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

�鶹ӳ�� 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 �鶹ӳ��.

�鶹ӳ��'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 �鶹ӳ�� 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.

�鶹ӳ�� student Marlina Marks has been named the First-Generation Student of the Month for June 2026.

�鶹ӳ��’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 �鶹ӳ��, 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.

�鶹ӳ�� 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.

�鶹ӳ�� 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.

�鶹ӳ�� 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.

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

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

�鶹ӳ�� 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 �鶹ӳ�� celebrated graduating honors students and faculty at its annual Spring Reception on April 23, recognizing achievements in leadership, research, community service and teaching.

The �鶹ӳ�� 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 �鶹ӳ�� Dance Team captured the Division 1 (D1) Small Hip Hop national championship at The College Classic in Orlando, Florida in April 2026.

�鶹ӳ�� 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 �鶹ӳ��, has received a Fulbright Scholar Award to teach flute and collaborate internationally in Sweden at Karlstad University during Spring 2027.

�鶹ӳ�� 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.

�鶹ӳ�� 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.

�鶹ӳ�� 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 �鶹ӳ�� 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.

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

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

�鶹ӳ�� 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.

�鶹ӳ�� 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 �鶹ӳ��, has been named one of the Top 50 Voices to Follow in Higher Education for 2026.

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

�鶹ӳ�� 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 �鶹ӳ��, featuring student performers in a free public performance.

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

Three �鶹ӳ�� 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.

�鶹ӳ�� 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.

�鶹ӳ��’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.

�鶹ӳ�� 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 �鶹ӳ�� 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.

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

�鶹ӳ�� 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. 

�鶹ӳ�� 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.

�鶹ӳ��’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.

�鶹ӳ�� 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, �鶹ӳ�� 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 �鶹ӳ��’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.

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