Alumni Advisory Board

Meet the 2022-2023 LU Alumni Advisory Board

Lila (Creamer) Stevens President Lila (Creamer) Stevens '01 is a Licensed Masters Social Worker and Patient Advocate at the SmartHealth Clinic of Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas. Lila graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Lamar University and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Houston in 2009. While attending LU, Lila was an active member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, a member of the Cheer Team, and served on the Student Government Association. She served as Chapter Advisor for the Delta Beta Chapter of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority for many years, is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Beaumont, an active member of the Beaumont Alumnae Association of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, and sustainer of the Junior League of Beaumont. She and her family enjoy attending Lamar University Athletic events to cheer on the Cardinals. Lila, her husband Mark , and daughter Margeaux reside in Beaumont.

Tea Nguyen DoPast President  Tea (Nguyen) Do '08 is an insurance agent specializing in personal lines and life insurance with Farmers Insurance. She was born and raised in Beaumont. She serves on the Alumnae Board of the Gamma Phi Chapter of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and is on the leadership team of the Junior League of Beaumont. She and her husband, Huy '02, reside in Beaumont with their sons, Lucas and Logan.

Sharita GardnerPresident-Elect  Sharita Gardner '12 is a Houston native who graduated from Lamar University with a B.S. in Corporate Communications. Sharita works as the Public Affairs and Communications Manager for the Port of Port Arthur. Sharita is active in her community serving on the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Board, Member and Past Chair of the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization, Leadership Beaumont Steering and Alumni Committee, LIT Advisory Committee, Credit Union Young Professionals Association Ambassador, VISTA College Advisory Committee, and the Junior League of Beaumont. She enjoys great food and conversation.

Larry AckerDirector Dr. Larry C. "Doc" Acker '10 is a semi-retired higher education marketing, public affairs and development support professional. He earned an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Lamar University in 2010 while serving as the associate director for public relations and communications.  In that role he was part of the team that planned and executed the marketing and public affairs campaign for the return of Cardinal football in 2010. Larry loved working closely with students, volunteering with the Lamar University WINGS program, pairing faculty and staff advisors with first-semester new students. He successfully chaired the committee for updating and modernizing the LUTV broadcasting/film laboratory and worked closely with local communities to create the Lamar University-themed mural at the Jack Brooks Regional Airport terminal. Larry and his wife Lori reside in Marshall, TX and have one daughter, Ashli, a media specialist, a son-in-law Kyle, who is an attorney in private practice, and Joseph, their grandson.

Emily AllenDirector  Emily (Everett) Allen '98, '04 has over 20 years of experience as an educator and is currently the Assistant Principal at Lumberton Middle School. She and her husband Chris reside in Sour Lake with their sons, Aaron and Andrew. She is an active member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and serves on several community service boards and organizations. She enjoys watching her sons play sports, fishing, traveling, reading, genealogy, and supporting LU Basketball.

Ernesto Alvarez Jr. Director  Ernesto Alvarez, Jr. '11 was born in Cotija, Michoacán, Mexico and grew up in Port Arthur, Texas where he graduated from memorial High School.  After high school, Ernesto went on to attend Lamar University where he majored in political science and minored in Spanish with the goal of one day attending law school.  After graduating from LU in 2011, and with the help and support of various professors and mentors and LU, Ernesto went on to receive his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Texas School of Law in 2015.  A proud Cardinal, Ernesto is now a senior attorney at the Houston office of Clark Hill PLC, an international law firm.

Kennetha Alvarez Director Kennetha (Robinson) Alvarez '09, '12  is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner currently practicing in Beaumont, TX. She and her husband Axel ’06 live in Nederland, TX with their four children. She volunteers with Junior League of Beaumont, SETX NP organization and Ubi Caritas Health Ministry Clinic. Kennetha’s attendance at Lamar University helped evolve her as a student and prepared her for various roles in healthcare, which inspired her to continue her education to become a Family Nurse Practitioner. Serving the community and those who are underserved has been very rewarding for Kennetha. As a way to give back to the profession, she is currently a preceptor to future Nurse Practitioner students. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her precious family.

