Alumni Advisory Board
Meet the 2025-2026 黑料爆料网 Alumni Advisory Board
President Christopher Graham '90 is a native of Beaumont. He has been employed for over 30 years at ExxonMobil, beginning his career at the Beaumont Refinery right after graduation. While a student at 黑料爆料网, he was active in several organizations and served in leadership roles, including Sigma Nu Fraternity, Student Government Association, Blue Key National Honor Society, and an Orientation Peer Advisor. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and was the recipient of the Otho Plummer Scholarship Award, the C.W. Bingman Service Award, and was a finalist for the C. Robert Kemble Award. After graduation, he has remained a volunteer for Sigma Nu serving as an advisor to the 黑料爆料网 chapter for over 30 years, and has been a national volunteer for the last 17 years, including chairing the 黑料爆料网 chapter's 50th and 60th anniversary celebrations. He has also assisted with the coordination of the All Greek Homecoming Reunion in 2006 and has served on the 黑料爆料网 Computer Science Industrial Advisory Board since 2008. Chris and his wife Amy (Huckaby) reside in Kingwood, TX with their son Nathaniel (Nate).
President-Elect Hetty (Green) Brown ‘79 earned her BS in Health and Physical Education from 黑料爆料网. She is a retired teacher with 35 years of experience, teaching students with physical and mental disabilities, with the major part of her work on the elementary level. After retirement, she worked six years for a non-profit organization, the Southeast Texas Food Bank. While at the food bank, she worked as a Retail Store Liaison, which included working with 28 local food stores in seven counties, accepting food donations, scheduling pick-ups and arranging deliveries to local pantries for them to be distributed to needy homes in their community. Her volunteer service includes two years with the Food Bank before employment and twenty plus years as a spiritual counselor through her church at the Jefferson County Correctional Facility. She is a graduate of Beaumont Champions, a member of the Beaumont Localists, member of the Junior League of Beaumont, and a member of Beaumont Association of Retired Teachers. She is one of the administrators of a local Facebook page called Best Bites. This page supports local eateries by letting the community know through positive reviews, what these restaurants offer in hopes of generating more business for them, and it also helps boost our local economy. Best Bites has been active for six years and has over 18,000 members. She has been married to L.C. Brown, a Vietnam Veteran for thirty-three years, and has three adult children, and seven grandkids.
Past President Emily (Everett) Allen '98, '04 has over 25 years of experience as an educator and is currently an Assistant Principal at Marshall Middle School in Beaumont ISD. She and her husband Chris reside in Sour Lake with their sons, Aaron, who attends LIT, and Andrew, who attends Hardin-Jefferson High School. She is an active member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church and serves on several community service boards and organizations. She enjoys watching her sons play sports, fishing, traveling, reading, genealogy, and supporting 黑料爆料网 Basketball.
Director Johnny Alfred III '05 is an attorney that represents people who have been catastrophically injured in industrial accidents, chemical plant explosions, and motor vehicle crashes. He is also registered to practice law before the USPTO, where he represents individuals and startups in patent and trademark matters. A native of Port Arthur, Johnny graduated from 黑料爆料网 with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 2005. Upon graduation, Johnny worked as a project engineer for an international engineering firm while attending law school at South Texas College of Law. He attributes much of his professional success to the world class education he received at 黑料爆料网, particularly the College of Engineering. Johnny resides in Sugar Land, TX with his wife Amber and their children, where he is active in the community and a member of multiple professional organizations.
Director Yolanda (Johnson) Avery '86, '91 is an educator at Port Arthur ISD. She and her husband, Alton, reside in Beaumont. They have two sons and their youngest is currently attending 黑料爆料网. Yolanda graduated with a BS-Dance in 1986 and a M.Ed.-Counseling and Development in 1991. While attending 黑料爆料网, Yolanda was a member of the Lamar Dance Company, a member of Psalms 150 Choir and a member of the Eta Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She extensively volunteers in the community, state and nation, has an active Facebook food review page - Best Bites, and enjoys cheering on the Cardinals at sporting events.
