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�鶹��ý's Nancy Evans Reading Center served approximately 1,367 students and distributed more than 7,500 literacy resources through expanded partnerships with five Southeast Texas school districts during the 2026 school year.

Three �鶹��ý (LU) alumni have been recognized as Teachers of the Year for the 2026-27 academic year in Vidor Independent School District, highlighting the university’s continued impact on education across Southeast Texas. 

�鶹��ý (LU) received the 2026 Blackboard Catalyst Award for Ethical AI Leadership, recognizing the university's commitment to integrating artificial intelligence responsibly across academics, technology, cybersecurity and institutional governance.

The Dishman Art Museum is featuring two summer exhibitions that celebrate �鶹��ý alumni and the broader campus artistic community through works exploring creativity, resilience and belonging.

�鶹��ý is launching a new Bachelor of Applied History program that blends traditional history coursework with communication training, GIS certification, and required internships to prepare students for careers in museums, media, government, and industry.

�鶹��ý and its affiliated media outlets earned recognition across journalism, broadcasting, digital media, marketing and public relations categories at the 2026 Press Club of Southeast Texas Excellence in Media Awards Gala on Friday, June 12.

�鶹��ý human resource management student Lea Walker expanded her personal and professional horizons by participating in the Business in Paris & La Rochelle study abroad program, which blended classroom learning with immersive cultural and corporate excursions across France.

�鶹��ý has rebranded STAR Services as the Center for Academic Success to better reflect its expanded role in providing comprehensive academic support, tutoring, coaching, and retention services for undergraduate students.

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

�鶹��ý 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��ý.

�鶹��ý'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��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.

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

�鶹��ý student Elizabeth Diaz Arreola has been appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to serve as the Texas State University System student regent for the 2026-27 term.

�鶹��ý’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��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.

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

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

�鶹��ý 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��ý 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��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.

Dr. Brielle Frost, associate professor of music at �鶹��ý, has received a Fulbright Scholar Award to teach flute and collaborate internationally in Sweden at Karlstad University during Spring 2027.