2026 News

Lamar University's Department of Mathematics is offering two fast-track degree pathways that allow students to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree in five years, along with an updated mathematics education concentration designed to prepare future teachers.

Lamar University's (LU) Center for Rule of Law, Justice, and Emerging Technology hosted "From Southeast Texas to the World" on Oct. 29, bringing together students from various academic disciplines to explore opportunities in public service, professional development and international education. 

Lamar University (LU) has recognized Ayna Arif, a senior psychology major on the pre-medical track, as its November First-Generation Student of the Month. 

Lamar University's (LU) Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music will host a series of concerts and performances throughout November, featuring student ensembles, faculty musicians and an album release celebration at venues across Beaumont. 

Lamar University students showcased research, creative projects and experiential learning opportunities during the 2026 Honors Scholars Day, which drew more than 115 guests and introduced Outstanding Presenter Awards recognizing three students.

Lamar University has expanded its Master of Science in Criminal Justice program with two new concentrations in cybersecurity and homeland security.

The Lamar University Venture Center has received a $5,000 grant from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) to support student entrepreneurs competing in the Cardinal Ideas Pitch Competition on Nov. 12. 

Two Lamar University students earned first place in the SWIVEL Challenge at RowdyHacks XII, a 24-hour hackathon held Oct. 3-4 in San Antonio, for developing an artificial intelligence-powered tool designed to detect and interrupt phone scams in real time.

Lamar University’s Department of Theatre and Dance will present “The Wonder in Alice: A Version of Alice in Wonderland,” written and directed by Kate Brennan, Oct. 22 through Nov. 1 at the University Theatre.

Lamar University (LU) has welcomed 45 new students to the Smith-Hutson Scholars Program for the 2026-27 academic year, marking the largest incoming cohort in the university's history as the program celebrates 15 years of partnership with LU.

Lamar University’s College of Business hosted the inaugural Southeast Texas Energy Day celebration Friday, Oct. 9, at the LU Welcome Center, bringing together university leadership, local officials and industry representatives to recognize the region’s contributions to the energy industry and its role in shaping the sector’s future.

Lamar University (LU) and its affiliated Texas State University System institutions in Southeast Texas have announced the 2026 recipients of the Julie and Ben Rogers Community Service Award, recognizing four faculty and staff members whose service extends beyond their campuses and into the communities they serve.

Lamar University’s Red Day 2026 raised $289,750, marking a record-breaking year for the university’s annual day of giving.

Lamar University Assistant Professor of Computer Science Tauhidul Alam received a $199,839 NSF award to develop autonomous robotic systems for more efficient monitoring of changing aquatic environments.

Lamar University’s Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music will host a monthlong lineup of free October performances featuring faculty, student ensembles, guest artists, jazz and opera.

Lamar University (LU) sophomore Brittanny J. Sherman has been named First-Generation Student of the Month for October 2026.

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.