Hetty BrownDirector Hetty (Green) Brown ‘79 earned her BS in Health and Physical Education from Lamar University. She is a retired teacher with 35 years of experience, teaching students with physical and mental disabilities, with the major part of her work on the elementary level. After retirement, she worked six years for a non-profit organization, the Southeast Texas Food Bank. While at the food bank, she worked as a Retail Store Liaison, which included working  with 28 local food stores in seven counties, accepting food donations, scheduling pick-ups and arranging deliveries to local pantries for them to be distributed to needy homes in their community. Her volunteer service includes two years with the Food Bank before employment and twenty plus years as a spiritual counselor through her church at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility. She is a graduate of Beaumont Champions, a member of the Beaumont Localists, and a member of Beaumont Association of Retired Teachers. She is one of the administrators of a local Facebook page called Best Bites. This page supports local eateries by letting the community know through positive reviews, what these restaurants offer in hopes of generating more business for them, and it also helps boost our local economy. Best Bites has been active for six years and has over 18,000 members. She has been married to L.C. Brown, a Vietnam Veteran for thirty-three years, and has three adult children, and seven grandkids. 

Meg Brown Director Meg (Baertl) Brown '15 is a family nurse practitioner at Neurocare of the South in Beaumont.  She and her husband, Jarrod, live in Beaumont with their two cocker spaniels.  Her bonus daughter graduated from the Dishman School of Nursing at Lamar University in 2021 and currently works in the ICU at Christus St Elizabeth. Meg is a past member of the Lamar University Alumni Advisory Board and is looking forward to serving another term. She founded PeriodPower Pantry in 2019 which is a local menstrual and hygiene pantry that distributes “period packs” to schools, women’s shelters, and to local non-profits. She is also the founder of the Southeast Texas 100 Mile Running Club. She is a member of the Oaks Historic District Board, The Art Studio, Inc. Board, The United Way of Beaumont and North Jefferson County’s the Local LINC steering committee, Southeast Texas Nurse Practitioner Association, Southeast Texas Coalition for the Homeless committee, Walk to End Alzheimer’s planning committee, Hispanic Proactive Coalition, Symphony League of Beaumont, and Junior League of Beaumont Sustainer. She is also a past president of the Rotary Club of Bridge City-Orangefield, 2020 Leadership Beaumont Alumna, a 2016 Southeast Texas 40 under 40 Honoree, and 2016 Houston Chronicle’s Salute to Nurses Top 150.

Tania Castelan Director  Tania Castelan '13 is a real estate professional, investor, team leader and most importantly an educator. Known for her extensive market knowledge and her unmatched devotion to clients, she continuously invests time, money and thought into the latest sales, marketing and negotiation techniques. Tania is deeply connected to Southeast Texas and was raised in Beaumont. She graduated from Lamar University with a B.A.A.S. degree in 2013. She understands the numerous and tangible benefits in life within the Golden Triangle, including the culture, and diversity. She is a former teacher, education head for Connect Realty, and is an active member of many community organizations. She is not only a Leadership Beaumont Alumna, but she sits on the Legacy Community Health Advisory and Green Dot Public Schools Advisory Boards. Tania takes pride in serving as the SETX YPO (Young Professional Organization) membership chair, Junior League meetings and arrangements committee chair, and volunteer with the Lamar University Student Hispanic Society. Tania finds education to be the key to everyone’s success and continues to motivate and encourage others to pursue their dreams. Because of this, she was named the 2020 Provisional of Year of the Junior League of Beaumont and is top 10% in sales for her real estate brokerage. She recently started a new business DAR Studio which is a community center that aims to empower the Beaumont Community, promote growth, and positivity. When Tania isn’t working, she is planning charity events and is a full-time mom to her little boy.

