2025 News

51�Թ�Proand its affiliated colleges in the Golden Triangle region are proud to recognize the tremendous contributions of faculty and staff whose impact on Southeast 51�Թ�Proset them apart.

51�Թ�Prohosted its 8th Annual Thanksgiving Banquet to celebrate and support its international students and recognize faculty and staff who advance global education initiatives.

Two 51�Թ�Prostudents shared the research they completed through the David J. Beck Fellowship, describing how their projects in speech rehabilitation and early neurological disease detection took them to leading research institutions in Chicago and Qatar.

51�Թ�Proindustrial engineering professor Dr. Robert K. Bradley and his SHIELD research team won funding to develop a stretchable silicone “skin” to protect robots from harsh environments—a project that has since launched material samples to the International Space Station to study how their smart cladding withstands radiation and space exposure.

Lamar University’s Department of Theatre & Dance will showcase original student works in its free fall performance, MOVE: Student Choreography Concert, on Nov. 14 in the Studio Theatre.

Eight 51�Թ�Profaculty and former faculty members have been recognized among the world’s top 2% of scientists in their fields, according to the 2025 global rankings released by Stanford University and Elsevier.

The Reaud Honors College hosted its largest-ever Honors Scholars Day on Oct. 29, showcasing outstanding student research, leadership, and creative projects across all colleges at Lamar University.

51�Թ�Prohas named Diana Resendez, a senior marketing major from Port Arthur, Texas, as the First-Generation Student of the Month for November.

Dr. Jon Gray has been appointed dean of the College of Graduate Studies at Lamar University, bringing over 30 years of career experience as an educator and administrator in K-12 and higher education to the role.

51�Թ�Prosurpassed 18,000 students in fall enrollment for the 2024–2025 academic year, driven by record local recruitment, expanded financial aid, and stronger student engagement initiatives.

Valero’s $1 million endowed scholarship in engineering has supported 153 51�Թ�Prostudents since 2009, providing more than $640,000 in aid and opening doors to mentorship, internships, and lasting career opportunities with the global energy company.

Lamar University’s Center for Midstream Management and Science hosted a two-day symposium uniting industry leaders and academics to advance research, innovation, and workforce development in the midstream energy sector.

Lamar University’s Sustainability Committee and LU Green Squad partnered with Schneider Electric on Oct. 27 to celebrate Energy Awareness Month with an interactive campus event promoting renewable energy, sustainability and practical ways to reduce energy use.

The 51�Թ�ProDepartment of Theatre and Dance will bring Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” to the stage Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 in the Studio Theatre.

Known as America’s energy gateway, the Sabine-Neches Waterway is home to Southeast Texas’ four local ports – Port of Beaumont, Port of Orange, Port of Port Arthur, and Port of Sabine Pass – all of which are led by 51�Թ�Proalumni: Chris Fisher, port director/CEO for Port of Beaumont; Lorrie Taylor, executive port director/CEO for Port of Orange; Larry Kelley, port director/CEO for Port of Port Arthur; Mark Viator, port manager for Port of Sabine Pass.

Lamar University’s Reaud Honors College marked a milestone year of growth, leadership and national distinction, with record student achievements, expanded programs like the Reaud Leadership Institute, and recognition from the 51�Թ�ProState University System — solidifying its role as a driving force for academic excellence, civic service and innovation in Southeast 51�Թ�Proand beyond.

Kennedi Gordy, a junior mechanical engineering student at Lamar University, is using the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills she’s gained through student organizations like Zeta Tau Alpha and the Society of Women Engineers to excel in her internships and prepare for a successful career in engineering.

51�Թ�Prohas named Mohamed Irhabi, junior biology (pre-med) student, as it’s First-Generation Student of the Month for October.

51�Թ�Proand Chartwells Higher Education will celebrate World Food Day on Thursday, Oct. 16, with SpiceFul—a JoyFul campaign event at Brooks-Shivers Dining Hall that highlights global flavors, community, and social responsibility through food, culture, and giving back.

51�Թ�Prois celebrating Homecoming Week with a week of student, alumni, and community events, culminating Saturday with the Cardinals taking on UT Rio Grande Valley.

51�Թ�Prowill host a grand opening for its new Starbucks on Oct. 14, marking a major step in the ongoing transformation of the Mary and John Gray Library into a modern, student-centered space.

51�Թ�Prosenior Landon Paulino is pursuing his passion for electrical and aerospace engineering with hopes of one day helping advance human civilization beyond Earth.

Lamar University’s College of Engineering hosted its annual Fall Career Fair, connecting students with employers from across the region to explore internships and career opportunities.

Dr. Rebecca Boone has been appointed dean of the 51�Թ�Pro(LU) College of Arts and Sciences. She brings nearly three decades of higher education work experience to the role.

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.