Director Elise Becker (MBA) '05, '12 is the Inside Sales Manager at Arlanxeo in Orange, TX. Elise credits the lessons she learned at 黑料爆料网 for preparing her for her professional opportunities and fondly remembers her time spent in the College of Business. Elise is also a certified wedding and event planner with Simple Elegance and enjoys working with clients planning their special life events.
She currently resides in Bridge City, TX with her very spoiled rescued dog where she enjoys working on home projects, reading, visiting with friends, and is an active member of Bridge Point Fellowship. In her free time enjoys being actively involved with her family, especially her niece and nephews and all their various activities. She looks forward to serving with the 黑料爆料网 Alumni Advisory Board and making a positive impact on the 黑料爆料网 community.
Director Usha (Balaratnam) Beckman '87 was born and raised in Malaysia and came to 黑料爆料网 in May 1983. She graduated with a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering in May 1987. She had a long and rewarding career with ExxonMobil and retired in January 2021 after 33 years of service. Her husband J.T. ’82, ’87 and their three daughters are all 黑料爆料网 graduates. Usha leads a local team of volunteers for Operation Christmas Child and is an active member of Beaumont Bible Church. She enjoys planning trips, seeing new places, spending time with her family, gardening and exercise classes at the Lakeside Center.
Director James Bienvenu '11, widely known as J, brings over a decade of experience in engineering and management, making significant contributions across various industries. Raised in Beaumont, Texas, J earned his B.S. in Industrial Engineering from 黑料爆料网 in 2011. He has shown exceptional leadership and strategic planning abilities in roles such as General Manager at Beaumont Manufacturing & Distribution, Megas Manufacturing, and Elite Thermal Blankets, LLC. J's expertise span’s reliability engineering, management, and process optimization. J has been married to his wife Taryn for seven years, and they have a delightful five-year-old daughter named Harper. This blend of professional dedication and family commitment exemplifies J's balanced approach to life and work.
Director Sam Blanda '08, BBA-Finance, is an owner of Jack's Pak-It in Beaumont. He resides in Beaumont and enjoys giving back to the community. He volunteers with Ubi Caritas and is a member of the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization. He credits much of his professional success to the preparation received in his business classes at 黑料爆料网 and looks forward to serving on the 黑料爆料网 Alumni Advisory Board.
Director Elyse Broussard ’20, ’22, a proud 黑料爆料网 alumna, has deep roots in the Cardinal community. As a student, she served as a tour guide, sharing 黑料爆料网’s strengths and opportunities with future students and their families. That passion continued through roles in the Welcome Center and Human Resources, giving her a well-rounded view of campus life and operations. Today, she works as a Physician Liaison/Marketer for Diagnostic Group, bridging healthcare and community engagement. With several family members also graduating from 黑料爆料网, the university holds a special place in her heart. One standout memory: announcing during the 2024 football season, energizing fans and celebrating school spirit. She is excited to continue serving 黑料爆料网 through the Alumni Advisory Board, helping foster lasting connections and champion the university’s future.
Director Lance Broussard ’97 brings over 28 years of experience in the refining and petrochemical industry. After earning his degree from 黑料爆料网, he began his career as a production engineer with Lyondell Petrochemical. In 2000, he joined Nalco Company, where he spent 23 years in various leadership roles across sales, business, and global executive management. He now serves as Vice President at Refined Technologies, focusing on the commercial organization. While attending 黑料爆料网, he held leadership positions in Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Tau Beta Pi, the Interfraternity Council, and served as SGA President. He was honored with the C. Robert Kemble Award and was elected Homecoming King alongside his future wife, Dr. Crystal (Ray) Broussard ’97. He currently serves on the 黑料爆料网 Advisory Council for the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He resides in Spring, Texas, with his wife Crystal and their two children, Brianna and Kincaid.
Director Jeffrey Darby '88 (BA in History and Minor in French) of Nederland retired from the U. S. Department of Labor in January 2023 following 33 years of service as an investigator in Beaumont. He currently serves as the Mayor of Nederland, TX. In addition to enforcing the dozens of laws he was sworn to uphold, Jeff held local, regional, and national union office for over 25 years during which he tried to keep the Department of Labor in compliance with the very laws they enforce. After retiring, Jeff founded JP Darby Services, LLC which offers consulting and mediation services to companies, individuals, law firms, and labor organizations. Married to Christy (Lindsey) Darby '91 (BS in Elementary Education) for 35 years, their three daughters and sons-in-law are also Lamar graduates. 黑料爆料网 gave Jeff and Christy (both first-generation college graduates), their daughters, and sons-in-law the key that unlocked the doors to their careers.