Zachary Celeste Director  Zachary Celeste '11 was born and raised in Beaumont, TX where he attended St. Anne Catholic School and Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School. In December 2011, he earned a B.B.A. in Accounting from Lamar University, finishing in the top 10% of his graduating class. Zach continued his success at Texas Tech University School of Law, graduating cum laude and earning his Doctor of Jurisprudence in May 2015. Zach is managing partner at Wells Peyton Partain Baldo & Lighty, LLP. His areas of practice include Estate Planning, Probate, Probate Litigation, Corporate Formations, Contracts, Real Estate Law, and Commercial Litigation. Zach serves on the board of directors for the Southeast Texas Estate Planning Council and he is also a certified mediator and a regular volunteer at the Jefferson County Dispute Resolution Center. Outside of work, Zach is a loving son, annoying brother (irrespective of which of his four siblings you ask), and a lucky husband. Above all, Zach is a proud daddy of his little girl, Audrey, who can be whatever she wants to be when she grows up (with a few limitations and exclusions).

 Director Godwin "Gerard" Celestine '91, '96 has 30 years of experience with Motiva Refinery in Port Arthur, Texas. He currently serves as the Maintenance Support Manager. Gerard and his wife Tieraney live in the small community of Cheek outside of Beaumont. His community involvement includes CCD Youth Teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fannett and a 30-year member with Young Mens Business League where is serving as 1st VP.  While attending LU, Gerard was a member of the Instrument Society of America, SGA, and Setzer Center Student Council.  He and his wife enjoy tailgating and attending Lamar University Football games.

Jared Boudreaux Director  Charlee Chelette '18, '19 is the AVP of Marketing for Sabine Federal Credit Union. Charlee graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.B.A. in Marketing and an M.B.A. from Lamar University. She is a Steering Committee member of the SETX Young Professionals Organization, member of Port Arthur's Young Emerging Leaders, member of Next Generation Orange County, Board Member of the Port Arthur Education Foundation, and is a Lamar University Dance Team Alumna. In 2020, Charlee was selected as a Southeast Texas Young Professionals 40 Under 40 honoree at the age of 24. Born and raised in Southeast Texas, she looks forward to the amazing years to come!

Maegan Collins Director  Maegan Collins '16, '18 is an Instructor of Political Science at Lamar University. Prior to becoming a faculty member, Maegan served as an Assistant Director of Undergraduate Advising and as a Career Consultant. As an undergraduate, Maegan was very involved in student leadership positions, serving as a member of the Student Government Association, founding member of Caring Cardinals, Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, and many other organizations. She completed the Texas Legislative Internship Program with Speaker of the House Joe Straus during the 84th Texas Legislature. In addition, Maegan was the recipient of the Bess Gentry Leadership Award, Ann Shaw Leadership Award, and was named a Senior of Significance. Maegan is actively involved in the Junior League of Beaumont, is a Make-A-Wish Foundation Volunteer, a member of the Lamar University Cardinal Club, a 2019 Leadership Beaumont Graduate and serves as the campus advisor to multiple student organizations. She was also named a 40 Under 40 Award Recipient by the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization in 2020. Maegan is on target to graduate from Lamar University with her Doctor of Educational Leadership in 2023.

Joshua Davis Director Joshua Davis ’11, '15, '19 is a Beaumont native who has a love for Lamar University and education, having earned four degrees from LU. During his undergraduate work, Josh was a Presidential and McNair Scholar and graduated with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a B.S. in Sociology. He returned to LU two more times to complete his M.B.A. and M.P.H. degrees. Currently, Josh works at Legacy Community Health as the Senior Director of Major Gifts - East Region. His passion for helping people fits in perfectly with the mission of Legacy Community Health and providing healthcare for all. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Rotary Club of Beaumont. Josh was awarded the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce's 40 Under 40 Award in 2015 and graduated from the Leadership Beaumont Program in 2020. In his spare time, Josh enjoys working on home renovation projects with his husband Thomas (Tran) '15, traveling, and spoiling his niece, two nephews, and three fur babies.

Sheri (Horn) DelMage Director Sheri (Horn) DelMage '01, '03 is the Managing Shareholder at Edgar, Kiker & Cross, PC. Sheri is a Past President of the Southeast Texas Chapter of TXCPA. In her year as President, the Southeast Texas Chapter TXCPA was selected to receive the Outstanding Chapter Award. She is currently serving as the Chair of the Public Relations Committee and manages the chapter's social media accounts. In 2014, Sheri received the TXCPA Rising Star Award. She is also a Past President of the Southeast Texas Estate Planners Council and a member of the Lamar University Accounting Advisory Council. In May 2010, Sheri graduated from the 18th class of Leadership Southeast Texas (LSET). She has served as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer for many years and is the incoming Chair of the LSET Advisory Council, along with serving as Co-Chair of the Communications Committee. Sheri is a proud grandmother to Elaina and resides in Beaumont with her husband Doug. She loves to workout and attend group fitness events with her favorite fitness expert, Cathe Friedrich.

