Lamar University is proud to announce that Shelly Vitanza has been named director of public affairs. Vitanza will be responsible for managing Lamar University’s relationship with the community, stakeholders and the media.

Vitanza is a native of Beaumont, a graduate of Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a minor in political science from Texas A&M University. Previously, Vitanza served as the specialty publications manager for the Beaumont Enterprise.

“Lamar University is one of our community’s biggest assets, helping to define Southeast Texas,” said Vitanza. “This is a real opportunity to broadly share the attributes of the university. Who wouldn’t want to brag about the goodness of home, and there is a lot of goodness I can’t wait to tell people.” 

Director of Marketing and Special Assistant to the President Kate Downing said the addition of a specialty communicator is now needed to concentrate specifically on communicating LU’s impact.

“It’s an exciting time at Lamar University,” said Downing. “We’re beginning strategic planning this month, a state-of-the art science and technology building is opening in March, more and more research grants have been awarded to faculty members who are doing projects of national importance, and LU is enjoying success in several competitive arenas – football and basketball, for starters. With so much happening, we needed a team member who could solely focus on telling LU’s story, locally and across the state.”

Lamar University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees. Located in Beaumont, Texas, the university is dedicated to student success by engaging and empowering students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their personal lives and chosen fields of endeavor. LU is internationally recognized for its high-quality academics, innovative curriculum, diverse student population, accessibility, student success and leading-edge scholarly activities contributing to transforming the communities of Southeast Texas and beyond.