News at Lamar University

High school students from across Southeast 51�Թ�Proexplored robotics, coding, and real-world engineering during Project Engineer, a free STEM camp hosted by 51�Թ�Prowith support from ExxonMobil, Motiva, and Chevron Phillips Chemical. Held July 21–25, the camp offered hands-on experiences, mentorship from LU students and industry professionals, and a final-day robotics competition showcasing student innovation and teamwork.

51�Թ�Prohas named Shirlesia Sanders its First-Generation Student of the Month for August 2025, recognizing the senior business management major for her dedication, resilience, and leadership on campus.

Jacqueline Salmeron, a fifth-year chemical engineering student at Lamar University, has turned early curiosity sparked in high school into a standout college career marked by five internships, leadership in AIChE, and a passion for mentoring the next generation of engineers.

51�Թ�Proawarded degrees to 689 graduates during its summer commencement ceremony on Friday, Aug. 1, recognizing students from across the globe. 

51�Թ�ProPresident Jaime Taylor recently joined the LU Moment podcast to reflect on a standout 2024–25 academic year.

Alyssa Daniels, a dedicated junior and senior academic advisor in Lamar University’s College of Business and a doctoral student in Educational Leadership, is committed to student success and advancing in higher education through continuous learning, leadership, and mentorship.

Dr. Bryan Proksch, a music history professor at Lamar University, authored a Smithsonian essay exploring how American concert bands have historically embodied and promoted democratic ideals through collective community participation.

Dr. Sushil Doranga of 51�Թ�Prohas received nearly $200,000 from the NSF to develop a novel nonlinear dynamic modeling framework aimed at improving the reliability and lifespan prediction of chip packaging structures using base excitation techniques.

51�Թ�Prohas launched a new Professional Education Network (LU PEN) program for fall of 2025, offering non-degree seeking individuals an opportunity to enroll in a free course, for credit, to enhance professional development and career skills.

Kenyon Spears, a former 51�Թ�Probasketball standout, assistant coach, and 2001 graduate, has been named director of athletics at Newman University, bringing more than 20 years of coaching and administrative experience to the role while proudly continuing Lamar’s legacy of leadership in NCAA athletics.

51�Թ�Pro(LU) proudly announces Ayesha Khankhail as the First-Generation Student of the Month for July.

Dedicated to helping students grow as thinkers and individuals, Dr. Adam Nemmers combines a passion for literature with a deep commitment to mentorship, campus engagement, and fostering critical thought at Lamar University.

Lamar University’s free five-day STEM camp offered Southeast 51�Թ�Promiddle and high school students a hands-on college experience through coding, robotics, psychology, and team-building activities, aiming to spark interest in STEM and future college pathways.

For 51�Թ�Prosenior Diana Resendez, marketing is a way to serve her community, tell meaningful stories, and build connections that reflect her values and culture.

Uliana Trylowsky has been named associate vice president for university advancement at 51�Թ�Pro(LU), bringing development experience from both higher education and nonprofit work over her 30-year career.

51�Թ�ProAssociate Professor Dr. Chun-Wei Yao has received the NASA Artemis Student Challenge Educator Award for his outstanding mentorship and integration of hands-on aerospace education into the university’s engineering program.

51�Թ�Prohas appointed Timothy Pallone as interim director of athletic bands, entrusting the longtime music educator and proud Cardinal alumnus with leading The Showcase of Southeast Texas.

The College of Business launched its first-ever Cardinals in Command summer camp in June 2025, offering 40 local high school students a free, hands-on introduction to business leadership, marketing, data analytics, and finance.

Dr. Elizabeth Long didn’t enter nursing for the sentiment, but through decades of bedside care, teaching, and research, she’s come to believe the most important question in healthcare isn’t what’s the matter with someone, but what matters to them.

Lamar University’s annual ChemE Camp gave Southeast 51�Թ�Prohigh school juniors and seniors a hands-on introduction to chemical engineering through industry tours, lab activities, and the popular ChemE Car competition, all supported by faculty, student mentors, and industry sponsors.

51�Թ�Prostudents, faculty, and staff earned more than 30 awards across print, digital, audio, and broadcast categories at the 2025 Excellence in Media Awards, highlighting the university’s strength in storytelling, journalism, and media production.

After more than a decade in public health, Dr. Brittny Bratcher-Rasmus returned to Lamar University—where she earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees—to teach, mentor, and inspire the next generation of public health professionals in the very classrooms that shaped her own journey.

51�Թ�Prohas been recognized as one of the nation’s top institutions for online accounting degrees, earning a place on Best Colleges’ 2025 list of “Best Online Accounting Degrees.”

51�Թ�Procelebrated a major athletics milestone on June 10 by winning the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Cup for the second consecutive year.

Lamar University's L.I.T.E. Camp offered Southeast 51�Թ�Promiddle schoolers a free, hands-on introduction to engineering through engaging activities, team projects, and mentorship from college students and industry professionals.

Lamar University’s 2025 New Student Orientation Leaders are here to welcome new Cardinals, offering guidance, support, and campus insights to help make your transition to college life smooth, informed, and fun.

Twelve 51�Թ�Proalumni were recognized among the 2025 Reaud Excellence in Education Award winners for their exceptional commitment to student success and educational leadership across Southeast Texas.

Lamar University’s new Leadership Studies program is designed to develop students’ personal and professional leadership abilities through a blend of classroom learning and practical, real-world application.

Kristyn Hunt Cathey, a 51�Թ�Proadjunct instructor, has become president of the 51�Թ�ProSchool Public Relations Association.