2025 News

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.

Pulse, Lamar University’s student-run literary magazine, has announced the winners of its annual awards, recognizing exceptional student work in creative writing, literary translation, and visual art.

Regori “Jojo” McGill, a junior political science major from San Diego, California, has been named Lamar University’s First-Generation Student of the Month for April.

Lamar University's College of Engineering celebrated Engineering Week (EWeek) with a series of events, workshops and competitions designed to inspire students and highlight the diverse fields of engineering.

Lamar University's inaugural ring ceremony, held on March 29, 2025, surpassed expectations with 81 students and 330 guests celebrating a new tradition that honored academic achievements, resilience, and the lasting bond with the university community.

Dr. Brian Williams has been named the new director of the Center for Resiliency at Lamar University.

Exercise science students Michael Bellot and Kayla McKinley participated in the Scholars Transforming Through Research program, advocating for the importance of undergraduate research and discussing their projects with congressional staffers in Washington, D.C.

The 51�Թ�ProCollege of Engineering hosted its Spring 2025 Career Fair at the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center, bringing together industry leaders from across the country.

Dr. Brett Welch has been appointed to Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at 51�Թ�Prosubject to the approval by the 51�Թ�ProState University System Board of Regents.

51�Թ�Proand Lamar State College Orange have partnered to offer advanced leadership courses at LSCO, providing students in the region with a pathway to earn a 51�Թ�Probachelor’s degree in leadership and promoting regional growth and success.

51�Թ�ProAcademy student Isabella Tran has been selected for the highly competitive Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

51�Թ�Prowill stage a live outdoor performance of William Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” from Apr. 10-13.

Lamar University’s College of Business hosted its latest Distinguished Speakers Series event on Tuesday, March 25, welcoming Dr. Jaime Taylor, president of Lamar University.

51�Թ�Prowill recognize five exceptional graduates at the annual Distinguished Alumni Awards on Friday, Apr. 4 at the Setzer Student Center’s Live Oak Ballroom.

LU’s study abroad program in Granada, Spain, running from May 16 to May 31, 2025, offers students a unique opportunity to gain international business insights through academic seminars, corporate visits, and cultural immersion in collaboration with the University of Granada.

Latin Grammy award-winning musician José Valentino will visit 51�Թ�Profor a two-day guest artist residency on March 27-28, offering workshops on music, business, and entrepreneurship before concluding with a concert alongside the 51�Թ�ProFlute Ensemble.

Dr. Philip Cole has been named Executive Director of the Center for Midstream Management and Science (CMMS) at Lamar University.

51�Թ�Proengineering students visited the Quanta Advanced Training Center, earning OSHA certifications, networking with industry professionals, and gaining hands-on experience through a partnership supporting career development.

51�Թ�Prohas once again been recognized for its commitment to affordable, high-quality education, with three of its online degree programs earning top spots in the Affordable Degree Guide’s 2025 rankings.

Dr. Rebecca Boone's journey as interim dean of Lamar University's College of Arts and Sciences is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the power of community as she navigates both academic challenges and a personal battle with breast cancer.

51�Թ�Prorecognizes Sergio Mendez, a senior Biology Pre-Med major from Nederland, Texas, as the First-Generation Student of the Month for March.

51�Թ�Probroke ground on the Teri and Glen Morgan Baseball Complex, an 8,500-square-foot facility set to transform the baseball program with state-of-the-art amenities.

51�Թ�Prostudents, Jonah Watts and Ana Morfin, have accepted positions with Blue Origin, a leading aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos.

51�Թ�Prohas earned the R2 designation for high research activity, surpassing key benchmarks in research expenditures and doctorates awarded, positioning itself as a rising leader in scientific innovation and academic excellence.

The Smith-Hutson Scholars Program at 51�Թ�Proprovides life-changing financial support and mentorship to students facing financial barriers, enabling them to pursue higher education and achieve their academic and career goals.

Mary Wickland has been named Lamar University’s new vice president for operations and chief financial officer.

LU's Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in General Business – Entrepreneurship has earned recognition as the #2 most affordable online bachelor’s program in entrepreneurship, according to the Affordable Degree Guide’s 2024 rankings.

Lamar University's Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education continues to lead in Deaf education, with its alumni and students holding key positions on the ACE-DHH board, reflecting the program's excellence and national impact.

Serkan Varol, 51�Թ�ProPh.D. industrial engineering alumni, was a finalist for the Tech Educator of the Year 2024 at TechX Awards

Orlando Alvarez, Chairman and President of bp America, returned to 51�Թ�Proto share insights on the energy transition, climate challenges, and his journey from a first-generation college student to a leader in the energy industry as part of the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series.

51�Թ�Prowill host its largest open house event, Cardinal View, on Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center and the Setzer Student Center.

Lamar University’s 3rd Annual Graduate Research Conference, held on Feb. 12, brought together graduate students, faculty, and staff for a day focused on the theme of "Wellness."

The 51�Թ�ProCollege of Engineering hosted its annual Spindletop Showdown VEX Robotics competition, featuring more than 30 high school teams competing for the tournament champion title.

Dr. Glenn Utter, a distinguished professor emeritus of political science at Lamar University, has released his latest book, “Religious Belief and Science,” through Bloomsbury Press. T

The Anne Shepherd Nelson Scholarship in Computer Science will support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees through the Department of Computer Science. 

51�Թ�Prohas recognized Maddison Bean, a graduate student in Speech and Hearing Sciences (SPHS), as its February 2025 First-Gen Student of the Month.

51�Թ�Prois excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) De La Rosa as the new Dean of Students.

The Welch Foundation has awarded Lamar University’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry a $180,000 grant to enhance research, provide scholarships, and support student and faculty development over the next three years.

Lamar University's Department of Theatre & Dance will present "The Self Destruction of Emma James," a new play by Kate Brennan exploring sacrifice, self-preservation, and life’s challenges, from Feb. 13-16 in the Studio Theatre.

Dr. Freddie Titus, recognized as "Man of the Year" at the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch, was honored for his decades-long commitment to education, diversity, and community service, reflecting Dr. King's principles of equality and justice.

51�Թ�Prohas been selected as one of 20 new Network Leaders in the FirstGen Forward Network for its commitment to advancing first-generation student success through innovative initiatives and institution-wide approaches.

Lamar University’s Department of Music will host its annual Collage 2025 concert on Jan. 31, featuring diverse musical performances by acclaimed faculty artists, with proceeds benefiting student programs.