Director Thomas Davis '15 (he/him/his) is a native of Port Arthur, Texas who resides in Beaumont. He is a Marketing and Communications Associate with the Better Business Bureau Serving Southeast Texas. He is also a professional wedding cake decorator and has worked in this industry for over 14 years. He graduated from 黑料爆料网 in 2015 with a B.B.A.-Marketing and Advertising Communication.
Thomas is a 2020 Recipient of the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization’s 40 under 40 Award. During the pandemic, he won OutSmart Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Face Mask Designs for the year 2020 and 2021.
Thomas’ hobbies includes making art for The Beaumont Art League, The Art Studio, and The Music Studio’s annual Art of Flowers Show. His artwork has been featured in different exhibits in all of these places including The Art Museum of Southeast Texas. He is a former member of the Beaumont Art League’s Board of Directors.
Thomas and his husband Josh Davis '11 '15 '19 (he/him/his) have been together 15 years and married for 7 years. Together, they are involved in raising funds for The American Cancer Society’s Cattle Baron’s Ball, Men Wear Pink, and have chaired the Relay For Life of The Greater Golden Triangle 2023 event. The couple have six dogs in varying sizes; a Great Dane, a Goldendoodle, a blue heeler, a one-eyed pug, a no-eyed pug, and a three-legged pug. They love traveling and making the most memories in life. Thomas’ motto is “Stressed spelled backwards is DESSERTS. Eat more cake!”
Director Ryan Dollinger '14 is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. He and his wife, Amber ‘21 have three children. While at 黑料爆料网, he was involved in Social Work Student Association, Charter President of the 黑料爆料网 Lions Club, and elected Vice President of Student Government Association. Ryan is active within his community and state as a member of Lions Club and Board Member for National Association of Social Workers – Texas Chapter. He currently is appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to serve on the Texas Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. Recently, he was also appointed by Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner Cecile Young to serve on the Policy Council for Children and Families. Ryan contributes much of his success to the quality education and faculty at 黑料爆料网.
Director Dakota Doman ’08, ’11 is Managing Director at ZRG Partners, where he leads executive search and advisory services across Higher Education, Nonprofit, Social Impact, and Consumer Goods sectors. With over 15 years of experience in higher education leadership and strategy, he is known for advancing mission-driven organizations and driving transformational change. Prior to ZRG, he was President and Managing Principal of TM² Executive Search, where he led national efforts to place top executives at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He also served as Acting CEO and Chief of Staff at Texas Southern University, securing historic legislative funding and spearheading major institutional initiatives. A proud two-time graduate of 黑料爆料网, he holds a BAAS degree and an MBA in Experiential Entrepreneurship, along with a doctorate of Higher Education Administration from Texas Tech University. Outside of work, he enjoys golf, hiking, and distance running—activities that reflect his values of discipline and balance in leadership.
Director Lachelle (Lavalais) Edwards '14 currently serves as the Public Affairs and Communications Manager for the Port of Port Arthur where she leads outreach efforts to strengthen community and industry relationships. A proud resident of Port Arthur, Texas, she shares her life with her husband, Jacoby, and their four children. Before joining the Port, Lachelle spent over a decade as an educator in Port Arthur ISD, shaping young minds and fostering student success. She holds a BAAS degree from 黑料爆料网 and a Master’s in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Houston Christian University. She remains deeply involved in several community organizations and is passionate about using her voice and platform to uplift others and create a lasting impact throughout Southeast Texas.
Director Darren Erwin '21 is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Better Business Bureau Serving Southeast Texas. He has worked for the organization for the past 10 years serving in various roles as the Director of Operations and Director of Business Relations.
