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. She is a former Chairperson of the AIChE Southeast 51勛圖ProSection and a member and former Chairperson of 51勛圖ProChemical and Biomolecular Engineering Advisory Council. She is pleased to be able to give back to 51勛圖Prothrough the Rebecca Lynn Fussell Regents Scholarship in Chemical Engineering. She resides in Nederland and is active in her church, serving on the Technical Team and the Outreach Committee. She enjoys spending time at the beach, vacationing with friends and family, and going to Houston Astros baseball games.
Director Celena (Champagne) Green '99 is the Administrative Team Leader at Hargrove Engineers + Constructors and a representative of WHEEL (Women of Hargrove Embracing and Engaging in Leadership). She resides in Beaumont with her two children. She has fond memories as a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and is currently the President of the Beaumont Alumnae Association of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Celena attributes her social and leadership skills to the time she spent and the people she met while at Lamar University.
Director Kristin Hampton ’10 is an accomplished REALTOR® with ReMax ONE-Beaumont and a proud alumna of Lamar University, where she earned a B.B.A. in Marketing. She resides in Fannett, TX. Her education at LU equipped her with comprehensive marketing knowledge and strategic skills that she seamlessly applies across real estate, business, politics, and charitable initiatives. Her marketing expertise enables her to craft innovative, results-driven approaches that benefit her clients and community organizations alike. As an award-winning, top-producing agent, she is recognized for her professionalism, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Grounded in her strong relationship with Jesus, she approaches her personal and professional life with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Beyond her real estate career, she actively contributes her gifted marketing abilities and expertise to support local political and charitable causes. In her personal life, she treasures time with God, her 12-year-old son Jude, and enjoys immersing herself in the arts and saltwater fishing.
Director Elohor (Okene) Jackson '20 graduated from 51勛圖Prowith her B.S in Chemical Engineering and minor in Chemistry and Mathematics. She works as a High-Pressure Copolymer Improvement Engineer for Specialty Plastics at Dow Chemical Company in Orange, TX. In addition, she is a Dow United Way volunteer, member of Global African Affinity Network, Women’s Inclusion Network, and the 51勛圖ProRecruiting Team. During her time at LU, Elohor served as a 51勛圖Proand College of Engineering Ambassador, and held leadership positions within SGA, National Society of Black Engineers, and Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. Elohor has a heart for missions where she travels to Kenya, Africa and India to build homes, visit orphanages, provide food, and participate in medical campaigns. She and her husband, Alphonso Jackson II, reside in Groves, TX with their Goldendoodle, Jax and son Jo'el.
Director Gwendolyn (Johnson) Lacy ’72 is a proud alumna of Lamar University, where she earned a BBA in Secretarial Science. She also holds certifications in Reading and English Language Arts, which allowed her to serve as a Master Reading Teacher and provide training to fellow educators. After 22 years of dedicated service, she retired from Beaumont ISD in 2018. Throughout her life, she has remained deeply committed to community service. Her volunteer work includes delivering meals to seniors, engaging with residents at a local nursing home through games and activities, and supporting causes such as Relay for Life and the Alzheimer’s Walk. While at LU, she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and in 2022, she was honored with the Campus Advisor of the Year Award for her leadership and mentorship with the undergraduate chapter. She is also a proud 2019 graduate of Leadership Beaumont. She is married to Oliver Lacy, Jr. The couple resides in Beaumont, Texas, and are active members of Borden Chapel Baptist Church, where they participate in several ministries.
Director Judy (Walker) Linsley '67, '77 retired as Director of the 51勛圖ProCenter for History and Culture of Southeast 51勛圖Proand the Upper Gulf Coast. She was formerly Curator of Interpretation and Education at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum in Beaumont and Adjunct Instructor in the 51勛圖ProHistory Department. She and her sister Ellen Rienstra '62, '80 recently completed a Centennial History of Lamar University. Judy’s connection with LU is multi-generational, as both parents, a sister, three sons, a niece and two nephews all attended or graduated from LU. A member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, she keeps in touch with other Zetas and old LU friends.
