2026 News

Lamar University’s 2026 summer camps offer hands-on learning opportunities in arts, STEM, business, engineering, and athletics for students of all ages, with programs ranging from free enrichment camps to specialized training sessions across its Beaumont campus.

After 30 years at Lamar University, Dr. Terri Davis reflects on a career dedicated to teaching constitutional law, mentoring generations of students and helping shape one of the university’s most successful pre-law programs.

Lamar University honored employees for milestone years of service and recognized outstanding staff members during its annual Staff Service Awards ceremony on May 6, celebrating the dedication and contributions of faculty and staff across the university community.

Lamar University honored more than 90 graduating first-generation seniors, along with faculty, staff and student leaders, during its First Gen Awards Celebration recognizing academic achievement, leadership and support for first-generation student success.

Lamar University College of Engineering celebrated its 75th anniversary by hosting its largest-ever Discover Engineering event, bringing the community together for hands-on STEM activities designed to inspire the next generation of engineers.

Lamar University’s Early Bird Admission Program expanded in its second year, partnering with 17 high schools and awarding nearly $30 million in scholarships.

Lamar University celebrated the achievements of more than 2,700 graduates during its spring commencement ceremony Friday, May 15, at the Neches Federal Credit Union.

Lamar University honored Dr. Xuejun Fan with the inaugural Excellence in Research Award at its Faculty Excellence Awards Banquet, recognizing his globally impactful semiconductor research and contributions to the university’s growing research mission.

The Reaud Honors College at Lamar University celebrated graduating honors students and faculty at its annual Spring Reception on April 23, recognizing achievements in leadership, research, community service and teaching.

The Lamar University Cheer Team delivered another standout performance at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida, earning a second-place finish during the April 9-11 competition, and continuing the program’s rise on the national stage.

For the first time in program history, the Lamar University Dance Team captured the Division 1 (D1) Small Hip Hop national championship at The College Classic in Orlando, Florida in April 2026.

Lamar University SGA President Carsen Barrett is driving campus engagement through his student organization The Flock and multiple leadership roles aimed at increasing participation in athletics and strengthening student connections across campus.

Dr. Brielle Frost, associate professor of music at Lamar University, has received a Fulbright Scholar Award to teach flute and collaborate internationally in Sweden at Karlstad University during Spring 2027.

Lamar University engineering students showcased capstone projects ranging from flood monitoring systems to rocket controls at the annual Senior Design Symposium, highlighting real-world problem-solving developed through yearlong, team-based work with industry partners.

Students from a variety of majors in Dr. Julia Fischer’s honors course, “The Fate of Art in World War II,” presented original board games exploring art theft and preservation during an interactive showcase at the SOL Gallery.

Lamar University honored student leaders, organizations, and graduating seniors at its 46th annual Toast to Leadership ceremony, recognizing excellence in academics, service, and campus involvement while highlighting top awards like Seniors of Significance and the Gentry-Kemble Legacy Award.

Lamar University physics senior Alysa Patteson has been selected as one of just 11 students nationwide for the prestigious DOE-INFN Summer Students Exchange Program, earning the opportunity to conduct nuclear physics research in Italy this summer.

Scholars and criminal justice professionals from around the world gathered at Lamar University for the Fourth International Conference on Justice, Resilience, and the Rule of Law, connecting global research on justice systems and resilience to local efforts in Southeast Texas.

Lamar University has named Alyssa Bergeron, a senior University Studies major from Port Neches, as its First-Generation Student of the Month.

Lamar University has named four faculty members as recipients of its 2026 University Professor and Merit Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in teaching, research and service.

Lamar University Department of Art and Design students continued a 45-year tradition by successfully completing a collaborative 750-pound iron pour, blending art, science, and hands-on training with support from faculty and visiting artists.

Lamar University College of Fine Arts and Communication will celebrate Dean Golden Wright’s 20-year tenure with a retrospective dance concert featuring students, alumni, and two decades of his choreography.

Dr. Ashley Dockens, associate provost of academic innovation and digital learning at Lamar University, has been named one of the Top 50 Voices to Follow in Higher Education for 2026.

Lamar University’s Earth Day celebration brought together students, faculty, and staff for sustainability-focused activities, community engagement, and the planting of two oak trees.

