2024 News

Lamar University officials broke ground on a new intramural field on Wednesday, Oct. 9, a development that promises to enhance the campus community and student life.

Lamar University has announced Dr. Vivienne J. McClendon as the new dean of the Mary & John Gray Library

Lamar University’s Fall 2024 Career Expo offered students and alumni from all majors the opportunity to explore internships, co-ops, and full-time positions in a wide variety of fields.

Lamar University is proud to announce that Dr. J. Kenneth Young, associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership within the College of Education and Human Development, has been named the 2024 Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration (TCPEA) Advocate of the Yea

Eighty senior engineering students from the College of Engineering will have the opportunity to earn a leadership certificate from CAVU through a newly introduced program.

Beaumont City Council honored Lamar University’s athletics program Tuesday, recognizing its recent success and designating Oct. 1 as “Lamar Athletics Day.”

LU culinary students are defending their title at the Cajun Chef’s Cookoff while competing against their instructor, Chef Casey Gates, in a friendly but competitive showdown to benefit local charities.

Lamar University Theatre will present a fresh adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” co-directed by Tanner McAlpin and Ashley Dennison.

Lamar University reported a 12% increase in freshman enrollment for the fall of 2024, marking one of the largest freshman classes in recent years, and an overall headcount increase of 4-5%.

Lamar University’s annual Red Day, a virtual giving event, broke records this year, raising $162,349 from 553 donors across 658 gifts.

The Lamar University Department of Educational Leadership held an “Instructional Conversations” session to collaborate as a team and help each other grow as instructors.  

Fifteen Lamar University alumni and one faculty member have been named as 40 Under 40 honorees by the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization for 2024.

Lamar University has honored three students as its First Gen Students of the Month, recognizing their achievements and contributions as the first in their families to pursue higher education.

Grace Gause, a junior majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies (Education), is studying abroad in Alicante, Spain, where she enjoys building friendships, exploring new places, and embracing the local culture while reflecting on how the experience will enhance her future career in education.

The Lamar University Alumni Advisory Board has elected Emily (Everett) Allen ’98, ’04 of Sour Lake to serve as 2024-2025 president. Sharita Gardner ’12 of Beaumont will serve as past president and Christopher Graham ’90 of Kingwood will serve as president-elect. 

Lamar University’s College of Education has launched its second year-long residency program in partnership with Hamshire-Fannett ISD, offering students stipends, mentorship from experienced teachers, and hands-on classroom experience aimed at preparing them for careers in underserved communities.

Lamar University is excited to welcome Dr. Joby John as the new Dean of its College of Business.

Lamar University’s Center for Career and Professional Development recently hosted "Taylor-ed Tuesday," an event designed to promote professional attire and career readiness.

Lamar University Theatre & Dance will kick off its 2024-2025 season with a production of “Dumb Show,” written by Joe Penhall and directed by LU Theatre Department Chair Joel Grothe.

The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) chapter at Lamar University has been honored with the 2024 SASE Inspire Award Honorable Mention for Most Improved Chapter, a distinction that recognizes exceptional growth and achievements among more than 90 SASE chapters across the United States and Canada.

The Brooks-Shivers Dining Hall at Lamar University reopened this fall after undergoing extensive renovations over the summer, bringing a fresh, modern atmosphere to campus dining

Lamar University has announced the establishment of the Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown Scholarship, thanks to the generosity of donor Stephen "Doc" Watson.

In this edition of Beyond the Podcast, we introduce you to Hilda Billups, director of Lamar University’s Student Tutoring And Retention (STAR) Services.

As Lamar University embraces its next century, visible changes are taking shape across campus and throughout southeast Texas, reflected in the launch of its "See for Yourself" marketing campaign.

Lamar University's College of Engineering hosted its annual First Year Engineering Math Bootcamp from August 11-16, allowing incoming students to refresh their math skills, socialize, and participate in activities supported by industry sponsors, culminating in scholarship awards.

Sergio Mendez and Jordan Nelson, two biology students from Lamar University, have taken important steps toward their medical careers this summer through their participation in the prestigious Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP)

Lamar University has announced the establishment of the Cam Le and Carla Pulumbarit Scholarship, a new endowed scholarship designed to support students pursuing degrees in the College of Engineering and the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing.