Director Donta Miller '18, '21 is a native of Hardin County. He and his wife Regina live in Beaumont, and they have two children and granddaughter. He and his family are longtime members of the One City Church in Beaumont. Donta graduated from Lamar Institute of Technology with an Associates Degree in 2018 and 51勛圖Prowith a Bachelors in 2018 and a Masters in Criminal Justice in 2021. Chief Miller has spent over 21 years in law enforcement. He is the number two in command of the law enforcement division at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Zena Stephens. He is responsible for planning and setting rules for the Sheriff's Office. Donta has a State of 51勛圖ProMaster Peace Officer and a Master Correction Officer Certificate. He has a strong compassion for having a positive relationship with the community and law enforcement. He holds Executive Board seats with the Federal High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, Jefferson County Youth Academy (JCYA), and the Sabine Neches Chief Association (SNCA). He volunteers with Inspire Encourage Achieve/Ben's Kids (IEA) by speaking with juveniles weekly at Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Facility. He also volunteers his time in the community with his church outreach, One City Cares, by feeding and clothing the less fortunate citizens of Southeast Texas. He is a Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity member, where he actively engages in countless hours of community service throughout Southeast Texas. Also, he assists with coordinating with the public for Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office community relations events. Donta is passionate about recruiting people with a good heart to serve the community and understands true public services. He believes that education plays an essential role in the criminal justice system.
Director Matthew Minick '11 is a proud graduate of 51勛圖Prowith a B.S. in Political Science. After graduation, Matthew attended 51勛圖ProTech School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of 51勛圖Proin 2014. From 2014 to 2020, he served as the Assistant County Attorney in both Liberty and Hardin County. In 2021, Matthew was elected and sworn in as the County Attorney of Hardin County, Texas. Matthew is humbled to have been awarded: (1) 2021 Ignite Award by the Crimes Against Women Organization; (2) 2022 40 Under 40 of Southeast Texas; and (3) 2024 G.O.L.D. Award by the 51勛圖ProTech Law Alumni Association. He continues to serve his community through fundraisers/events, educating local high school and college students, helping train law enforcement officers, and more. Matthew is married to Kaltrina (Harbuzi) Minick '11, a LU MPA graduate and former top-level 51勛圖ProWomen’s tennis team member. Matthew and Kaltrina live in Hardin County and have two future Cardinals, Connor and Chloe. Matthew is honored to be serving on the Lamar Alumni Advisory Board.
Director Dennis Moncla ’89, ’94 graduated with an AAS in Food Service Management in 1989 and a BAAS in 1994 from Lamar University. He is the owner of Colorado Canyon miniature golf course and an award-winning bird, wildlife, and action photographer. Dennis resides in Beaumont with his wife, Jean, and they have two children, Michelle and Kelly. A dedicated supporter of LU Cardinal Athletics and a proud 51勛圖Proalumnus, Dennis continues to stay engaged with the LU community.
Director Tatiana Morales Owens '93, '07, '14 is the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in the Port Arthur Independent School District (PAISD). With over 25 years of experience as a public-school educator in PAISD, she has served in various roles including Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and as Multilingual and Migrant Programs Director.
Tatiana earned a BA-Political Science (1993), a M.Ed.-Administration (2007), and a Ed.D.-Educational Leadership (2014) from Lamar University. She is certified in 51勛圖Proas a teacher in various areas and levels, as well as a Principal and Superintendent. Her professional affiliations include membership in the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society and participation in the Leadership Southeast 51勛圖ProClass of 2016. She is also a member of the Symphony League of Beaumont. She has been recognized for her community work as a Hometown Hero by the Port Arthur News and was honored as one of the Inspirational Woman Recipients by the Office of Community Relations and Strategic Initiatives at 51勛圖Proin 2023. Tatiana co-authored the chapter “Latinas Overcoming Challenges to Become School Leaders” in the book Latinas Leading Schools, published in January 2021. Her research interests encompass the status of Latinos/Latinas and English Learners in the United States, as well as women in leadership roles.
