Inaugural Class of Reaud Fellows

During Lamar University's centennial celebration, in Fall 2023, Reaud Fellows made history as the inaugural students in the Reaud Leadership Institute (RLI). Supporting the mission of the Reaud Honors College’s Minor in Honors Studies, RLI engages students in a unique multidisciplinary set of courses focused on developing their leadership and critical thinking skills.

Honors Cardinals have made LU proud since 1963! That fall, 20 students enrolled in our Honors Program, making it TSUS's oldest honors program. Our first honors scholars were: Henry Barclay, Michael Brannan, Linda Cansler, Sharon Cobb, Betty Coerver, Jenelle Cross, Thomas DeMary, Ronald Gibbs, Caroline Goodrich, Valentine Goodrich, Kathleen Johnson, Bill Kaminer, Walter Magee Jr., Mark Mehringer, Sharon Newton, Don Popken, Janell Price, Dale Priest, Janyth Stewart, and Charles Young.

Fast forward 60 years, and we are proud to mark another milestone, by introducing you to our inaugural class of Reaud Fellows!

LU Honors First Class 1963

INAUGURAL CLASS OF 2023

BOBBY BARTON

Bobby Barton-RF-FA23

My name is Robert “Bobby” Barton, and I received the Joe H. Tonahill Southeast Texas Legends Scholarship. I am a Freshman at Lamar University, currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. I am involved in the Robotic Cardinals organization, and I am a member of its inaugural VEX U Robotics Competition team. I also participate in IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and the Baptist Student Ministry on campus, both of which I plan to become more involved in as I attend Lamar. I plan to use the opportunity that God has blessed me with in college to spread the gospel and the love of Christ.

In high school I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in robotics and programming, and I became passionate about these subjects. I hope to grow as a leader and be an advocate for schools in our area to adopt programs that focus on robotics and coding education, so that students with similar passions can have the ability to pursue their interests and learn more about future careers in these fields.

In my down time—when I am not building robots, studying, or working on a coding project—I relax by playing the guitar, hanging out with friends, and playing board games. I also enjoy gardening and have a pretty big garden back home in the spring and summer where I've grown tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, melons, potatoes, and more. I look forward to getting involved in the honors college and student organizations at Lamar.

ELIZABETH DIAZ ARREOLA

Elizabeth Diaz Arreola-RF-FA23

Hi everyone! My name is Elizabeth Diaz Arreola, and I am so very blessed to be a Presidential Scholar! I am a Biology major on the Pre-Physician Assistant track! So far, I have not gotten the chance to be super involved in the great student organizations and opportunities LU has to offer, but as the school year goes on, I hope to be involved in groups such as AMSA, MedLife, Helping Hands, and many more!

My leadership goals are to grow as a person myself, while also building up those around me in a positive manner. I also hope to accomplish my goal of becoming successful in my journey toward becoming a PA by doing activities such as shadowing at local clinics in the Beaumont area and meeting mentors who will help me expand my practical and experienced learning!

In my free time, I love to bake, read books, craft, and spend time with my family and friends!

PEYTON JONES

Peyton Jones-RF-FA23

My name is Peyton Jones! I am a Southeast Texas Legend Congressman Jack Brooks Scholar. I am majoring in Accounting and Finance here at Lamar! Some organizations I am involved in are Helping Hands Club and the Accounting Society! I am also interested in learning more about HSA!

My leadership goals are to grow as a leader in accounting through being involved in financial organizations on campus that will set me up for success in my field. I hope to intern with accounting companies in the Houston area so that I can gain valuable hands-on experience and knowledge in the field I am passionate about!

In my free time, I love to travel, read, workout at Crossfit Mid-County, and go to the movies!

PEYTON LEE

Peyton Lee-RF-FA23

My name is Peyton Lee, and I graduated as the Valedictorian from Hamshire-Fannett High School. I am a Southeast Texas Legends Scholar whose scholarship is endowed by Everett Lord.