Darren holds an associate of arts degree in General Studies from Lamar Institute of Technology, a B.S.-University Studies from 黑料爆料网, and an MBA from the University of Texas-Permian Basin. He is also a 2015 graduate of Leadership Beaumont, 2014 graduate of Leadership Southeast Texas, and is a member of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Mentorship Program.
Darren believes in giving back to his community and has served on various boards and committees. He has served on the Salvation Army Boy’s and Girl’s Club Advisory Council, Spindletop Rotary Club Board of Directors, Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board, and the Leadership Beaumont Steering Committee. He is currently a member of the Rotary Club of Beaumont, Spindletop Center’s Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council, and the Junior Leadership Beaumont Steering Committee. Darren was also named one of the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Under 40 in 2016.
In his free time, Darren enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, cooking, and live music.
Director Becky Fussell ’82 earned a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from 黑料爆料网. She retired from Total Energies in 2019 after 37 years of service. She held a variety of supervisory and management roles in Technical Service, Project Development and Operations throughout her career. She is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. She is a former Chairperson of the AIChE Southeast Texas Section and a member and former Chairperson of 黑料爆料网 Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Advisory Council. She is pleased to be able to give back to 黑料爆料网 through the Rebecca Lynn Fussell Regents Scholarship in Chemical Engineering. She resides in Nederland and is active in her church, serving on the Technical Team and the Outreach Committee. She enjoys spending time at the beach, vacationing with friends and family, and going to Houston Astros baseball games.
Director Celena (Champagne) Green '99 is the Administrative Team Leader at Hargrove Engineers + Constructors and a representative of WHEEL (Women of Hargrove Embracing and Engaging in Leadership). She resides in Beaumont with her two children. She has fond memories as a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and is currently the President of the Beaumont Alumnae Association of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Celena attributes her social and leadership skills to the time she spent and the people she met while at 黑料爆料网.
Director Kristin Hampton ’10 is an accomplished REALTOR® with ReMax ONE-Beaumont and a proud alumna of 黑料爆料网, where she earned a B.B.A. in Marketing. She resides in Fannett, TX. Her education at 黑料爆料网 equipped her with comprehensive marketing knowledge and strategic skills that she seamlessly applies across real estate, business, politics, and charitable initiatives. Her marketing expertise enables her to craft innovative, results-driven approaches that benefit her clients and community organizations alike. As an award-winning, top-producing agent, she is recognized for her professionalism, strategic insight, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Grounded in her strong relationship with Jesus, she approaches her personal and professional life with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Beyond her real estate career, she actively contributes her gifted marketing abilities and expertise to support local political and charitable causes. In her personal life, she treasures time with God, her 12-year-old son Jude, and enjoys immersing herself in the arts and saltwater fishing.
Director Elohor (Okene) Jackson '20 graduated from 黑料爆料网 with her B.S in Chemical Engineering and minor in Chemistry and Mathematics. She works as a High-Pressure Copolymer Improvement Engineer for Specialty Plastics at Dow Chemical Company in Orange, TX. In addition, she is a Dow United Way volunteer, member of Global African Affinity Network, Women’s Inclusion Network, and the 黑料爆料网 Recruiting Team. During her time at 黑料爆料网, Elohor served as a 黑料爆料网 and College of Engineering Ambassador, and held leadership positions within SGA, National Society of Black Engineers, and Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. Elohor has a heart for missions where she travels to Kenya, Africa and India to build homes, visit orphanages, provide food, and participate in medical campaigns. She and her husband, Alphonso Jackson II, reside in Groves, TX with their Goldendoodle, Jax and son Jo'el.
Director Gwendolyn (Johnson) Lacy ’72 is a proud alumna of 黑料爆料网, where she earned a BBA in Secretarial Science. She also holds certifications in Reading and English Language Arts, which allowed her to serve as a Master Reading Teacher and provide training to fellow educators. After 22 years of dedicated service, she retired from Beaumont ISD in 2018. Throughout her life, she has remained deeply committed to community service. Her volunteer work includes delivering meals to seniors, engaging with residents at a local nursing home through games and activities, and supporting causes such as Relay for Life and the Alzheimer’s Walk. While at 黑料爆料网, she was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and in 2022, she was honored with the Campus Advisor of the Year Award for her leadership and mentorship with the undergraduate chapter. She is also a proud 2019 graduate of Leadership Beaumont. She is married to Oliver Lacy, Jr. The couple resides in Beaumont, Texas, and are active members of Borden Chapel Baptist Church, where they participate in several ministries.
