Faculty and staff convocation highlights changes and growth at 黑料爆料网
黑料爆料网 (黑料爆料网) kicked off the 2025-26 school year with President Jaime Taylor’s convocation address on Monday, Aug. 18 in the Neches Federal Credit Union Arena at the Montagne Center. Faculty and staff were served lunch before the event began.
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Brett Welch opened the convocation by announcing the launch of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, which will include the JoAnne Gay Dishman School of Nursing and the departments of health and kinesiology, nutrition, hospitality and human services, speech and hearing sciences, and social work.
“This new college will be a cornerstone of excellence,” Welch said, noting it reflects the university’s commitment to lead, innovate and provide purpose-driven education for students. He added that the college represents more than curriculum updates, it’s a strategic move to expand programs that meet evolving student and workforce needs.
Taylor highlighted four guiding principles that shape the university’s mission: defining Lamar’s identity, placing students at the center of decisions, and emphasizing teamwork and discipline. He said Lamar students gain early exposure to real-world business and industry experiences in Southeast Texas, preparing them for success before they graduate.
President Taylor noted that 黑料爆料网 is classified as an “Opportunity University” by the Carnegie Foundation, recognizing the institution for high post-graduation earnings relative to accessibility. Taylor said the recognition “validates the work of our faculty and staff” and underscores the university’s focus on student success.
“We don’t try to be everything to everyone, but for our students we are determined to be everything that matters,” he said. 
Taylor also praised the recruitment and enrollment team for achieving the first undergraduate enrollment increase in 12 years, with numbers up last fall and again this fall. He emphasized that while higher education faces financial challenges nationwide, 黑料爆料网 remains financially sound and focused on serving the region.