Director Sam Blanda '08, BBA-Finance, is an owner of Jack's Pak-It in Beaumont. He resides in Beaumont and enjoys giving back to the community. He volunteers with Ubi Caritas and is a member of the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization. He credits much of his professional success to the preparation received in his business classes at Lamar University and looks forward to serving on the Lamar University Alumni Advisory Board.

Director 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. 

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.

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 BAAS 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.

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 he is serving as President.  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.

Director  Charlee Chelette '18, '19 is the Community Impact Officer at Neches Federal Credit Union. Charlee graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BBA in Marketing and an MBA 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!

Director Thomas Davis '15 (he/him/his) is a native of Port Arthur, Texas who resides in Beaumont. He is a professional wedding cake decorator and has worked in this industry for over 13 years. He graduated from Lamar University in 2015 with a B.B.A.-Marketing and Advertising Communication.  

Thomas is a 2020 Recipient of the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization’s 40 under 40 Award. During the pandemic, he won OutSmart Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Face Mask Designs for the year 2020 and 2021.  

Thomas’ hobbies includes making art for The Beaumont Art League, The Art Studio, and The Music Studio’s annual Art of Flowers Show. His artwork has been featured in different exhibits in all of these places including The Art Museum of Southeast Texas. He is a former member of the Beaumont Art League’s Board of Directors. 

Thomas and his husband Josh Davis '11 '15 '19 (he/him/his) have been together 15 years and married for 7 years. Together, they are involved in raising funds for The American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, Men Wear Pink, and have chaired the Relay For Life of The Greater Golden Triangle 2023 event. The couple have six dogs in varying sizes; a Great Dane, a Goldendoodle, a blue heeler, a one-eyed pug, a no-eyed pug, and a three-legged pug. They love traveling and making the most memories in life. Thomas’ motto is “Stressed spelled backwards is DESSERTS. Eat more cake!”

Director Celine Do '18, '22 is a HR Recruiter at Provost Umphrey Law Firm. She earned a BBA in management information systems and a MBA from Lamar University. 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. 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.

Director Ryan Dollinger '14 is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He and his wife, Amber ‘21, live in Plano, Texas with their three children. While at LU, he was involved in Social Work Student Association, Charter President of the Lamar University Lions Club, and elected Vice President of Student Government Association.  Ryan is active within his community and state as a member of Lions Club and Board Member for National Association of Social Workers – Texas Chapter.  He currently is appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to serve on the Texas Juvenile Justice Advisory Board.  Recently, he was also appointed by Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner Cecile Young to serve on the Policy Council for Children and Families. Ryan contributes much of his success to the quality education and faculty at Lamar University.

Director Darren Erwin '21 is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Better Business Bureau Serving Southeast Texas.  He has worked for the organization for the past 10 years serving in various roles as the Director of Operations and Director of Business Relations. 

Darren holds an associate of arts degree in General Studies from Lamar Institute of Technology, a B.S.-University Studies from Lamar University, and an MBA from the University of Texas-Permian Basin.  He is also a 2015 graduate of Leadership Beaumont, 2014 graduate of Leadership Southeast Texas, and is a member of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Mentorship Program.

Darren believes in giving back to his community and has served on various boards and committees.  He has served on the Salvation Army Boy’s and Girl’s Club Advisory Council, Spindletop Rotary Club Board of Directors, Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board, and the Leadership Beaumont Steering Committee.  He is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Beaumont, Spindletop Center’s Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council, and the Junior Leadership Beaumont Steering Committee.  Darren was also named one of the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Under 40 in 2016.

In his free time, Darren enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, cooking, and live music.

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).

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.

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 BBA in Finance and Economics and an MBA 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.

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.

Director Elohor (Okene) Jackson '20 graduated from Lamar University with her B.S in Chemical Engineering and minor in Chemistry and Mathematics. She works as a High-Pressure Copolymer Improvement Engineer for Specialty Plastics at Dow Chemical Company in Orange, TX. In addition, she is a Dow United Way volunteer, member of Global African Affinity Network, Women’s Inclusion Network, and the Lamar University Recruiting Team. During her time at LU, Elohor served as a Lamar University and College of Engineering Ambassador, and held leadership positions within SGA, National Society of Black Engineers, and Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. Elohor has a heart for missions where she travels to Kenya, Africa and India to build homes, visit orphanages, provide food, and participate in medical campaigns. She and her husband, Alphonso Jackson II, reside in Port Arthur, TX with their Goldendoodle, Jax.