Celine Do Director Celine Do '18, '22 is a HR Recruiter at Lamar University. She earned a BBA in management information systems and a MBA from Lamar University. Celine has been working at the university for over 4 years. She started at LU as a staff member in 2018 as an Academic Advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Center and in 2019 moved up to Academic Advisor Senior in the College of Business. Celine joined the HR Department in 2022. As a student, Celine was a member of the Student Advisory Council to the Dean for the College of Business, Association for Information Systems, and Lamar University Catholic Student Center. For the university, some of the things Celine participates in is serving as a campus advisor to multiple student organizations, a member of the First-Gen Forward Work Group, and a Professional Mentor for the First-Gen Cardinal Community. She was awarded the Dr. Melvin Brust Advisor of the Year in 2021 for her work with the Vietnamese Student Association. In the community, Celine is a volunteer for Altus Hospice and is involved in helping with the teens at her church at Teen ACTS Retreats. Additionally, Celine is a 2022 Leadership Beaumont graduate. She loves traveling and giving back to the university, community, and her church.

Sandra (Thomas) Duhon Director Dr. Sandra (Thomas) Duhon '78 is a retired AT&T Sales Manager. She was employed by Lamar University as an Assistant Sports Information Director prior to her 30-year professional career with AT&T and SBC. As an undergraduate, Sandra blended her love for journalism with her athleticism. She still ranks as the eighth all-time scorer in the Women's Basketball program. She was inducted into Lambda Tau Sorority and pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She completed her doctoral degree in Theology in 2017. She is an active Christian teacher and minister at Maxson memorial Church where she serves as Church Administrator. She is an American Red Cross volunteer, past board member and officer of Emergency Services District #4, and a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. She participated in Leadership Southeast Texas (LSET) and Leadership Plus programs. A deep LU legacy exists in her family. Her husband Kenneth '69 and each member of her blended family of four attended or received degrees or advanced degrees from Lamar University, along with two of their spouses and a grandson.

Christopher Graham Director Christopher Graham '90 is a native of Beaumont. He has been employed for 30 years at ExxonMobil, beginning his career at the Beaumont Refinery right after graduation. While a student at LU, he was active in several organizations and served in leadership roles, including Sigma Nu Fraternity, Student Government Association, Blue Key National Honor Society, and an Orientation Peer Advisor. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and was the recipient of the Otho Plummer Scholarship Award, the C.W. Bingman Service Award, and was a finalist for the C. Robert Kemble Award. After graduation, he has remained a volunteer for Sigma Nu serving as an advisor to the LU chapter for 30 years, and has been a national volunteer for the last 17 years, including chairing the LU chapter's 50th and 60th anniversary celebrations. He has also assisted with the coordination of the All Greek Homecoming Reunion in 2006 and has served on the Lamar University Computer Science Industrial Advisory Board since 2008. Chris and his wife Amy (Huckaby) reside in Kingwood, TX with their son Nathaniel (Nate).

Thaddeaus Green Director Thaddeaus Green '11 is a development officer for the Housing Authority of Prince George's County in Maryland. As a student, he served as president of his fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. as well as president of Student Government Association during the revival of football and Homecoming at LU. During his time at LU, Thaddeaus worked in the Admissions Office and served as a peer advisor. He also was a recipient of the Ann Shaw Leadership Award.  Thaddeaus currently holds a B.S. in Communication from Lamar University and a Masters of City and Regional Planning from The Catholic University of America. He resides in Silver Spring, MD and enjoys going on runs, traveling, and volunteering with his church.