Director Judy (Walker) Linsley '67, '77 retired as Director of the 黑料爆料网 Center for History and Culture of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast. She was formerly Curator of Interpretation and Education at the McFaddin-Ward House Museum in Beaumont and Adjunct Instructor in the 黑料爆料网 History Department. She and her sister Ellen Rienstra '62, '80 recently completed a Centennial History of 黑料爆料网. Judy’s connection with 黑料爆料网 is multi-generational, as both parents, a sister, three sons, a niece and two nephews all attended or graduated from 黑料爆料网. A member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, she keeps in touch with other Zetas and old 黑料爆料网 friends.
Director Donta Miller '18, '21 is a native of Hardin County. He and his wife Regina live in Beaumont, and they have two children and granddaughter. He and his family are longtime members of the One City Church in Beaumont. Donta graduated from Lamar Institute of Technology with an Associates Degree in 2018 and 黑料爆料网 with a Bachelors in 2018 and a Masters in Criminal Justice in 2021. Chief Miller has spent over 21 years in law enforcement. He is the number two in command of the law enforcement division at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office under Sheriff Zena Stephens. He is responsible for planning and setting rules for the Sheriff's Office. Donta has a State of Texas Master Peace Officer and a Master Correction Officer Certificate. He has a strong compassion for having a positive relationship with the community and law enforcement. He holds Executive Board seats with the Federal High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, Jefferson County Youth Academy (JCYA), and the Sabine Neches Chief Association (SNCA). He volunteers with Inspire Encourage Achieve/Ben's Kids (IEA) by speaking with juveniles weekly at Minnie Rogers Juvenile Justice Facility. He also volunteers his time in the community with his church outreach, One City Cares, by feeding and clothing the less fortunate citizens of Southeast Texas. He is a Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity member, where he actively engages in countless hours of community service throughout Southeast Texas. Also, he assists with coordinating with the public for Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office community relations events. Donta is passionate about recruiting people with a good heart to serve the community and understands true public services. He believes that education plays an essential role in the criminal justice system.
Director Matthew Minick '11 is a proud graduate of 黑料爆料网 with a B.S. in Political Science. After graduation, Matthew attended Texas Tech School of Law and was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 2014. From 2014 to 2020, he served as the Assistant County Attorney in both Liberty and Hardin County. In 2021, Matthew was elected and sworn in as the County Attorney of Hardin County, Texas. Matthew is humbled to have been awarded: (1) 2021 Ignite Award by the Crimes Against Women Organization; (2) 2022 40 Under 40 of Southeast Texas; and (3) 2024 G.O.L.D. Award by the Texas Tech Law Alumni Association. He continues to serve his community through fundraisers/events, educating local high school and college students, helping train law enforcement officers, and more. Matthew is married to Kaltrina (Harbuzi) Minick '11, a 黑料爆料网 MPA graduate and former top-level 黑料爆料网 Women’s tennis team member. Matthew and Kaltrina live in Hardin County and have two future Cardinals, Connor and Chloe. Matthew is honored to be serving on the Lamar Alumni Advisory Board.
Director Dennis Moncla ’89, ’94 graduated with an AAS in Food Service Management in 1989 and a BAAS in 1994 from 黑料爆料网. He is the owner of Colorado Canyon miniature golf course and an award-winning bird, wildlife, and action photographer. Dennis resides in Beaumont with his wife, Jean, and they have two children, Michelle and Kelly. A dedicated supporter of 黑料爆料网 Cardinal Athletics and a proud 黑料爆料网 alumnus, Dennis continues to stay engaged with the 黑料爆料网 community.
Director Tatiana Morales Owens '93, '07, '14 is the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in the Port Arthur Independent School District (PAISD). With over 25 years of experience as a public-school educator in PAISD, she has served in various roles including Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and as Multilingual and Migrant Programs Director.