Rami Zaidan, a junior industrial engineering major at Lamar University, is interning at Future Metals LLC, a Berkshire Hathaway company specializing in aerospace materials. During his internship, Zaidan worked on optimizing warehouse workflow and implementing RFID inventory management.

Lamar University has announced a major overhaul of its Wi-Fi network in Cardinal Village, enhancing connectivity with cutting-edge technology.

Liv Haselbach, executive director of the Lamar University Center for Resiliency, has joined a committee organized under the Transportation Research Board Consensus and Advisory Studies Division of the National Academies and focused on supporting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in addressing flood risk management.

Throughout the summer, Lamar University's College of Engineering hosted four annual summer camps designed to engage students from sixth to 12th grade.

Lamar University held its summer commencement ceremony at the Montage Center on Saturday, Aug. 3 recognizing the achievements of its graduates, and conferring over 1,000 degrees.    

Lamar University has announced a significant endowment from Dr. Donald E. Owen, an esteemed alumnus and Professor Emeritus of Geology, to establish the Dr. Donald E. Owen Scholarship in Geology.

Dr. Charles Robert (Bob) Kemble, Lamar University's seventh president, passed away at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to the university, including the establishment of the Lamar University System and the founding of the John Gray Institute.

Lamar University has honored Coach Sonny Jolly by naming its track after him, recognizing his transformative impact on the athletics program over his 50-year tenure, during which he led the Cardinals to national prominence and numerous conference titles.

The Texas Academy at Lamar University recently hosted the Innovation ColLABoration camp to ignite interest in STEM careers among Texas youth, offering hands-on activities and industry insights through the Governor’s Summer Merit Program.

Beaumont Community Players' InterACT program has provided children with atypical language and social development the opportunity to shine as actors while offering Lamar University speech-language pathology graduate students valuable clinical practice, culminating in enriching performances that celebrate diversity and collaboration.

Lamar University's College of Business has been selected as one of the 244 MBA programs worldwide featured in the Princeton Review’s list of Best Business Schools for 2024.

Lamar University has recently selected twenty-four students to serve as Lamar University Ambassadors. They will join twenty-seven returning ambassadors in representing the student body at official university functions during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Lamar University's College of Engineering has established the Dr. Jack R. Hopper Memorial Scholarship in Engineering to honor the late Dr. Hopper, who made significant contributions to the university and its engineering program, serving as a professor, chair, and dean, and impacting many students' lives both academically and professionally.

The Dishman Art Museum is hosting "KVLU: Rewind…In Pictures," a pop-up exhibit showcasing archival photographs and memorabilia from KVLU's early days until August 3, 2024, to celebrate the station's 50th anniversary.

Lamar University's standout athletes Chloe Rodriguez and Kenson Tate showcased their talents at the U.S. Olympic Trials, marking significant milestones in their athletic careers and setting a high bar for future LU athletes.

Lamar University JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing Bachelor of Science (BSN) in Nursing Program has been recognized as one of the top nursing schools in Texas, according to RNCareers.org

Lamar University's annual baseball camps, designed for children ages six to twelve, offer structured sessions with guidance from experienced coaches and players to inspire and develop young baseball enthusiasts.

Lamar University President Dr. Jaime Taylor has been selected to the prestigious National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I Board of Directors.

Dr. Anita L. Riddle, a Lamar University alumna and retired ExxonMobil executive, has established a $15,000 endowment to support the Society of Women Engineers at LU, aiming to enhance student activities and career readiness within the College of Engineering.

Dr. Ashley Dockens, originally an audiologist with a clinical doctorate and Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders, transitioned unexpectedly into higher education over a decade ago, subsequently becoming a leading advocate and educator in generative AI integration, shaping policy, conducting research, and fostering AI literacy in academia to enhance faculty practices and student preparation for evolving workforce needs.

The Collegiate 100 of Lamar University won the top prize at the C100 Leadership and Career Institute in Atlanta for the third consecutive time, having been the only champions since the contest's inception, and continue to demonstrate excellence in leadership and career development through innovative solutions and commitment.

Joshua Tindel's journey from southeast Texas to the Navy and back to Lamar University, where he graduated with a Nursing degree in 2024, highlights his dedication to service, resilience, and passion for healthcare, inspired by his military experience and volunteer work at the Crisis Center of Southeast Texas.