Pinkee Harley Director Pinkee (Patel) Harley '09, '10 is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, where she partners with families to help them build, maintain, and protect their wealth. Pinkee graduated with a B.B.A. in Finance and Economics and an M.B.A. all proudly from Lamar University. She served as the President of the Finance Association and remains in contact with students interested in a career in Finance. In 2018, she was honored as one of the top 40 Under 40 Professionals in Southeast Texas. She currently serves on the board for Ubi Caritas, a non-profit health ministry that helps uninsured individuals and families in Southeast Texas. Pinkee resides in Port Neches, TX with her husband, Devin '10, ’11 and their sons Jai and Miles, and Roger, the family dog, who thinks he's a cat. Outside of work and spending time with family, she enjoys traveling, cooking, watching her PN-G Indians and LU Cardinals, and being part of community volunteer efforts.

Christopher Ingram Director Christopher Ingram -93 is a civil and criminal trial judge in Hardin County. He and his wife, Lisa Marie, live in Silsbee. An avid baseball fan, Chris and his family enjoy cheering on the Cardinals and look forward to playing a part in the continued success of Lamar University.

Dawanna Jones Director Dawanna Jones '06, '11 is the Community Engagement and Social Performance Specialist at Bechtel. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise with others. Dawanna is an active member of her church and enjoys volunteering with local organizations to help the community. She is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Beaumont and founder of the Black Business Professionals of Southeast Texas Organization.

Christopher Kovatch Director  Christopher Kovatch '02 is Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending at Texas First Bank. He and his wife, Christi, live in Orangefield with their 6 children. He splits his volunteer time between a number of organizations including the Orange Lions Club and the Greater Orange Area Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as a school board trustee at Orangefield ISD.

Dr. Scott McKenney Director Dr. Scott McKenney '77 graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Physics from Lamar University and was the recipient of the Otho Plummer Award. He obtained his medical degree from Baylor College of medicine in 1980 with honors. Scott is a board certified oncologist and internist at Texas Oncology, P.A. in Beaumont. He served as a Dinner and Conversation host for Lamar University students in 2015. He is a founding member of the South East Texas Community Access to Health Care, a former Cancer Liaison Physician with the American College of Surgeons, and the Clinical Research Site Leader at Texas Oncology. Scott is also a member of the Jefferson County medical Society, Texas medical Association, American medical Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American College of Physicians, Texas Club of Internists, and a founding member of the Texas Society of medical Oncology. Additionally, he has been named one of the Best Doctors in America. Scott and his wife Joan (White) '76 reside in Beaumont.

Nathan Mistric Director Nathan Mistric '12, '21 is a Technical Account Manager with AWC Inc. in Port Arthur serving the local petrochemical and refining industries with engineered solutions to help their operations run safely and effectively. He and his wife Megan (Fournerat) ’12 live in Nederland with their 3 children: Forrest, Maverick and AnnMarie. While at Lamar University, Nathan was active with Sigma Nu Fraternity serving in multiple leadership roles and on the Student Service Fees Committee. After graduation he has continued to serve as the Chapter Advisor to the Fraternity and enjoys all events his children are involved in.

J.R. Richardson Director J.R. Richardson '92 is a native of Houston, TX and earned a B.A.A.S. degree from Lamar University. He is currently serving as a Senior Account Executive at Consolidated Communications. During his tenure at LU, J.R. received many awards and accolades through his sports career. He was Southland Conference Champion for 3 years in Track and Field specializing in Triple Jump. He also contributed to Long Jump, High Jump and Sprint Relays. He pledged Kappa Alpha Psi in the Spring of 1988 and later was Polemarch of his chapter. He served on the National Pan-Hellenic Council helping bridge the gap with all Greeks. After leaving college, he continued being active with Kappa Alpha Psi Austin Alumni and become Polemarch several years later. He actively volunteers his time with the Special Olympics in bowling and serves as a mentor with Big Brother Big Sisters. Today, he is a member of the Board of Directors for the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of Directors with the YMCA Katy locations, an Advisory Board Member for Katy Christian Ministries, Public Relations Officer for the Lamar University Black Alumni Network, and on the Board of Directors with the City of Katy Convention & Tourism Bureau. J.R. is also a Charter Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Katy-Fulshear Alumni Association as well as an active Mason and Shriner. He married LU Alumna Dr. Kaye Williams '91, '93 in 2018, and she is the principal of Cinco Ranch High School. 

