Lamar University USA ! The Information Line

Lamar University is a public university located in Beaumont, Texas, USA. It is part of the Texas State University System and is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, education, and arts and sciences. Here’s an overview of the university:

Quick Facts:

• Founded: 1923
• Type: Public university
• Location: Beaumont, Texas (approximately 90 miles east of Houston)
• Enrollment: Over 17,000 students (undergraduate and graduate)
• Mascot: Big Red (a cardinal)
• Colors: Red and White

Academic Offerings:

• Colleges:
  1. College of Business
  2. College of Education and Human Development
  3. College of Engineering
  4. College of Fine Arts and Communication
  5. College of Arts and Sciences
  6. Reaud Honors College
• Programs: Offers over 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. Known particularly for its engineering, education, and business programs.

Rankings and Recognition:

• Lamar University is recognized for affordability and academic quality, particularly for its online programs and engineering degrees.

Campus:

• The main campus in Beaumont features state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, research centers, and athletic complexes.

Athletics:

• Competes in NCAA Division I sports, primarily in the Southland Conference.
• Teams are called the Lamar Cardinals.

Notable Facilities:

• Dishman Art Museum
• Mary and John Gray Library
• Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center

Online Education:

• Lamar University has a robust online learning program, especially known for its online Master of Education (M.Ed.) degrees.

History:

• Founded in 1923 as South Park Junior College, Lamar University has evolved significantly over the years.
• Renamed Lamar College in 1932 and became Lamar State College of Technology in 1949.
• Achieved university status in 1971 and became known as Lamar University.
• Joined the Texas State University System in 1995.

Academic Structure:

Lamar University offers a wide range of programs through six academic colleges:

1. College of Business:
   • Offers degrees in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and an AACSB-accredited MBA program.
2. College of Education and Human Development:
   • Offers undergraduate and graduate programs in teacher education, counseling, and educational leadership.
   • Known for its online Master of Education (M.Ed.) programs.
3. College of Engineering:
   • Offers programs in Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering.
   • Known for its co-op and internship opportunities with regional industries.
4. College of Fine Arts and Communication:
   • Includes programs in Art, Music, Theatre, Communication, and Deaf Studies.
   • Home to the Dishman Art Museum and the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music.
5. College of Arts and Sciences:
   • Largest college at Lamar University.
   • Offers degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Mathematics, Political Science, Psychology, and more.
6. Reaud Honors College:
   • Provides enhanced learning opportunities for high-achieving students.

Research and Innovation:

• Lamar University emphasizes hands-on research in fields like engineering, environmental science, and business.
• Facilities include the Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality (CAWAQ) and the Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (CICE).

Campus Life and Student Resources:

• Housing: On-campus housing options include residence halls like Cardinal Village and Gentry Hall.
• Student Organizations: Over 150 student organizations including cultural, academic, and professional groups.
• Recreational Facilities:
  • Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center: Offers fitness classes, a climbing wall, basketball courts, and more.
  • Provost Umphrey Stadium: Home of the Lamar Cardinals football team.

Notable Alumni:

• Kevin Millar – Former MLB player and World Series champion.
• Bum Phillips – Former NFL coach.
• Louie Welch – Former Mayor of Houston.
• Michael Berry – Radio host and political commentator.

Diversity and Inclusion:

• Lamar University is known for promoting a diverse student body with programs to support international students and underrepresented groups.
• The university supports multicultural initiatives and resources for students with disabilities.

Online Education:

Lamar University is a leader in online education, offering fully online undergraduate and graduate programs. Popular online programs include:

• Master of Education (M.Ed.) in various specializations.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• RN to BSN programs for nursing professionals.

Community Engagement:

• Location: Situated in Beaumont, Texas, a hub for energy, petrochemical, and shipping industries.
• Strong partnerships with local industries and community organizations offer internships and job placement opportunities for students.

Detailed Academic Offerings

Undergraduate Degrees

Lamar University offers more than 100 undergraduate degree programs across various disciplines, including:

• Engineering: Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical, and Computer Engineering.
• Business: Accounting, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Management, and Marketing.
• Health Sciences: Nursing, Kinesiology, and Exercise Science.
• Humanities: English, History, and Modern Languages.
• Social Sciences: Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, and Criminal Justice.
• Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Environmental Science.

