Student Orientation Coordinators (students who have led orientation for 2+ years) are the leaders of the entire Orientation Leader team. Applications for the 2024-25 Student Orientation Coordinator positions open August 30th, 2023 on LU HUB. Apply before they close on September 10th, 2023. 

Jo Smalley

Classification: Integrated
Major: Accounting

Favorite Leadership Quote: Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength. - Arnold Schwarzenegger

Favorite thing about LU: LU has an overall sense of community. During my time at the university I have had the opportunity to build community in and out of the classroom. Being able to experience this sense of community is vital to the higher education experience because students feel as though they belong. The communities we build connect us to each other and our goals and help us strive to do better, this is why my favorite thing about LU is the community students have created, PECK 'EM CARDS.

Why did you choose LU? Reason 1: Lamar has an accredited business school, Reason 2: Lamar is close to family, Reason 3: My parents met here.

Advice for new students: The best piece of advice I could offer to new students would be, get to know students within your own major. Since the beginning of my career at Lamar I have gone out of my way to create and join study groups. As a result when walking into a new class one of two things tends to happen: I see a familiar face or I have the opportunity to make new connections. Stepping out is understandably difficult, but the more you try the easier it becomes. Life is better if we live it together and by taking the first step to make connections you are ensuring future success.

Jacob Smith

Classification: Junior
Major: Nursing

Favorite Leadership Quote: Pain is temporary, victory lasts forever.

Favorite thing about LU: I like how easy it is to get involved, I like how I get to lead the students in school spirit and pride.

Why did you choose LU? It was close to my hometown, my dad went there, I wanted to go there since I was little.

Advice for new students: Get involved in everything possible, you get out what you put in.

Ja'Naya Bob

Classification: Senior
Major: Criminal Justice

Favorite Leadership Quote: Leadership is the capacity to translate visions into reality.

Favorite thing about LU: The diversity of the campus.

Why did you choose LU? Lamar was the perfect choice because it pushes to implement success in all their students.

Advice for new students: Take control of the opportunities around you. Never stop learning, working hard, and enjoying yourself along the way.

Jaqueline Rodriguez

Classification: Senior
Major: Biology

Favorite Leadership Quote: Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage continue to that counts. - Winston Churchill

Favorite thing about LU: The sense of community and the people.

Why did you choose LU? It was close to home and I wanted to have the college experience.

Advice for new students: Find a good study spot that works for you especially if you get distracted early! it’s really easy to procrastinate so make sure you stay on top of things. Also, make connections with your professors, it may help you in the long run!