I am majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Honors Studies. On campus, I am involved in the Society of Women Engineers, Engineers Without Borders, Honors Student Association and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. I am interested in learning more about Undergraduate Research and the O.U.R. program, as well as becoming a Lamar University Ambassador. Off campus, I am a Peer Mentor/Advisor for the Julie Rogers Gift of Life Youth Council and work at Coastal Automation Services as a part-time Technical Engineering Intern.

I hope to grow as a leader and learner in the field of engineering by interning in a variety of engineering fields, such as petrochemicals, environmental industries, manufacturing, and biotechnologies. In the future, I hope to lead other engineers toward solving global issues, such as finding alternative energy sources, meeting global needs for the ever-growing population, and making technological advances in all fields.

When I am not studying, I enjoy reading fiction books, attending group fitness classes, and playing golf. My favorite fiction author at the moment is Karin Slaughter!

LOGAN MORRIS

Logan Morris-RF-FA23

Hello everyone! My name is Logan Morris, and I am a Presidential Scholar. I am a Freshman majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Math and Honors Studies. I am currently a member of HSA and Lamar University Fitness Club and hope to be a part of many different organizations here at Lamar.

My leadership goals include expanding my vision and learning how to guide and lead individuals, utilizing their unique strengths, whether in the classroom or the workforce.

Beyond my academic commitments, I dedicate a significant portion of my time to friendly competitions with my friends, engaging in a range of activities such as golf, pickleball, soccer, and video games. When I'm not enjoying these activities with my friends, I spend the remainder of my time with my girlfriend and family.

ALYVIA OTT

Alyvia Ott-RF-FA23

My name is Alyvia Ott, and I am a Presidential Scholar. I am majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a concentration in Early Childhood through Sixth Grade education. I am involved in the Honors Student Association and the Helping Hands Club.

My leadership goal is to grow as a leader and mentor in the classroom, particularly for the elementary level. I plan to substitute in local primary schools to gain classroom experience and engage in the community.

In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my family, reading fiction novels, listening to music, and socializing with new friends.

RYAN SERVANTES

Ryan Servantes-RF-FA23

My name is Ryan Servantes, and I am a Presidential Scholar majoring in Biology Pre-Vet. I am a member of the LU Hispanic Society, the Pre-Vet Concentration Organization, and the Passion of Animal Welfare for Students. 

My leadership goals are to become a more effective communicator and an active listener. With those skills I hope to develop, I believe they will benefit me substantially when talking with mentors and especially at the vet clinics I want to intern at.

In my free time, I run on the LU Track and Cross-Country team, play video games, watch movies, listen to music, and exercise a lot.

SOLEIL TRAN

Soleil Tran-RF-FA23

My name is Soleil Tran, and I am a Presidential Scholar majoring in Accounting. Lamar has many student organizations and associations that I would like to participate in, such as Student Government, Lamar Asian Business Association, Honors Student Association, and all of the Accounting Organizations.

My leadership goals are to grow as a leader in the business field, particularly in the finance and accounting management part. I plan to intern with many accounting firms to expand my knowledge and skills while meeting mentors along the way. Additionally, I hope that in achieving my leadership goals, I will be able to accomplish my main goal in life: decreasing financial illiteracy among immigrants.

Outside of my busy student life, I like to crochet, hang out with family and friends, and play tennis in my free time.

JENNY TU

Jenny Tu-RF-FA23

My name is Xiaoxuan Tu, but many people call me Jenny! I am a Presidential Scholar, and I am a Biology major with a Pre-Medical and possibly Pre-Physical Therapy concentration. I plan to be involved with AMSA (American Medical Student Association), MedLife, Undergraduate Research and possibly HSA!

My leadership goals are to expand the ways I help others around me by leading them to find and realize their own strengths. My ultimate goal is to one day be able to help more people through the field of Sports Medicine. I seek the opportunity to shadow a variety of Sports Medicine professionals: a surgeon, physical therapists or athletic trainer.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, kayaking, and hanging out with my friends.

Reaud Honors College  •  P.O. Box 10968  •  Beaumont, TX 77710  •  ph (409) 880-2294
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