2026 News

Lamar University will serve as the annual host of Southeast Texas Energy Day, recognizing the region’s historic energy leadership while highlighting LU’s new DBA in Energy Management and growing role in shaping the industry’s future.

Lamar University welcomed its largest freshman class in university history for summer and fall 2026, with enrollment increasing 12% amid expanded recruitment efforts, streamlined admissions processes and growing interest from students across Texas.

Lamar University Associate Provost Dr. Gene Theodori has been selected for the 2026-27 Becoming a Provost Academy, a yearlong national leadership development program preparing academic administrators for senior leadership roles in higher education.

Lamar University has introduced a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science with two academic tracks designed to prepare students for careers in clinical laboratories, biomedical research and other healthcare-related fields.

Lamar University has been nationally recognized for the second consecutive year as one of the best colleges to work for, according to the Great Colleges to Work For® program.

Lamar University’s Cardinal Jazz Orchestra will celebrate the swing era with a free concert Sept. 22 featuring big band classics, Beaumont jazz history and performances by LU students and faculty.

The Cardinal Brass Quintet, Lamar University’s faculty brass ensemble, released its debut album, “Hope Over Troubled Waters,” Friday through Centaur Records.

Lamar University chemical engineering student Layali Abusaleh is stepping into a regional leadership role as Southwest regional chair for the AIChE Executive Student Committee for 2026-27.

Lamar University’s College of Engineering has spent 75 years evolving alongside Southeast Texas industry while remaining committed to providing accessible, hands-on engineering education that prepares students to meet the region’s changing workforce and technological needs.

Lamar University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present Tim Blake Nelson’s “Eye of God,” directed by Caitlin Parker, Sept. 10-20 in the Studio Theatre. 

Lamar University (LU) has named Manan Sinora, a junior civil engineering major from Wylie, Texas, as its September 2026 First-Generation Student of the Month. 

Get “RED-Y for Launch” as Lamar University (LU) hosts the sixth annual Red Day virtual giving campaign on Thursday, Sept. 17 and Friday, Sept. 18.

Four Lamar University members have been selected for 2026 Texas State University System Regents’ Awards recognizing excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and service.

Lamar University students kicked off the 2026 football season with a Friday pep rally and student organization showcase before Saturday’s home opener against Abilene Christian.

Lamar University (LU) alumni, students and employees are among the Southeast Texas professionals recognized through the 40 Under 40 program, highlighting the contributions of LU graduates and members of the university community across the region.

Lamar University and Valero celebrated the opening of the new Valero Reaction Lab, a $500,000 investment that gives engineering students hands-on experience with industry technology and processes.

The Lamar University College of Business officially celebrated the launch of its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Energy Management program on Saturday, Aug. 15, welcoming the inaugural Class of 2029.

Lamar University has announced the students who earned recognition on the President’s List and Dean’s List for Summer 2026, honoring undergraduate students for outstanding academic achievement.

Lamar University graduate (LU) Steven Sedtal has been awarded an $8,500 fellowship from The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi to pursue a law degree at George Washington University.

Lamar University senior Ryan Servantes has been selected for the USDA’s Saul T. Wilson, Jr. Internship Program, earning paid professional experience and financial support for veterinary school while committing to at least five years of service with the USDA after graduation.

Lamar University has named a wing of the Galloway Business Building in honor of Myrna ('67) and Milton Dunnam, recognizing their longtime support of the university and commitment to providing opportunities for College of Business students.

Lamar University has named senior ZaMorria Terrell as its First-Generation Student of the Month for August 2026, recognizing her academic achievement and perseverance as a first-gen student.

Lamar University civil engineering students showcased their skills at the ASCE Student Symposium through Steel Bridge and Timber-Strong competitions, gaining hands-on experience in design, construction, teamwork and professional development.

Lamar University nursing students were recognized by the Southeast Texas Food Bank for contributing more than 250 volunteer hours in 2025, supporting hunger relief efforts while gaining hands-on service experience.

Held July 20-24 and July 27-31, the Center for Resiliency STEM camp welcomed incoming sixth- through 10th-grade students to campus for an immersive week of hands-on learning designed to spark curiosity and build confidence in STEM fields.