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.

Director Donta Miller '18, '21 is a native of Hardin County. He and his wife Regina live in Beaumont, and they have two children and granddaughter. He and his family are longtime members of the One City Church in Beaumont. Donta graduated from Lamar Institute of Technology with an Associates Degree in 2018 and Lamar University with a Bachelors in 2018 and a Masters in Criminal Justice in 2021. Chief Miller has spent over 21 years in law enforcement. He is the number two in command of the law enforcement division at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Zena Stephens. He is responsible for planning and setting rules for the Sheriff's Office. Donta has a State of Texas Master Peace Officer and a Master Correction Officer Certificate. He has a strong compassion for having a positive relationship with the community and law enforcement. He holds Executive Board seats with the Federal High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, Jefferson County Youth Academy (JCYA), and the Sabine Neches Chief Association (SNCA). He volunteers with Inspire Encourage Achieve/Ben's Kids (IEA) by speaking with juveniles weekly at Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Facility. He also volunteers his time in the community with his church outreach, One City Cares, by feeding and clothing the less fortunate citizens of Southeast Texas. He is a Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity member, where he actively engages in countless hours of community service throughout Southeast Texas. Also, he assists with coordinating with the public for Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office community relations events.  Donta is passionate about recruiting people with a good heart to serve the community and understands true public services.  He believes that education plays an essential role in the criminal justice system.

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.

Director J.R. Richardson '92 is a native of Houston, TX and earned a BAAS degree from Lamar University. 

He is currently serving as a Sr. Account Executive at Consolidated Communications in Katy, Tx. 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, but 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 on campus. 

After leaving college, J.R. started his career with the help of a fellow Lamar Alumnus at Dell Computers in Austin, TX. During his time, J.R. continued being active with Kappa Alpha Psi Austin Alumni and served as Polemarch several years later. He actively volunteered his time with the Special Olympics in bowling and served as a mentor with Big Brother Big Sisters. While serving and helping in his community, he became an active member with Lyons Jr. #290 Lodge P.H.A. Masons for and Cheops Temple #200 with the Shriners. 

Today, J.R. serves on many boards in his community of Katy, TX. He is on the Board of Directors for the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors for the YMCA Katy locations, Board of Directors for the Katy ISD Education Foundation, Board of Directors for Katy Christian Ministries, Board of Directors for the Waller County Economic Development Council, Board of Directors for the Katy Area Economic Development Council, Board of Directors for the City of Katy’s Convention & Tourism Bureau, and is also a Chartered Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Katy- Fulshear Alumni Chapter. 

J.R. continues to stay active with his alma mater by serving as a member of the Lamar University Alumni Advisory Board and is an officer of LU's Black Alumni Network. J.R. is married to LU Alumna Dr. Kaye Williams '91, '93, and she is the principal of Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, TX.

Director John Rollins ’12 is a proud graduate of Lamar University with a B.S. in Corporate Communication. John works as the Associate Director of Community Relations and Public Affairs at Lamar University. 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 as the Chair of the Hospitality Committee for the Rotary Club of Beaumont. John serves on the Steering Committee for the United Way Local LINC, and 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.

Director Terry Savoy-Hadley '95 retired from education after 23 years of service from Port Arthur Independent School District. Since her retirement, she has worked as a tutor with Beaumont Independent School District. She earned her bachelors degree from Lamar University in Applied Arts and Sciences and earned her Master of Education Degree in Administration from Prairie View A&M University. Terry serves as President of Martin Luther King, Jr. Support Group, and serves on the Executive Board of the Lamar University Black Alumni Network. She is also a published children book author, and a member of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority. She was named a 2021 Port Arthur ISD Teacher of the Year. Terry and her husband, Kerry Hadley, are both proud natives of Port Arthur, Texas.