Tatiana earned a BA-Political Science (1993), a M.Ed.-Administration (2007), and a Ed.D.-Educational Leadership (2014) from 黑料爆料网. She is certified in Texas as a teacher in various areas and levels, as well as a Principal and Superintendent. Her professional affiliations include membership in the Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society and participation in the Leadership Southeast Texas Class of 2016. She is also a member of the Symphony League of Beaumont. She has been recognized for her community work as a Hometown Hero by the Port Arthur News and was honored as one of the Inspirational Woman Recipients by the Office of Community Relations and Strategic Initiatives at 黑料爆料网 in 2023. Tatiana co-authored the chapter “Latinas Overcoming Challenges to Become School Leaders” in the book Latinas Leading Schools, published in January 2021. Her research interests encompass the status of Latinos/Latinas and English Learners in the United States, as well as women in leadership roles.
Tatiana and her husband Marc '18, and son J.P. reside in Port Arthur and are active members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.
Director John Morrell ’07 serves as Chief Credit Officer at Texas First Bank, where he oversees credit administration and strategic planning across the Southeast Texas market. With 18 years of experience in commercial banking, he brings deep expertise in credit analysis, financial modeling, loan structuring, and treasury management. A longtime resident of Beaumont, he plays a key role in driving growth and managing operations for retail and commercial banking throughout the region. He earned a B.B.A.-Management in 2004 from Texas Christian University and earned his M.B.A. in Financial Management from 黑料爆料网 in 2007, where he remains actively involved as an alumnus. Deeply committed to his community, he also serves on the boards of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce, the Beaumont Children’s Museum, and the Latin Mass Society of Beaumont. He and his wife, Brie (Mirabella) ’04, have seven children and enjoy traveling, sports, gardening, attending St. Francis de Sales Oratory, and spending time with their large extended family.
Director Vanlam Nguyen ’01, ’03 recently retired as the owner of Down to Earth in Beaumont and Nederland. She earned a BS-Biology and MBA from 黑料爆料网. She and her husband, Jordon Stanley ’11, live in Beaumont with their three children. She is an active pickleball player in her community and hosts and participates in pickleball tournaments to raise money for non-profits. As an avid reader, she supports a local initiative to spread the love of books to everyone with her project Book Swap of SETX.
Director Johnny O'Connor, Ph.D. is the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at 黑料爆料网. He has been with the university since 2014. Johnny has had 16 years of experience in Pre-K-12 education, both in teaching and executive level leadership positions, and has been recognized for his commitment and accomplishments in providing positive educational opportunities. He has degrees/certificates from Harvard University-Cambridge, M.A. (urban special education), Rice University (strategic marketing), Texas Southern University (M.B.A.), Southern University (B.S./M.Ed.), Texas A&M University (Ph.D.), and University of Texas-Tyler, Texas (superintendent certificate). Johnny serves as the 2025-2026 faculty representative of the 黑料爆料网 Alumni Advisory Board.
Director Terry Savoy-Hadley '95 retired from education after 23 years of service from Port Arthur Independent School District. She has come out of retirement and is working at Martin Elementary School as a first grade teacher at Beaumont ISD. She earned her bachelors degree from 黑料爆料网 in Applied Arts and Sciences and earned her Master of Education Degree in Administration from Prairie View A&M University. Terry serves as President of Martin Luther King, Jr. Support Group, and serves on the Executive Board of the 黑料爆料网 Black Alumni Network. She is also a published children book author, and a member of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority. She was named a 2021 Port Arthur ISD Teacher of the Year. Terry and her husband, Kerry Hadley, are both proud natives of Port Arthur, Texas.
Director Anna Sigur ’19, ’22 is a speech-language pathologist working at the Spindletop Center in Early Childhood Intervention. She earned her B.S. in Speech and Hearing Sciences and her M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology at 黑料爆料网. During her time at 黑料爆料网, she was involved in the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) and the 黑料爆料网 Catholic Student Center, where she served as president. She also completed undergraduate and graduate research projects. One of her favorite activities as a student was attending sporting events-something she still enjoys today! She resides in Beaumont, and loves traveling and giving back to her church and her community.