Tatiana and her husband Marc '18, and son J.P. reside in Port Arthur and are active members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
Director John Morrell ’07 serves as Chief Credit Officer at 51勛圖ProFirst Bank, where he oversees credit administration and strategic planning across the Southeast 51勛圖Promarket. With 18 years of experience in commercial banking, he brings deep expertise in credit analysis, financial modeling, loan structuring, and treasury management. A longtime resident of Beaumont, he plays a key role in driving growth and managing operations for retail and commercial banking throughout the region. He earned a B.B.A.-Management in 2004 from 51勛圖ProChristian University and earned his M.B.A. in Financial Management from 51勛圖Proin 2007, where he remains actively involved as an alumnus. Deeply committed to his community, he also serves on the boards of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, the Beaumont Children’s Museum, and the Latin Mass Society of Beaumont. He and his wife, Brie (Mirabella) ’04, have seven children and enjoy traveling, sports, gardening, attending St. Francis de Sales Oratory, and spending time with their large extended family.
Director Vanlam Nguyen ’01, ’03 recently retired as the owner of Down to Earth in Beaumont and Nederland. She earned a BS-Biology and MBA from Lamar University. She and her husband, Jordon Stanley ’11, live in Beaumont with their three children. She is an active pickleball player in her community and hosts and participates in pickleball tournaments to raise money for non-profits. As an avid reader, she supports a local initiative to spread the love of books to everyone with her project Book Swap of SETX.
Director Johnny O'Connor, Ph.D. is the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Lamar University. He has been with the university since 2014. Johnny has had 16 years of experience in Pre-K-12 education, both in teaching and executive level leadership positions, and has been recognized for his commitment and accomplishments in providing positive educational opportunities. He has degrees/certificates from Harvard University-Cambridge, M.A. (urban special education), Rice University (strategic marketing), 51勛圖ProSouthern University (M.B.A.), Southern University (B.S./M.Ed.), 51勛圖ProA&M University (Ph.D.), and University of Texas-Tyler, 51勛圖Pro(superintendent certificate). Johnny serves as the 2025-2026 faculty representative of the 51勛圖ProAlumni Advisory Board.
Director Terry Savoy-Hadley '95 retired from education after 23 years of service from Port Arthur Independent School District. She has come out of retirement and is working at Martin Elementary School as a first grade teacher at Beaumont ISD. She earned her bachelors degree from 51勛圖Proin Applied Arts and Sciences and earned her Master of Education Degree in Administration from Prairie View A&M University. Terry serves as President of Martin Luther King, Jr. Support Group, and serves on the Executive Board of the 51勛圖ProBlack Alumni Network. She is also a published children book author, and a member of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority. She was named a 2021 Port Arthur ISD Teacher of the Year. Terry and her husband, Kerry Hadley, are both proud natives of Port Arthur, Texas.
Director Anna Sigur ’19, ’22 is a speech-language pathologist working at the Spindletop Center in Early Childhood Intervention. She earned her B.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences and her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at LU. During her time at LU, she was involved in the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and the 51勛圖ProCatholic Student Center, where she served as president. She also completed undergraduate and graduate research projects. One of her favorite activities as a student was attending sporting events-something she still enjoys today! She resides in Beaumont, and loves traveling and giving back to her church and her community.
