�鶹��ý

Welcome new Cardinals! Meet your Orientation Leaders who are here to guide and support your transition to �鶹��ý.

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��ý 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.

After 30 years at �鶹��ý, 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.

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

�鶹��ý 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.

�鶹��ý 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.

For the first time in 15 years, �鶹��ý 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.

�鶹��ý assistant biology professor Dr. Kole Kubicek, a comparative anatomist and fish biologist, studies the development and evolution of fishes while mentoring students in both field and laboratory research, exploring how skeletal structures emerge and vary across species.

Baytown native Harvest Fairchild navigated �鶹��ý with openness and focus, discovering a passion for speech-language pathology through research, advocacy, and interprofessional collaboration, and is now preparing for a career that combines clinical practice, research, and meaningful community impact.

Valero’s $1 million endowed scholarship in engineering has supported 153 �鶹��ý students since 2009, providing more than $640,000 in aid and opening doors to mentorship, internships, and lasting career opportunities with the global energy company.

Known as America’s energy gateway, the Sabine-Neches Waterway is home to Southeast Texas’ four local ports – Port of Beaumont, Port of Orange, Port of Port Arthur, and Port of Sabine Pass – all of which are led by �鶹��ý alumni: Chris Fisher, port director/CEO for Port of Beaumont; Lorrie Taylor, executive port director/CEO for Port of Orange; Larry Kelley, port director/CEO for Port of Port Arthur; Mark Viator, port manager for Port of Sabine Pass.

�鶹��ý’s Reaud Honors College marked a milestone year of growth, leadership and national distinction, with record student achievements, expanded programs like the Reaud Leadership Institute, and recognition from the Texas State University System — solidifying its role as a driving force for academic excellence, civic service and innovation in Southeast Texas and beyond.

Kennedi Gordy, a junior mechanical engineering student at �鶹��ý, is using the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills she’s gained through student organizations like Zeta Tau Alpha and the Society of Women Engineers to excel in her internships and prepare for a successful career in engineering.

�鶹��ý senior Landon Paulino is pursuing his passion for electrical and aerospace engineering with hopes of one day helping advance human civilization beyond Earth.

The Reaud Honors College at �鶹��ý (LU) is proud to announce that Dr. Shannon Jordan, assistant professor of health and kinesiology, has been named associate dean.

Alyssa Daniels, a dedicated junior and senior academic advisor in �鶹��ý’s College of Business and a doctoral student in Educational Leadership, is committed to student success and advancing in higher education through continuous learning, leadership, and mentorship.

Dedicated to helping students grow as thinkers and individuals, Dr. Adam Nemmers combines a passion for literature with a deep commitment to mentorship, campus engagement, and fostering critical thought at �鶹��ý.

Dr. Elizabeth Long didn’t enter nursing for the sentiment, but through decades of bedside care, teaching, and research, she’s come to believe the most important question in healthcare isn’t what’s the matter with someone, but what matters to them.

�鶹��ý’s 2025 New Student Orientation Leaders are here to welcome new Cardinals, offering guidance, support, and campus insights to help make your transition to college life smooth, informed, and fun.

Porter LaPray’s path to �鶹��ý hasn’t been straightforward, but through setbacks, detours, and a renewed focus, he’s found his footing—and a future—in theatre.

Adriana Wong, an interdisciplinary studies senior, turned her childhood crochet hobby into a small business that helps her manage stress and inspires her future goal of creating a welcoming, creative classroom as a bilingual elementary teacher.

Exercise science students Michael Bellot and Kayla McKinley participated in the Scholars Transforming Through Research program, advocating for the importance of undergraduate research and discussing their projects with congressional staffers in Washington, D.C.