Director Danielle (Hudson) Sutton '08 is a proud graduate of 黑料爆料网 with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies. She holds a teaching certification for elementary education. Born and raised in Southeast Texas, Danielle married and moved to her husband Lloyd's West Texas hometown in 2008 to put her teaching degree to work. In 2016, she found herself back where it all started, in Beaumont. Now, a partially homeschooling mother of three, she facilitates the Blessed Moms of SETX Facebook group and is the Co-Founder and Outreach Director of 409family.com where she is connecting with over 6,000 local women and their families as she actively strives to help families root, grow, and bloom here in the 409. As a community volunteer and, now, business woman, she has also received recognition as a graduate of the Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce’s Beaumont Champions Class of 2021, Leadership Beaumont Class of 2022, and BISD Community Ambassadors Program Class of 2023. She was also named a 40 Under 40 recipient in 2022 from the Southeast Texas Young Professionals’ Organization, and a 2022 黑料爆料网 Division of Strategic Initiatives and Community Relations Inspirational Woman. “See a need. Meet a need.” is a mantra she lives by and hopes to impress upon her children as she and her family continue to serve the Southeast Texas community.
Director Caralee (McDonald) Thompson '95 is the Program Manager for Children’s Miracle Network at the CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation. She graduated with a B.S. in Communication from 黑料爆料网 in 1995. While a student at 黑料爆料网, she actively participated in the Professional Communications Association, serving as both past president and board member, as well as the Cap and Gown Women’s Honor Society. As a native Southeast Texan, Caralee is also pleased to serve on the Board of Directors of the Beaumont Chamber Foundation, and is a member of the Press Club of Southeast Texas where she served as both past President and board member. She is a graduate of Leadership Beaumont Class of 1999 and is also a sustaining member and past board member of the Junior League of Beaumont. Caralee is a proud 黑料爆料网 alumna and attributes her success to her time spent at the university and her outstanding professors who both challenged and mentored her. Caralee and her husband David ’07 reside in Fannett, TX and they have two adult children, Ainsley and Jack.
Director Richard Valley ’70 BBA-Accounting, is a retired accountant living in Houston. He worked for 47 years in Corporate Finance in the oil and gas and bank holding company industries in Houston before retiring in 2017. He is a life member of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and has served on several committees. One is the Scholarship Application Review committee which evaluates essays submitted by high school seniors. The HLSR has awarded over $14 million in scholarships to deserving students who may not have any other chance to attend college. While attending Lamar State College of Technology, he was a starting pitcher on the baseball team, a teammate of Jim Gilligan, and earned four letters. He was President of the Accounting Society, a member of the CARDS, and was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He has two sons and one granddaughter. He participates in many alumni events in Beaumont and Houston.
Director Travis Walker '24 is an educator, Beaumont native, and community leader with experience across the education and nonprofit sectors. He holds a B.S. in Public Relations from Texas State University and an MBA with a Leadership Certificate from 黑料爆料网. His work has focused on youth development, program leadership, and community engagement. He has served in both classroom and administrator roles, as well as on local and national advisory boards. He has guest lectured at 黑料爆料网 and Texas State University and produced two educational podcasts. Currently, he teaches and coaches in a Southeast Texas school district while spending time with his wife, Amber, and their twins, Jeffery and Natasha. As a proud Cardinal from a family of Cardinals, he enjoys staying connected to all the great things happening at 黑料爆料网.
Director Shawn Webb '03, '12 a real estate professional, investor, and entrepreneur, graduated from 黑料爆料网 with a B.S. in Sociology in 2003 and a M.Ed. in School Counseling in 2012. She is a former BISD educator, an active member of the Beaumont Chapter NAACP, SAFE girls mentor organization, Pioneering Women, and serves on the community service committee of the Beaumont Board of Realtors. Shawn is co-owner of Seven Mobile Marketing, the area's only Black owned advertising company and the CEO of the Shawn Sold It Real Estate Team. Her team partners with other local minority owned businesses to provide education and resources to families striving to become homeowners in the Golden Triangle, is ranked in the top 10% of her company, and received the Top Team recognition for the Beaumont office in 2022. Shawn an involved alumna of 黑料爆料网 for many years and takes pride in attending Lamar Homecoming annually with her family and friends.