July 2026 News

Judge John Stevens and his wife, Marcia, donated a rare original Frank Trost photograph of the 1901 Lucas Gusher to Lamar University's Spindletop Boomtown Museum, preserving a pivotal piece of Southeast 51�Թ�Proand energy industry history for future generations.

51�Թ�Prohistorian David Robles researches overlooked stories of Chicana/o activism in South Texas, bringing award-winning scholarship and a passion for student mentorship to the classroom.

A student-produced short film written by 51�Թ�Prostudent Heather Harmon and directed by Adam Baeza has been accepted into three film festivals, highlighting the filmmakers' emerging talent and the university's growing film production program.

Driven by a commitment to amplifying overlooked voices, Dr. Margot Gage's research, teaching, and advocacy examine how society shapes health and well-being, from health disparities and veterans' recognition to advancing the nation's understanding of long COVID.

51�Թ�Prohas named kinesiology senior Karen Damien the July First-Generation Student of the Month, recognizing her dedication to higher education and the example she hopes to set for her family.

Six 51�Թ�Pro(LU) graduates have been recognized among Nederland Independent School District’s 2026-27 Teachers of the Year honorees, highlighting the university’s impact on educator preparation across Southeast Texas.

Lamar University's Cybersecurity and Robotics Adventure Summer Camp introduced middle and high school students to cybersecurity, robotics and artificial intelligence through hands-on STEM activities and collaborative learning experiences.

51�Թ�Prohas announced over 1,500 students who earned recognition on the President’s List and Dean’s List for the Spring 2026 semester, honoring undergraduate students for exceptional academic achievement.

Lamar University's Nancy Evans Reading Center served approximately 1,367 students and distributed more than 7,500 literacy resources through expanded partnerships with five Southeast 51�Թ�Proschool districts during the 2026 school year.

Three 51�Թ�Pro(LU) alumni have been recognized as Teachers of the Year for the 2026-27 academic year in Vidor Independent School District, highlighting the university’s continued impact on education across Southeast Texas. 

51�Թ�Pro(LU) received the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Ethical AI Leadership, recognizing the university's commitment to integrating artificial intelligence responsibly across academics, technology, cybersecurity and institutional governance.