2025 News

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.

51�Թ�Proannounced 836 students named to the Spring 2025 President’s List for earning a 4.0 GPA and 1,327 students named to the Dean’s List for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher while carrying a full course load.

51�Թ�Prohas earned national recognition in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications as one of only 27 institutions to receive both the prestigious Research 2 (R2) designation and the new Opportunity College & University (OCU) designation.

Porter LaPray’s path to 51�Թ�Prohasn’t been straightforward, but through setbacks, detours, and a renewed focus, he’s found his footing—and a future—in theatre.

51�Թ�Prohosted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security CISA Region 6 Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Training Workshop from April 15–18, bringing together professionals from critical infrastructure sectors for hands-on training led by Idaho National Laboratory, with support from DOE grants and regional partners, to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and establish Lamar as a hub for industrial cybersecurity in Southeast Texas.

51�Թ�Prorecognized more than 130 staff members during its annual Staff Service Awards ceremony, celebrating milestone anniversaries and honoring three employees with the 2025 Distinguished Staff Award.

51�Թ�Proheld its spring commencement ceremony in the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montage Center on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17, recognizing the achievements of its graduates, and conferring over 2,500 degrees. 

51�Թ�Procelebrated its graduating Class of 2025 with a revived senior-only event featuring food, festivities, and swag, offering students a final moment to connect before commencement.

Lamar University's cheer team secured third place at the 2025 National Cheerleaders Association College Nationals, marking a significant improvement from last year and reflecting the team's strong bonding, experience, and positive mindset under coach Megan Thompson's leadership.

TAFE Day at 51�Թ�Prooffered high school students a hands-on glimpse into the world of teaching through interactive lessons, peer-led activities, and educator preparation sessions designed to inspire the next generation of educators.

51�Թ�Pro(LU) celebrated the achievements of its top student leaders and organizations during the 45th annual Toast to Leadership Award Ceremony,

Lamar University’s new Early Bird Admission Program offers qualifying high school juniors early college admission and guaranteed scholarships, totaling over $20 million so far, as part of a bold initiative to expand college access and recognize academic achievement across Southeast Texas.

51�Թ�Prosenior engineering students showcased innovative, real-world solutions—from autonomous firefighting robots to eco-friendly coffee roasters—at the 2025 Senior Design Showcase, marking the culmination of their college careers with industry-backed capstone projects that bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional engineering practice.

51�Թ�Prowill launch its first-ever rodeo team in fall 2025, led by Dr. Gene Theodori, giving students the chance to compete in collegiate rodeo through the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

51�Թ�Prowill host a variety of summer camps in 2025, offering hands-on learning experiences in fields such as STEM, arts, sports, and business for students from elementary to high school.

Lamar University's College of Engineering hosted its annual Discover Engineering event on Saturday, April 12, 2025.

51�Թ�Promarked Earth Day on Tuesday with a laid-back celebration on the Dining Hall lawn, bringing together students, campus groups and local organizations for an afternoon of hands-on activities and environmental outreach. 

Adriana Wong, an interdisciplinary studies senior, turned her childhood crochet hobby into a small business that helps her manage stress and inspires her future goal of creating a welcoming, creative classroom as a bilingual elementary teacher.

Lamar University’s Department of Theatre & Dance (LUTD) will showcase original works by student choreographers in the spring performance of “MOVE,”, set for Friday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the 51�Թ�ProTheatre.

51�Թ�Prohas announced the recipients of the 2025 University Professor and Merit Awards, recognizing exceptional faculty achievements in teaching, research, and service to the university and academic community.

The 51�Թ�ProDepartment of Theatre & Dance will conclude its 2024–2025 season with Dance Unleashed, a vibrant concert featuring student performances in modern, contemporary, tap, jazz, and more.