John Rollins Director John Rollins ’12 is a proud graduate of Lamar University with a B.S. in Corporate Communication. John works as the Director of Public Relations and Community Impact for United Way of Beaumont, where he is able to utilize his heart to serve and his passion for helping others every single day. He gives back to the Southeast Texas community through service to several different local organizations. John is currently serving as the VP of Public Relations for the Press Club of Southeast Texas, and he serves on the Press Release/PR Committee for the Rotary Club of Beaumont. John is also a staunch supporter of the arts in Southeast Texas, serving on the Advisory Board for the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. He is a past Chairman of the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization (’18-’19), a graduate of Leadership Southeast Texas (’16) and Leadership Beaumont (’18), a past 40 Under 40 recipient (’17), a Paul Harris Fellow recipient (’18), and a recent graduate of the BISD Community Ambassadors Program (’22). Spending time with family and friends is John’s favorite thing to do, but he also loves photography, traveling and volunteering in his community.

Todd Senters Director Todd Senters, Sr. '96 is Division Vice President of the Graduate Medical Education and Designated Institutional Official at HCA Gulf Coast. He previously served as Associate Vice-President of Operations with Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas. He resides in Beaumont with his wife, Dawn (Shuler) '95 and their two sons TJ '21 and Ethan. Todd is a third-generation Cardinal, following his father, Glenn '64, '68 and his grandfather Clyde who attended South Park Junior College in 1929. Todd completed his undergraduate work at LU before attaining his Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration from Houston Baptist University. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Fellow-Elect of the Texas Hospital Association. Todd is also Director for the Lamar Institute of Technology Foundation Board and the Graduate medical Education Committee for the new medical School at Sam Houston State University. His other board directorships include the Symphony of Southeast Texas and the Three Rivers Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He is an Eagle Scout and a graduate of Leadership Beaumont and Leadership Southeast Texas.

Marilyn (Arline) Smith Director Marilyn (Arline) Smith '80 graduated from Lamar University with a B.S. degree in Social Work. She recently retired as Executive Director of Workforce Solutions of Southeast Texas. She has over 39 years of experience in workforce development and 36 of these years have been at the Administrative level. She is a product of federally funded youth programs, similar to the programs she has lead. Marilyn is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Southeast Texas (LSET) and serves on several boards and advisory committees that include Beaumont Public Schools Foundation, Crisis Center of Southeast Texas, and the Regional Economic Development Initiative Committee.

Samon Tahir Director Samon Tahir '13, '15 is a Talent Acquisition Sourcer at Rimkus Consulting Group and Owner of Digital Couture Marketing Agency, which specializes in helping small business owners with their social media presence.  She currently lives in Katy, Texas with her husband, Hammad, three children, Noah, Saif and Alayna, and Mini Golden Doodle, Teddy. During her time at LU, Samon served different roles on the executive boards for the following organizations: Kappa Delta Chi Sorority, Multicultural Greek Council, National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and was also a Graduate Assistant at The STARS Tutoring Center while earning her M.B.A. She is very proud to be a Cardinal and owes much of her success to Lamar University!

Dr. Tilisa Thibodeaux Director Tilisa Thibodeaux, Ed.D. is the Dean of the Reaud Honors College and the Texas Academy and an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Lamar University. Previously, she served as an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Digital Learning and Leading (DLL) Master’s Program, Director of Digital Literacy of the Reaud Honors College, and was the former Director of Professional Learning for the Center for Innovation and Digital Learning in conjunction with Apple at Lamar University. Prior to joining Lamar University, Dr. Thibodeaux worked for 11 years in the public school system in Florida and Texas as an elementary school teacher, district interventionist/coach, a campus academic coach, and a digital learning coach. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education at Valparaiso University, an M.Ed. in Special Education at Florida Gulf Coast University, an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education & Educational Leadership with an endorsement in Reading and Autism at Nova Southeastern University. She resides in Orange with her husband Ben and children Sadie and Micah. Dr. Thibodeaux serves as the 2022-2023 faculty representative of the Lamar University Alumni Board.

