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Lamar University

Beaumont, TX

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

“Living the Legacy, Inventing the Future”

1923
Founded
Public university
Type
7,945
Total Students
8,276
Undergrad
9,774
Graduate
$182M
Endowment
$9K
Tuition (In-State)
$18K
Tuition (Out-State)
$11K
Avg Net Price
86%
Acceptance Rate
37%
Graduation Rate
6-year
61%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: Jaime R. Taylor

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Lamar University

Lamar University: A century of innovation, growth, and pioneering desegregation.

Lamar University, a dynamic public institution in Beaumont, Texas, truly embodies its motto: "Living the Legacy, Inventing the Future." With a vibrant community of over 18,000 students and a rich history stretching back to 1923, Lamar offers a compelling blend of academic excellence and a welcoming campus experience designed for success.

Originally established as South Park Junior College, Lamar quickly gained recognition, becoming the first college in Texas to receive state Department of Education approval in its founding year. Its evolution through Lamar College and Lamar State College of Technology reflects a steady commitment to serving the region's educational needs. A pivotal moment in its history came in 1956 when a landmark federal ruling ended its segregated admissions policy, paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse campus community that continues to thrive today.

Academically, Lamar provides robust opportunities for growth, offering master's degrees since 1960 and pioneering doctoral programs, including the Doctor of Engineering, since 1970. The university is further strengthened by specialized units like the Lamar Institute of Technology, dedicated to technical and industrial education, and the prestigious Reaud Honors College. Prospective students will find a campus continually investing in their experience, with recent multi-million dollar renovations to the Setzer Student Center and modern residence halls like Cardinal Village, ensuring a supportive and engaging environment for all.

Key Highlights

  • ✦A vibrant public university serving over 18,000 students.
  • ✦Pioneering history, including its 1956 desegregation ruling that shaped its path.
  • ✦Offers a comprehensive range of programs, from master's degrees to doctoral studies in engineering.
  • ✦Founded in 1923, quickly becoming the first college in Texas to gain state approval in its inaugural year.
  • ✦Home to the Reaud Honors College and the technical-focused Lamar Institute of Technology.
  • ✦Continual campus enhancements, including a $28 million renovation of the Setzer Student Center and expanded housing.

Timeline

1923
Founded as South Park Junior College
1932
Renamed Lamar College
1949
Became Lamar State College of Technology
1956
Federal judge ruled Lamar's 'white youth' only admissions policy unconstitutional, leading to desegregation
1960
Authorized to offer master's degrees
1970
Began offering its first doctoral program, the Doctor of Engineering
1971
Officially changed its name to Lamar University
1990
Lamar Institute of Technology was created
1995
Incorporated into the Texas State University System
2018
Completed a $28 million renovation of the Setzer Student Center
🏛️
103 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Lamar University

🏫

Lamar Institute of Technology

Provides technical, business, health, and industrial education through programs two years or fewer in length.

🏫

Reaud Honors College

A prestigious academic unit within the university, established to provide advanced learning opportunities.

Leadership

Jaime R. Taylor
President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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