Lamar University hosted a multi-day, hands-on ICS cybersecurity workshop that brought together professionals and partners from multiple states to strengthen critical infrastructure defenses through training, simulations and collaborative expertise.

Lamar Opera Theatre will present Le Nozze di Figaro, a comedic opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, on April 24 at Lamar University, featuring student performers in a free public performance.

Dr. Jennifer Iles, a music faculty member at Lamar University, is advancing music education through a national publication and invited presentations that emphasize effective practice strategies, student growth, and accessible teaching resources.

Three Lamar University students have been named David J. Beck Fellows, earning full scholarships and funding to pursue advanced research projects in healthcare and science fields this summer.

Lamar University has named four alumni as its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, recognizing their professional achievements, leadership and contributions to their communities, with honorees to be celebrated at a June 5 ceremony.

Lamar University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present its annual “Dance Unleashed” concert April 24–25 at 7:30 p.m., with an additional 2 p.m. matinee April 25 in the University Theatre.

Lamar University launched a new Doctorate in Business Administration in Energy Management program designed for working professionals in the energy sector, emphasizing applied research, industry relevance, and Southeast Texas’ role as a global energy hub.

The Department of Communication and Media will host its Student Film Showcase on Thursday, April 23 at the Jefferson Theatre.

A Lamar University exercise science team won the Texas ACSM Student Bowl against more than 40 competitors, earning a spot at the national competition in Salt Lake City.

Lamar University has selected 20 high-achieving students as Presidential and Southeast Texas Legends Scholars for the 2026–27 academic year.

Lamar University has named William Hatter as its First-Generation Student of the Month for April, recognizing his academic achievements and leadership as a first-generation college student. 

Lamar University will host its annual Woodwind Day on April 11, offering a free afternoon of performances, masterclasses and hands-on learning for student and community musicians of all levels in the Jimmy Simmons Music Building.

Art and design professor Donna M. Meeks has been selected to exhibit her work in the national juried show “Curious Figure 3” this spring in New Bedford, showcasing contemporary figurative art alongside artists from across the country.

Lamar University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present “Next Draft: Student Works Series,” a multi-day showcase of original student-created theater running April 9–11 at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee on April 12 in the Studio Theatre, and is open to the public.

Lamar University alumni have been recognized across Port Arthur Independent School District, with multiple graduates named 2026–2027 Teachers of the Year and Rookie Teachers of the Year at their respective campuses.

For the first time in 15 years, Lamar University will launch a new doctoral program. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Energy Management is a first of its kind program in the state of Texas and the nation.

Student filmmakers from Lamar University’s Red Beak Productions earned second place and the audience choice award at the Boomtown Film and Music Festival’s 48 Hour Film Race, continuing their award-winning streak.

Lamar University’s College of Business will host its annual Business Week March 23–27, featuring industry speakers, student panels and networking events.

Lamar University assistant professor Dr. Maryam Hamidi has received an $830,000 award from the Texas Department of Transportation to lead the next phase of an artificial intelligence-driven system that integrates video, trade and vessel data to improve monitoring and freight analysis along the Texas Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.

Engineering Week at Lamar University brought engineering students together through collaborative events and a block party featuring activities such as a car smash, racing simulator and laser tag, highlighting community beyond the classroom.

Lamar University has named Jessye Brown, a senior family studies major from Silsbee, Texas, as a First-Generation Student of the Month.

New state data from Texas CREWS show Lamar University engineering graduates earning top first-year salaries in Texas while carrying some of the lowest student debt in the state, highlighting strong outcomes across multiple disciplines and the impact of extensive scholarships and industry-supported programs.

O’Brien Stanley, a longtime professor in the Department of Communication and Media at Lamar University, was honored at the Boomtown Film and Music Festival for his decades of contributions to filmmaking and film education in Southeast Texas, including founding the university’s film program and helping launch the Spindletop Film Festival.

Beaumont Independent School District has named its 2026–2027 campus Teachers of the Year — 20 of whom are alumni of Lamar University — with the district’s top elementary and secondary educators to be announced at a May 1, 2026 gala.

King cake, live music and Louisiana classics filled Lamar University this week as the campus hosted its annual “LAMARdi Gras” celebration, a series of events leading up to Fat Tuesday.