News at Lamar University

51�Թ�Prohuman resource management student Lea Walker expanded her personal and professional horizons by participating in the Business in Paris & La Rochelle study abroad program, which blended classroom learning with immersive cultural and corporate excursions across France.

51�Թ�Prohas rebranded STAR Services as the Center for Academic Success to better reflect its expanded role in providing comprehensive academic support, tutoring, coaching, and retention services for undergraduate students.

Twelve of the 15 recipients of the 2025-26 Wayne A. Reaud Excellence in Education Award are graduates of Lamar University, highlighting the university’s significant role in preparing educators and school leaders who serve students across Southeast Texas.

51�Թ�Proalumni have been recognized as Teachers of the Year in Bridge City Independent School District.

Welcome new Cardinals! Meet your Orientation Leaders who are here to guide and support your transition to Lamar University.

Lamar University's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program kicked off with a record 18 students presenting 16 faculty-mentored research projects across multiple disciplines, highlighting the university's growing commitment to undergraduate research and innovation.

Historian and University Professor Dr. Jeff Forret combines a passion for uncovering overlooked stories of slavery and the American South with a commitment to teaching critical thinking, demonstrating how archival discoveries can illuminate enduring connections between the past and present.

Third-generation engineer Brandyn New, a 2026 51�Թ�Promechanical engineering graduate, will begin a career in cardiovascular research and development at Boston Scientific after gaining hands-on experience through internships, research opportunities and student organizations during his time at LU.

51�Թ�Prostudent Marlina Marks has been named the First-Generation Student of the Month for June 2026.

51�Թ�Prostudent Elizabeth Diaz Arreola has been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to serve as the 51�Թ�ProState University System student regent for the 2026-27 term.

Lamar University’s 2026 summer camps offer hands-on learning opportunities in arts, STEM, business, engineering, and athletics for students of all ages, with programs ranging from free enrichment camps to specialized training sessions across its Beaumont campus.

After 30 years at Lamar University, Dr. Terri Davis reflects on a career dedicated to teaching constitutional law, mentoring generations of students and helping shape one of the university’s most successful pre-law programs.

51�Թ�Prohonored employees for milestone years of service and recognized outstanding staff members during its annual Staff Service Awards ceremony on May 6, celebrating the dedication and contributions of faculty and staff across the university community.

51�Թ�Prohonored more than 90 graduating first-generation seniors, along with faculty, staff and student leaders, during its First Gen Awards Celebration recognizing academic achievement, leadership and support for first-generation student success.

51�Թ�ProCollege of Engineering celebrated its 75th anniversary by hosting its largest-ever Discover Engineering event, bringing the community together for hands-on STEM activities designed to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Lamar University’s Early Bird Admission Program expanded in its second year, partnering with 17 high schools and awarding nearly $30 million in scholarships.

51�Թ�Procelebrated the achievements of more than 2,700 graduates during its spring commencement ceremony Friday, May 15, at the Neches Federal Credit Union.

51�Թ�Prohonored Dr. Xuejun Fan with the inaugural Excellence in Research Award at its Faculty Excellence Awards Banquet, recognizing his globally impactful semiconductor research and contributions to the university’s growing research mission.

The Reaud Honors College at 51�Թ�Procelebrated graduating honors students and faculty at its annual Spring Reception on April 23, recognizing achievements in leadership, research, community service and teaching.

The 51�Թ�ProCheer Team delivered another standout performance at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, earning a second-place finish during the April 9-11 competition, and continuing the program’s rise on the national stage.

For the first time in program history, the 51�Թ�ProDance Team captured the Division 1 (D1) Small Hip Hop national championship at The College Classic in Orlando, Florida in April 2026.

51�Թ�ProSGA President Carsen Barrett is driving campus engagement through his student organization The Flock and multiple leadership roles aimed at increasing participation in athletics and strengthening student connections across campus.

Dr. Brielle Frost, associate professor of music at Lamar University, has received a Fulbright Scholar Award to teach flute and collaborate internationally in Sweden at Karlstad University during Spring 2027.

51�Թ�Proengineering students showcased capstone projects ranging from flood monitoring systems to rocket controls at the annual Senior Design Symposium, highlighting real-world problem-solving developed through yearlong, team-based work with industry partners.

Students from a variety of majors in Dr. Julia Fischer’s honors course, “The Fate of Art in World War II,” presented original board games exploring art theft and preservation during an interactive showcase at the SOL Gallery.

51�Թ�Prohonored student leaders, organizations, and graduating seniors at its 46th annual Toast to Leadership ceremony, recognizing excellence in academics, service, and campus involvement while highlighting top awards like Seniors of Significance and the Gentry-Kemble Legacy Award.

51�Թ�Prophysics senior Alysa Patteson has been selected as one of just 11 students nationwide for the prestigious DOE-INFN Summer Students Exchange Program, earning the opportunity to conduct nuclear physics research in Italy this summer.

Scholars and criminal justice professionals from around the world gathered at 51�Թ�Profor the Fourth International Conference on Justice, Resilience, and the Rule of Law, connecting global research on justice systems and resilience to local efforts in Southeast Texas.

51�Թ�Prohas named Alyssa Bergeron, a senior University Studies major from Port Neches, as its First-Generation Student of the Month.