Graduate Programs

Lamar University offers a range of master’s and doctoral programs designed for professional growth, including:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with various specializations.
• Master of Engineering (M.E.) and Master of Engineering Science (M.S.) degrees.
• Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership, Counseling, and more.
• Doctoral Degrees:
  • Doctor of Engineering (D.E.)
  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership
  • Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Notable Research Centers and Facilities

1. Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality (CAWAQ): Focuses on environmental research and sustainability.
2. Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (CICE): Supports business startups, innovation, and entrepreneurial development.
3. JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing: Equipped with modern simulation labs and clinical practice areas.
4. Mary and John Gray Library: A comprehensive library offering research support, digital resources, and quiet study spaces.
5. SCORE (Spindletop Center for Outdoor Research and Education): Provides outdoor research and educational opportunities.

Campus Features

Main Campus

• Location: 292-acre campus in Beaumont, Texas, featuring green spaces, modern buildings, and historic architecture.
• Facilities: State-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, performance spaces, and athletic facilities.

Key Buildings and Centers

• Setzer Student Center (SSC): The heart of student life with lounges, meeting rooms, and dining options.
• Dishman Art Museum: Exhibits contemporary art and student works.
• Reaud Administration Building: Administrative offices and student services.
• Montagne Center: Arena for sports events, concerts, and gatherings.

Athletics and Sports Programs

Teams and Competitions

• Competes in the NCAA Division I and the Southland Conference.
• Offers 17 varsity sports teams including:
  • Men’s Sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball, Golf, Cross Country, Tennis, Track & Field.
  • Women’s Sports: Basketball, Softball, Soccer, Tennis, Cross Country, Track & Field, Volleyball, Golf.

Athletic Facilities

• Provost Umphrey Stadium: Home of Lamar Cardinals football.
• Vincent-Beck Stadium: Baseball venue.
• Montagne Center: Basketball and indoor sports.
• Thompson Family Tennis Center: Tennis matches and tournaments.

Club and Intramural Sports

• Offers a variety of club and intramural sports for students including soccer, flag football, basketball, and more.

Student Support Services

1. Academic Advising: Personalized guidance for course selection and career planning.
2. Career Services: Resume workshops, job fairs, and internship placement assistance.
3. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): Mental health services for students.
4. Disability Resource Center (DRC): Support for students with disabilities.
5. Writing Center and Tutoring Services: Academic support in writing and various subjects.

Diversity and Inclusion

Lamar University promotes an inclusive environment through:

• Office of Diversity and Inclusion: Programs to foster equity and cultural awareness.
• Multicultural Student Organizations: Including the Black Student Association (BSA), Latinx Student Association, and Asian Students Association.
• International Student Services: Support for students from over 50 countries.

Community and Industry Connections

• Beaumont Location: The city of Beaumont is known for its industries in oil, gas, and petrochemicals, offering ample opportunities for internships and employment.
• Industry Partnerships: Lamar University collaborates with major companies like ExxonMobil, Valero, and Chevron.
• Service Learning: Many programs integrate community service and hands-on learning opportunities.

Notable Traditions and Events

1. Homecoming Week: Celebrations with football games, parades, and campus events.
2. Week of Welcome (WOW): Orientation events for new students.
3. Cardinal Carnival: Annual festival with games, food, and entertainment.
4. Commencement Ceremonies: Held in the Montagne Center with keynote speakers and traditions.

Admissions and Financial Aid

• Admission Rate: Approximately 88% acceptance rate.
• Financial Aid: Over $10 million awarded annually in scholarships, grants, and work-study programs.
• Scholarships: Includes merit-based, need-based, and departmental scholarships.

Rankings and Recognition

• Top Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
• ABET Accreditation for engineering programs.
• Best Value Colleges for affordability and return on investment.

History of Lamar University

• Early Beginnings:
  • Founded in 1923 as South Park Junior College to meet the educational needs of Southeast Texas.
  • Renamed Lamar College in 1932 in honor of Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas and known as the “Father of Texas Education.”
  • Transitioned to a four-year college in 1949 as Lamar State College of Technology and became a university in 1971.
• Milestones:
  • Integrated in 1956 and became one of the first schools in Texas to desegregate peacefully.
  • 1995: Became part of the Texas State University System, solidifying its role in public higher education.

