2025 News

51�Թ�Prois proud to welcome its latest cohort of Alumni Advisory Board members, who will serve three-year terms in support of the university and the Office of Alumni Affairs.

Lamar University’s fifth annual Red Day virtual campaign raised more than $110,000 this year, surpassing the university’s donor goals and bringing together alumni and students in support of the university.

Lamar University's “Show Us Your Red” tradition encourages students to wear red every Friday to build school spirit, foster community pride, and strengthen campus involvement through giveaways and events organized by the Center for Career and Professional Development.

Driven by a competitive spirit and a passion for service, 51�Թ�Propre-med student Mohamed Irhabi has leveraged academics, research, and leadership opportunities—especially through the Reaud Honors College—to prepare for a future in medicine.

Lamar University's College of Engineering proudly announces that all five of its engineering programs have been reaccredited by ABET for the maximum period of six years, extending through 2031.

51�Թ�Prolaunched its first-ever Study Abroad Week with a campus reception showcasing programs, alumni projects, and faculty leaders while highlighting the life-changing impact of international experiences for students.

Lamar University’s Center for Midstream Management and Science(CMMS) will host the American Society of Safety Professionals’ (ASSP) 35th Annual Professional Development Conference on Oct. 9 in the Setzer Center Ballroom. 

The 51�Թ�ProDepartment of Theatre & Dance will open its first production of the semester with “Ugly Lies the Bone,” written by Lindsey Ferrentino and directed by assistant professor Alan Brincks.

51�Թ�Prohas been nationally recognized as one of the best colleges to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For program.

The College of Education and Human Development has launched a new undergraduate ambassador program with 14 students representing all three of its departments: curriculum and instruction, health and kinesiology and nutrition, and hospitality and human services.

The Reaud Honors College at 51�Թ�Pro(LU) is proud to announce that Dr. Shannon Jordan, assistant professor of health and kinesiology, has been named associate dean.

51�Թ�Pro(LU) will host the fifth annual Red Day virtual giving campaign on Sept. 18 and 19. The university will “Raise The RED” in celebration of this special fundraising event which aims to inspire LU Cardinals, alumni and the community to come together to raise essential funds to support current and future students.

Dr. Johnny O’Connor has been appointed dean of the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) at Lamar University, following his service as interim dean since 2024.

51�Թ�Pro(LU) has teamed up with United Way of Beaumont & North Jefferson County and Beaumont ISD to sponsor and support book vending machines for several local elementary campuses, part of a literacy initiative aimed at rewarding students with free books they can take home.

51�Թ�ProAcademy's Red Robotics team received a $12,000 donation from Valero, enabling them to expand, upgrade equipment, and compete in more events, following their impressive performance at the VEX Robotics World Championship.

51�Թ�Prostudents participated in Taylor-ed Tuesday, a hands-on professional development event where campus leaders and staff helped them build confidence and career readiness by learning how to style ties, bow ties, and scarves with polish and professionalism.

Drake Rothenberger, an environmental science senior from Nederland, has been recognized as Lamar University’s September First-Generation Student of the Month.

LU’s Green Squad, a revitalized student-led organization, is fostering sustainability on campus and in the community through recycling drives, gardening, and partnerships that engage students and Southeast 51�Թ�Proresidents alike.

Eighteen 51�Թ�Proalumni and employees are among the young professionals nominated this year for Southeast Texas’ prestigious 40 Under 40 recognition, honoring outstanding individuals for academic achievement, professional success, and community involvement.

51�Թ�ProMBA graduate and civil engineer Courtney Kelly turned her experience evacuating during Hurricane Katrina into the award-winning children’s book series The Celeste Collection, using storytelling to inspire resilience and future leaders in coastal protection.

51�Թ�Pro(LU) kicked off the 2025-26 school year with President Jaime Taylor’s convocation address on Monday, Aug. 18 in the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.

51�Թ�Pro(LU) officials cut the ribbon on the school’s new intramural field on Monday, Aug. 18, marking the completion of a project designed to enhance student life and provide year-round recreational opportunities.

The 51�Թ�ProState University System (TSUS) Foundation has named two 51�Թ�Prostandouts among the recipients of its 2025 Regents’ Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions to their campus, community, and the state.

Prospective 51�Թ�Prostudents can now apply using either Apply51�Թ�Proor the Common Application.

Lamar University’s (LU) Center for Midstream Management and Science (CMMS) is launching a new partnership with the Houston-based Gas Certification Institute (GCI) to deliver specialized training in natural gas and liquid measurement, aimed at bolstering workforce development in Southeast Texas.

Lamar University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will launch its 2025–26 season in September with a diverse mix of productions, including classic satire, contemporary drama, and original student work. The season features six shows running through April, with performances in both theatre and dance.

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.”