Center for Resiliency

Signature Centers

The Gulf Coast Community Resilience Conference

The Gulf Coast Community Resilience Conference

Thursday, March 26th, 2026 | Beaumont, Texas 

Resilience Through History

About Our Event

 The “Resilience through History” Conference brings together academic researchers and community to highlight and celebrate the resilient spirit of SETX. By studying and sharing the history of resilience, we aim to inform development and innovation, gain understanding of our communities, and connect with each other at present.

Registration Is Open!


Register Here| Student                                 Register Here| General

This event is designed for all of us — neighbors, leaders, educators, nonprofits, faith communities, responders, students, and residents who cares about the strength of Southeast Texas.

Hosted By
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Theme
Resilience Through History

Date
Thursday, March 26th, 2026

Time 
Check In At 8:30AM 

Category 
Event

Conference Location
Setzer Student Center
4405 Jimmy Simmons Blvd
Beaumont, TX 77705

Attire
Business Casual

Contact
Cfr@lamar.edu 

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Parking and Directions

Conference parking in Parking Lot C-1 is Free.
Clear signage will be posted on the day of the event and walking directions to the Setzer Student Center will be provided prior to the conference to ensure smooth arrival.

Setzer Student Center Directions

Interactive Campus Map

map for conference


Meals Provided By
Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts 

In an effort to provide an educational experience meals have been prepared by the Lamar University Nutrition, Hospitality and Human Services Program.

 

 

Conference Accommodations

Host Hotel

2355 I-10 South
Beaumont, TX 77705
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Booking Contact

Paige Dugas (409) 617-0604

Book Room Here 

A special group rate of $89 per night has been secured for conference speakers, panelists and attendees. This rate includes a daily breakfast.

We encourage you to reserve early as rooms are limited.

 

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Thursday, March 26, 2026
        Location Setzer Live Oak Ballroom | All Events
8:30 - 8:55 a.m.

Registration & Breakfast

Breakfast Burritos Fresh Fruit/Assorted Muffins Provided By Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts
8:55 - 9:00 a.m.

Welcome 

Dr. Brian Williams, Exec. Director for Center for Resiliency
9:00 - 10:15 a.m.

Research Session 1

From Surviving To Thriving: Early Patterns of Resiliency From The Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century USA

  • "Real Lives in the Eighteenth Century: Survival and Endurance in Difficult Times” 
    Research presented by     Rebecca Boone| Professor & Dean of Arts & Science, Lamar Univ.

  • "Rivers, Seasons, and Survival: Indigenous Resilience in 18th-Century Southeast Texas"
    Research presented by     Fior Daliso García Lara | Asst. Professor, Univ. of TX El Paso

  • "Documenting Joy: Celebrating Black Communities in East & Southeast Texas"
    Research presented by Gordon S. Williams

Chair/Respondent | Jimmy Bryan, Professor & Department Chair of History, Lamar Univ.
10:15 - 10:30 a.m.

Break

Fruit, Muffins, Coffee, Decaf Coffee, Hot Tea, & Water
10:30 - 11:45 a.m.

Research Session 2

Learning From History: Evolving Patterns Of Resiliency In Rural Texas And Beyond

  • "Cultivating Resilience: The Evolution of Disaster Responses in Agricultural Communities of Central Texas"
    Research presentation by Jean Lonie Dudley |Asst.Professor & Co-Director of the Center for Rural Resilience, Tarleton State Univ. Presents
  • "Codes, Costs, and Compliance: A Post Katrina History of Resilient Building Policy in Louisiana, with Implications for Southeast Texas"
    Meggan Franks |Asst.Professor, Louisiana State Univ., Monica Farris|Research Professor, Univ. of New Orleans and Rubayet Bin Mustafiz

  • "Before the Pandemic: The Evolution of Public Health Resilience in Southeast Texas"
    Research presented by Brittny Bratcher-Rasmus |Asst. Professor, Lamar Univ.
    and     Amanda Divin |Assoc. Professor, Lamar Univ. Presents

Chair/Respondent | Tom Sowers, Professor and Chair, Department of Political Science, Lamar Univ.
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Lunch

Vegetarian Enchiladas,Mesquite-Smoked Beef Brisket,Grilled Chicken Thighs,Baked Chedder Grits,Green Beans and Roll
Provided By Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts 

  • Lunch Address
    President Taylor

  • Welcome 
    Dr. Gene Theodori

  • Keynote Speaker
    Don E. Albrecht
    Community Resilience and Sports

  • Debut of the Resilience Digital Collection (Vol. 1) 
    Nina Gjoçi, Ph.D. and CfR Team
    Honoring the sacrifices and successes made by ordinary people, communities, organizations, local and state governments, and documenting our region’s history
1:15 - 2:15 p.m.

Community Resiliency Panel 
2:15 - 2:30 p.m.

Break

Grab and Go Desserts| Mini Chocolate Pies, Praline Cookies, Lemon-Blueberry Bars
Provided By Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts
2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Smart Storm Intro, Tributes and Acknowledgements

 

LU on Texas Map



Please continue to check this page for updates as event gets closer. Schedule is subject to change.