Lamar University celebrated the achievements of more than 900 graduates during its spring commencement ceremony Friday, July 31 at the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center.

Judge John Stevens and his wife, Marcia, donated a rare original Frank Trost photograph of the 1901 Lucas Gusher to Lamar University's Spindletop Boomtown Museum, preserving a pivotal piece of Southeast Texas and energy industry history for future generations.

Lamar University historian David Robles researches overlooked stories of Chicana/o activism in South Texas, bringing award-winning scholarship and a passion for student mentorship to the classroom.

A student-produced short film written by Lamar University student Heather Harmon and directed by Adam Baeza has been accepted into three film festivals, highlighting the filmmakers' emerging talent and the university's growing film production program.

Driven by a commitment to amplifying overlooked voices, Dr. Margot Gage's research, teaching, and advocacy examine how society shapes health and well-being, from health disparities and veterans' recognition to advancing the nation's understanding of long COVID.

Lamar University has named kinesiology senior Karen Damien the July First-Generation Student of the Month, recognizing her dedication to higher education and the example she hopes to set for her family.

Six Lamar University (LU) graduates have been recognized among Nederland Independent School District’s 2026-27 Teachers of the Year honorees, highlighting the university’s impact on educator preparation across Southeast Texas.

Lamar University's Cybersecurity and Robotics Adventure Summer Camp introduced middle and high school students to cybersecurity, robotics and artificial intelligence through hands-on STEM activities and collaborative learning experiences.

Lamar University has announced over 1,500 students who earned recognition on the President’s List and Dean’s List for the Spring 2026 semester, honoring undergraduate students for exceptional academic achievement.

Lamar University's Nancy Evans Reading Center served approximately 1,367 students and distributed more than 7,500 literacy resources through expanded partnerships with five Southeast Texas school districts during the 2026 school year.

Three Lamar University (LU) alumni have been recognized as Teachers of the Year for the 2026-27 academic year in Vidor Independent School District, highlighting the university’s continued impact on education across Southeast Texas. 

Lamar University (LU) received the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Ethical AI Leadership, recognizing the university's commitment to integrating artificial intelligence responsibly across academics, technology, cybersecurity and institutional governance.

The Dishman Art Museum is featuring two summer exhibitions that celebrate Lamar University alumni and the broader campus artistic community through works exploring creativity, resilience and belonging.

Lamar University is launching a new Bachelor of Applied History program that blends traditional history coursework with communication training, GIS certification, and required internships to prepare students for careers in museums, media, government, and industry.

Lamar University and its affiliated media outlets earned recognition across journalism, broadcasting, digital media, marketing and public relations categories at the 2026 Press Club of Southeast Texas Excellence in Media Awards Gala on Friday, June 12.

Lamar University human resource management student Lea Walker expanded her personal and professional horizons by participating in the Business in Paris & La Rochelle study abroad program, which blended classroom learning with immersive cultural and corporate excursions across France.

Lamar University has rebranded STAR Services as the Center for Academic Success to better reflect its expanded role in providing comprehensive academic support, tutoring, coaching, and retention services for undergraduate students.

Twelve of the 15 recipients of the 2025-26 Wayne A. Reaud Excellence in Education Award are graduates of Lamar University, highlighting the university’s significant role in preparing educators and school leaders who serve students across Southeast Texas.

Lamar University alumni have been recognized as Teachers of the Year in Bridge City Independent School District.

Welcome new Cardinals! Meet your Orientation Leaders who are here to guide and support your transition to Lamar University.

Lamar University's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program kicked off with a record 18 students presenting 16 faculty-mentored research projects across multiple disciplines, highlighting the university's growing commitment to undergraduate research and innovation.

Historian and University Professor Dr. Jeff Forret combines a passion for uncovering overlooked stories of slavery and the American South with a commitment to teaching critical thinking, demonstrating how archival discoveries can illuminate enduring connections between the past and present.

Third-generation engineer Brandyn New, a 2026 Lamar University mechanical engineering graduate, will begin a career in cardiovascular research and development at Boston Scientific after gaining hands-on experience through internships, research opportunities and student organizations during his time at LU.

Lamar University student Marlina Marks has been named the First-Generation Student of the Month for June 2026.