International Student Community

• Global Reach:
  • Lamar University hosts students from over 50 countries, particularly strong in attracting students from India, Nigeria, Vietnam, and China.
  • The Office of International Education and Services assists with visa applications, cultural integration, and academic support.
• Popular Programs for International Students:
  • Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • MBA
  • Nursing and Health Sciences
• Cultural Organizations:
  • Indian Student Association (ISA)
  • African Student Association (ASA)
  • Asian Students Association
  • International Student Council

Research and Innovation

Lamar University is committed to advancing knowledge through cutting-edge research and community-driven innovation:

1. Research Funding:
   • Receives millions in research grants annually from organizations like the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), and private industry partners.
2. Key Research Areas:
   • Environmental Sustainability: Water quality, air pollution, and coastal resilience.
   • Energy: Oil, gas, and renewable energy research.
   • Cybersecurity: Collaboration with governmental and private sectors.
   • Health Sciences: Innovations in nursing education, public health, and kinesiology.
3. Undergraduate Research Opportunities:
   • Programs like the McNair Scholars Program and LU Undergraduate Research Fellows provide mentorship and funding for student research.
4. Centers and Labs:
   • Center for Advances in Port Management (CAPM)
   • Texas Air Research Center (TARC)
   • Lamar University Robotics Lab
   • Chemical Engineering Research Center

Campus Resources and Facilities

Libraries and Study Spaces

• Mary and John Gray Library:
  • Four-story library with over 1 million volumes and extensive digital resources.
  • Offers study rooms, research consultations, and a makerspace for creative projects.
• Learning and Research Commons:
  • Collaborative space with 24/7 access during exam periods.

Technology Infrastructure

• Digital Learning Resources:
  • Online portals for class materials, grades, and assignments via Blackboard.
  • Access to software like MATLAB, SPSS, and AutoCAD for coursework and research.
• Innovation Spaces:
  • Makerspace and 3D Printing Labs: Available for engineering and design students.
  • Virtual Reality Lab: Used in education, engineering, and health sciences programs.

Arts and Culture

Performance Venues

• Dishman Art Museum:
  • Features rotating exhibitions, student showcases, and contemporary art collections.
• Rothwell Recital Hall:
  • Hosts music performances, lectures, and masterclasses.
• University Theatre:
  • Known for high-quality productions by the Department of Theatre and Dance.

Music and Performing Arts Programs

• Marching Band:
  • The “Showcase of Southeast Texas” performs at sports events and parades.
• Choirs and Ensembles:
  • Opportunities to join the A Cappella Choir, Cardinal Singers, and Jazz Ensemble.

Sustainability Initiatives

Lamar University is committed to promoting environmental responsibility through:

• Recycling Programs: Campus-wide recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
• Energy Efficiency: Green building designs and energy-efficient facilities.
• Sustainability-focused Curricula: Courses in environmental science, sustainability, and renewable energy.

Alumni Achievements

Lamar University alumni have made significant contributions across various fields:

1. Sports:
   • Kevin Millar – MLB World Series champion.
   • James Gulley – NFL player.
2. Politics:
   • Louie Welch – Former mayor of Houston.
3. Business:
   • David J. Beck – Founding partner of Beck Redden law firm.
4. Academia and Science:
   • Dr. Charles McClelland – Commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

University Traditions

• “LU” Spirit Bell:
  • Rung during significant campus events and victories.
• Red Day Fridays:
  • Students, faculty, and staff wear red to show school spirit.
• Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally:
  • Annual festivities that unite students, alumni, and the local community.

Admissions Information

Application Requirements

• Undergraduate:
  • Online application via ApplyTexas or CommonApp.
  • Required: Transcripts, SAT/ACT scores (optional for some programs).
• Graduate:
  • Program-specific requirements, including GRE/GMAT scores, recommendation letters, and personal statements.

Tuition and Fees

• In-state Tuition: Approximately $10,000 per year.
• Out-of-state/International Tuition: Approximately $23,000 per year.
• Scholarships and Financial Aid:
  • Merit-based, need-based, and departmental scholarships are available.

For official admissions details: Lamar University Admissions.