Lisa Topping Director Lisa Topping ’13, ’15 is the Business Intelligence Manager for EFL Trust, the charitable arm of the English Football League. She and her wife, Caleigh, reside in Preston, England. Lisa was an LU Cardinal for the women’s soccer team from 2009-2013, a graduate assistant, and youth soccer coach for Gulf Coast Soccer Club. She continues to play in the 4 th tier of English Football for Chorley Women FC. Before returning to the UK, Lisa conducted research roles with Lamar University and worked at Spindletop Center. She fondly remembers her time at LU and now cheers on the athletics teams from across the pond.

Daylyn Turner Director Daylyn Turner '07 currently holds the position of Vice President of Operations for JK Chevrolet and operates as the General Manager for JK Subaru. He graduated from LU with a B.B.A. in Finance and went on to advance in the auto industry because he earned a great reputation in college for selling cars part-time at JK Chevrolet averaging 9 units per month while taking 15 hours per semester. Daylyn was promoted to Sales Trainer and Internet Manager and served well in those roles until he was promoted a year after graduation to the Used Car Sales desk. He served as an Assistant Sales Manager until he was later promoted to Subaru New Car Manager. Eventually he grew the Subaru operation and hired and trained the entire Subaru team including Parts, Service, Sales Managers as well as Service Technicians while still maintaining an active role in the Chevy operation. Daylyn's drive and focus soon caught the attention of others and gained him a nomination for the 40 Under 40 Professionals Award in 2013 by the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization all while being recognized by U.S. Congressman Randy Weber. He became heavily involved in his community and has served on various local boards including the Jefferson County Chapter for Habitat for Humanity, the Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce and Beaumont Main Street. Daylyn also sits on the Lamar University College of Business Board of Advisors with Dean Dan French and is a recent graduate of the National Automotive Dealer Academy in Tysons Corner, Virginia. During his time outside of work, Daylyn enjoys being a dad, husband to Nicole, exploring nature and sports, and constantly seeks the opportunities to take his bike out on a nature trail or cruise his motorcycle on an easy Sunday morning.

Dr. Jerry Wallace Director Dr. Jerry Wallace ’07, '10, '14 was involved as a student in several organizations, a charter member of a fraternity chapter, a member of the Student Government Association, named Homecoming King, and a founding member of the Becoming men of Excellence Student Success Program. He started his professional career at Lamar University in the areas of Student Affairs, Residence Life, Recreational Sports, and Academic Advising. Jerry previously served as the Assistant Dean and Director of Academic Advising, Recruitment and Retention in the College of Public Service at the University of Houston-Downtown which houses the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Work and the Department of Urban Education. Jerry currently serves as Dean of Students at Lone Star College Montgomery. In his profession, he has published scholarly literature, presented at numerous conferences and workshops, instructed graduate students, and established student success and community programs. Jerry is a member and has been a fellow for several academic and community support organizations regionally and nationally. He and his wife Belashia, Esq. '08 and son Elijah reside in Houston, TX.

Jacob Wills Director Jacob Wills '22 is Vice President of Administration at First Security Bank in Beaumont, TX. Jacob has been in the financial industry for over ten years, serving in numerous capacities, including VP of Virtual Services and AVP of Retail Branches. Jacob is a Southeast Texas native from Nederland, TX. Jacob has been actively involved with the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and various professional development organizations for many years. He has served as the Vice Chair and Chair for Leadership Beaumont, a Young Professional Advisor for the Cornerstone Credit Union League, a Steering Committee member for the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization, and a Board of Director for the Beaumont Chamber Foundation and the Beaumont Community Players. Jacob was recognized as “40 Professionals Under 40” by the Southeast Texas EventsBook in 2015 and was honored as the Young Professional of the Year by the Cornerstone Credit Union League in 2019. In 2020, Jacob achieved the designation of Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor through the Credit Union National Association (CUNA). Jacob began his pursuit of higher education at Lamar University in 2004 and after an 11-year hiatus, returned and obtained his BS in University Studies in May of 2022. During his time at LU, Jacob was a member of the Cardinal Singers, the A Cappella Choir, and the Opera Workshop. Jacob and his husband, Bryan, live in Beaumont with their two fur-children: Charlie and Tank.

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