MPA Alumni

Recent News

Congratulations to Judge Naomi Showers Doyle. Naomi Doyle won the election for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1, Jefferson County, Texas.

Congratulations to Dr. Hector Flores. Dr. Flores has been appointed as the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students for Lamar University.

Spotlight - 2019

In March of 2019, Danielle Williams joined the litigation section of Entergy's legal department, assisting multiple attorneys in personal injury litigation and eminent domain proceedings. Prior to her position at Entergy, she worked at Orgain Bell & Tucker, LLP, assisting a team of attorneys in personal injury, trucking, and premises liability litigation. She has worked as a legal assistant and certified paralegal for nearly nine years.

Danielle earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Government from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011, a Paralegal Certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants in 2014, and a Master of Public Administration degree from Lamar University in 2019.

Spotlight - 2016

Dr. Hector A. Flores served in the United States Marine Corps, earning the rank of sergeant and deploying to Iraq in 2003. He began his law enforcement career with the City of Mission Police Department, eventually serving as a SWAT team member and patrol supervisor. He later transferred to the University of Texas—Pan American Police Department; earning the rank of Lieutenant and  interim assistant chief. Mr. Flores became the Lamar University Chief of Police in November 2014.

Dr. Flores currently serves as the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students at Lamar University. Dr. Flores was named a 2019 "40 Under 40" honoree by the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. 

Spotlight - 2012

Judge Naomi Doyle serves as the Justice of the Peace, Pct 1, PL1, Jefferson County.

Naomi Doyle was educated in Beaumont’s Public-School system since elementary. With great commitment to her local community, she attended Lamar University and received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. After completing an internship at the Texas House of Representatives, in Austin Texas, she returned to Lamar, where she obtained her Master’s degree in Public Administration.  While earning her Master’s, she worked with Lamar University to further the University’s recruiting and youth educational outreach endeavors.

Spotlight - 2005

Shanna Burke has been named as the new Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission’s Executive Director. The South East Texas Regional Planning Commission (SETRPC) Executive Committee voted unanimously at its November 14, 2018 meeting to appoint her.

Ms. Burke was born and raised in Southeast Texas and has lived in all three counties (Hardin, Jefferson and Orange) served by the SETRPC.  She is a graduate of Lamar University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters Degree in Public Administration.   In addition, she holds Professional Certifications from the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). 

Spotlight - 2002

Dr. Shawn Oubre has been named the City Manager for the City of Woodway, Texas. With 31 years of extensive experience across both the city administration and public safety fields, Dr. Oubre’s appointment in Woodway began on October 15, 2018. He began his career as a police officer with the City of Port Arthur and quickly ascended the ranks to undertake the dual position of Police Chief and City Manager for the City of Vidor.

Prior to his relocation to Woodway, Dr. Oubre served as the City Manager for the City of Orange for 13 years. He received his Master of Public Administration degree from Lamar University and recently completed his Doctorate in Public Policy and Administration.