January 2026 News

51�Թ�ProPresident Dr. Jaime Taylor represented the university at a national higher education symposium in Washington, D.C., highlighting Lamar’s commitment to student access, success and community impact in Southeast Texas.

51�Թ�Prohas named its Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering in honor of longtime faculty member Dr. Victor A. Zaloom, recognizing more than 40 years of leadership, mentorship and philanthropic impact.

As student loan debt continues to impact 51�Թ�Prograduates, 51�Թ�Proleaders say the university’s emphasis on scholarships, grants, and early, individualized financial advising has helped it rank first in the state for lowest average student debt among public four-year institutions.

Lamar University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present three spring productions—a scripted play, a student works series, and a dance concert—showcasing faculty-directed theatre, original student work, and a range of dance styles throughout the semester.

51�Թ�Prophysics professor Rafael de la Madrid has received the 2024–2025 David J. Beck Teaching Excellence Award in recognition of his innovative, active-learning teaching approach and exceptional mentorship of undergraduate researchers.

51�Թ�Prohas named senior history major Brittni Silva as its January First Generation Student of the Month, recognizing her perseverance, academic achievement and commitment to becoming an educator as a first-generation college student.

51�Թ�Prostrengthened its role in statewide higher education leadership when CIO Patrick Stewart was unanimously elected to the LEARN Executive Committee, giving the university a voice in shaping Texas’s advanced education and research network services.

51�Թ�Prohas received a $678,003 grant to launch FLOWS, a three-year program engaging Southeast 51�Թ�Promiddle and high school students in hands-on flood education, rain garden projects, and community resilience initiatives.

51�Թ�Proassistant biology professor Dr. Kole Kubicek, a comparative anatomist and fish biologist, studies the development and evolution of fishes while mentoring students in both field and laboratory research, exploring how skeletal structures emerge and vary across species.

51�Թ�Prohas launched the College of Nursing and Health Professions to consolidate existing health programs and expand academic offerings in response to regional and statewide healthcare workforce needs.