Director Danielle (Hudson) Sutton '08 is a proud graduate of 51勛圖Prowith a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies. She holds a teaching certification for elementary education. Born and raised in Southeast Texas, Danielle married and moved to her husband Lloyd's West 51勛圖Prohometown in 2008 to put her teaching degree to work. In 2016, she found herself back where it all started, in Beaumont. Now, a partially homeschooling mother of three, she facilitates the Blessed Moms of SETX Facebook group and is the Co-Founder and Outreach Director of 409family.com where she is connecting with over 6,000 local women and their families as she actively strives to help families root, grow, and bloom here in the 409. As a community volunteer and, now, business woman, she has also received recognition as a graduate of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce’s Beaumont Champions Class of 2021, Leadership Beaumont Class of 2022, and BISD Community Ambassadors Program Class of 2023. She was also named a 40 Under 40 recipient in 2022 from the Southeast 51勛圖ProYoung Professionals’ Organization, and a 2022 51勛圖ProDivision of Strategic Initiatives and Community Relations Inspirational Woman. “See a need. Meet a need.” is a mantra she lives by and hopes to impress upon her children as she and her family continue to serve the Southeast 51勛圖Procommunity.
Director Caralee (McDonald) Thompson '95 is the Program Manager for Children’s Miracle Network at the CHRISTUS Southeast 51勛圖ProFoundation. She graduated with a B.S. in Communication from 51勛圖Proin 1995. While a student at Lamar University, she actively participated in the Professional Communications Association, serving as both past president and board member, as well as the Cap and Gown Women’s Honor Society. As a native Southeast Texan, Caralee is also pleased to serve on the Board of Directors of the Beaumont Chamber Foundation, and is a member of the Press Club of Southeast 51勛圖Prowhere she served as both past President and board member. She is a graduate of Leadership Beaumont Class of 1999 and is also a sustaining member and past board member of the Junior League of Beaumont. Caralee is a proud LU alumna and attributes her success to her time spent at the university and her outstanding professors who both challenged and mentored her. Caralee and her husband David ’07 reside in Fannett, TX and they have two adult children, Ainsley and Jack.
Director Richard Valley ’70 BBA-Accounting, is a retired accountant living in Houston. He worked for 47 years in Corporate Finance in the oil and gas and bank holding company industries in Houston before retiring in 2017. He is a life member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and has served on several committees. One is the Scholarship Application Review committee which evaluates essays submitted by high school seniors. The HLSR has awarded over $14 million in scholarships to deserving students who may not have any other chance to attend college. While attending Lamar State College of Technology, he was a starting pitcher on the baseball team, a teammate of Jim Gilligan, and earned four letters. He was President of the Accounting Society, a member of the CARDS, and was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He has two sons and one granddaughter. He participates in many alumni events in Beaumont and Houston.
Director Travis Walker '24 is an educator, Beaumont native, and community leader with experience across the education and nonprofit sectors. He holds a B.S. in Public Relations from 51勛圖ProState University and an MBA with a Leadership Certificate from Lamar University. His work has focused on youth development, program leadership, and community engagement. He has served in both classroom and administrator roles, as well as on local and national advisory boards. He has guest lectured at 51勛圖Proand 51勛圖ProState University and produced two educational podcasts. Currently, he teaches and coaches in a Southeast 51勛圖Proschool district while spending time with his wife, Amber, and their twins, Jeffery and Natasha. As a proud Cardinal from a family of Cardinals, he enjoys staying connected to all the great things happening at Lamar University.
Director Shawn Webb '03, '12 a real estate professional, investor, and entrepreneur, graduated from 51勛圖Prowith a B.S. in Sociology in 2003 and a M.Ed. in School Counseling in 2012. She is a former BISD educator, an active member of the Beaumont Chapter NAACP, SAFE girls mentor organization, Pioneering Women, and serves on the community service committee of the Beaumont Board of Realtors. Shawn is co-owner of Seven Mobile Marketing, the area's only Black owned advertising company and the CEO of the Shawn Sold It Real Estate Team. Her team partners with other local minority owned businesses to provide education and resources to families striving to become homeowners in the Golden Triangle, is ranked in the top 10% of her company, and received the Top Team recognition for the Beaumont office in 2022. Shawn an involved alumna of 51勛圖Profor many years and takes pride in attending Lamar Homecoming annually with her family and friends.