Director Danielle (Hudson) Sutton '08 is a proud graduate of Lamar University with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies. She holds a teaching certification for elementary education. Born and raised in Southeast Texas, Danielle married and moved to her husband Lloyd's West Texas hometown in 2008 to put her teaching degree to work. In 2016, she found herself back where it all started, in Beaumont. Now, a partially homeschooling mother of three, she facilitates the Blessed Moms of SETX Facebook group and is the Co-Founder and Outreach Director of 409family.com where she is connecting with over 6,000 local women and their families as she actively strives to help families root, grow, and bloom here in the 409. As a community volunteer and, now, business woman, she has also received recognition as a graduate of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce’s Beaumont Champions Class of 2021, Leadership Beaumont Class of 2022, and BISD Community Ambassadors Program Class of 2023. She was also named a 40 Under 40 recipient in 2022 from the Southeast Texas Young Professionals’ Organization, and a 2022 Lamar University Division of Strategic Initiatives and Community Relations Inspirational Woman. “See a need. Meet a need.” is a mantra she lives by and hopes to impress upon her children as she and her family continue to serve the Southeast Texas community.

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 MBA. She is very proud to be a Cardinal and owes much of her success to Lamar University!

Director Caralee (McDonald) Thompson '95 is the Program Manager for Children’s Miracle Network at the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation. She graduated with a B.S. in Communication from Lamar University in 1995. While a student at Lamar University, she actively participated in the Professional Communications Association, serving as both past president and board member, as well as the Cap and Gown Women’s Honor Society. As a native Southeast Texan, Caralee is also pleased to serve on the Board of Directors of the Beaumont Chamber Foundation, and is a member of the Press Club of Southeast Texas where she served as both past President and board member. She is a graduate of Leadership Beaumont Class of 1999 and is also a sustaining member and past board member of the Junior League of Beaumont. Caralee is a proud LU alumna and attributes her success to her time spent at the university and her outstanding professors who both challenged and mentored her. Caralee and her husband David ’07 reside in Fannett, TX and they have two adult children, Ainsley and Jack.

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 with their daughter Scarlett. 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.

Director Shawn Webb-Locke '03, '12 a real estate professional, investor, and entrepreneur, graduated from Lamar University with a B.S. in Sociology in 2003 and a M.Ed. in School Counseling in 2012. She is a former BISD educator, an active member of the Beaumont Chapter NAACP, SAFE girls mentor organization, Pioneering Women, and serves on the community service committee of the Beaumont Board of Realtors. Shawn is co-owner of Seven Mobile Marketing, the area's only Black owned advertising company and the CEO of the Shawn Sold It Real Estate Team. Her team partners with other local minority owned businesses to provide education and resources to families striving to become homeowners in the Golden Triangle, is ranked in the top 10% of her company, and received the Top Team recognition for the Beaumont office in 2022. Shawn an involved alumna of  Lamar University for many years and takes pride in attending Lamar Homecoming annually with her family and friends.

Director Jacob Wills '22 is Vice President of Business Development at Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union in Houston, TX. Jacob has been in the financial industry for over ten years, serving in numerous leadership capacities, including AVP of Branches, VP of Administration, and VP of Virtual Services. 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 member of the Board of Directors 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. During his last semester, Jacob was awarded the Lavender Service Award by the LU Office of Strategic Initiatives and Community Relations. Jacob is a member of Pride Chorus Houston and an avid lover of street art and murals.

Director Golden Wright, Ed.D. '21 is the Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication at Lamar University. Prior to his role as Dean, Golden served as the department chair for the Department of Theatre and Dance for seven years. He is a tenured professor in Dance with training in classical ballet, modern dance, partnering and choreography. He started his career at Lamar University as a visiting lecturer. Golden started his dance training at Busby Dance Center in Victoria, TX at the age of 16. He earned a B.F.A. and M.F.A from Sam Houston State University and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Lamar University. Golden has showcased his choreography at multiple dance festivals and he performed at TUT in Tainan and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. He was a recipient of the Friends of the Arts 2019 Innovation and Excellence Award for his integration of technology in his choreographic works. He and his wife Angie reside in Beaumont. Golden serves as the 2023-2024 faculty representative on the Lamar University Alumni Advisory Board.