�鶹AV

LU's Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in General Business – Entrepreneurship has earned recognition as the #2 most affordable online bachelor’s program in entrepreneurship, according to the Affordable Degree Guide’s 2024 rankings.

�鶹AV's Department of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education continues to lead in Deaf education, with its alumni and students holding key positions on the ACE-DHH board, reflecting the program's excellence and national impact.

Serkan Varol, �鶹AV Ph.D. industrial engineering alumni, was a finalist for the Tech Educator of the Year 2024 at TechX Awards

Orlando Alvarez, Chairman and President of bp America, returned to �鶹AV to share insights on the energy transition, climate challenges, and his journey from a first-generation college student to a leader in the energy industry as part of the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker Series.

�鶹AV will host its largest open house event, Cardinal View, on Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center and the Setzer Student Center.

�鶹AV’s 3rd Annual Graduate Research Conference, held on Feb. 12, brought together graduate students, faculty, and staff for a day focused on the theme of "Wellness."

The �鶹AV College of Engineering hosted its annual Spindletop Showdown VEX Robotics competition, featuring more than 30 high school teams competing for the tournament champion title.

Dr. Glenn Utter, a distinguished professor emeritus of political science at �鶹AV, has released his latest book, “Religious Belief and Science,” through Bloomsbury Press. T

The Anne Shepherd Nelson Scholarship in Computer Science will support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees through the Department of Computer Science. 

�鶹AV has recognized Maddison Bean, a graduate student in Speech and Hearing Sciences (SPHS), as its February 2025 First-Gen Student of the Month.

�鶹AV is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) De La Rosa as the new Dean of Students.

The Welch Foundation has awarded �鶹AV’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry a $180,000 grant to enhance research, provide scholarships, and support student and faculty development over the next three years.

�鶹AV's Department of Theatre & Dance will present "The Self Destruction of Emma James," a new play by Kate Brennan exploring sacrifice, self-preservation, and life’s challenges, from Feb. 13-16 in the Studio Theatre.

Dr. Freddie Titus, recognized as "Man of the Year" at the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Brunch, was honored for his decades-long commitment to education, diversity, and community service, reflecting Dr. King's principles of equality and justice.

�鶹AV has been selected as one of 20 new Network Leaders in the FirstGen Forward Network for its commitment to advancing first-generation student success through innovative initiatives and institution-wide approaches.

�鶹AV’s Department of Music will host its annual Collage 2025 concert on Jan. 31, featuring diverse musical performances by acclaimed faculty artists, with proceeds benefiting student programs.

�鶹AV is seeking faculty, staff, and students to serve as mentors and ambassadors for its Cardinal Communities program, which supports first-time college students' transition to university life through seminars, check-ins, and personalized guidance.

�鶹AV President Jaime Taylor, along with the Deans of the university's five academic colleges, has announced the Fall 2024 President’s List and Dean’s List.

Dr. Jeff Forret's The Price They Paid exposes the U.S. government's 19th-century efforts to secure reparations for slave owners after shipwrecks, highlighting the stark neglect of justice for emancipated captives.

�鶹AV named Tashia LeBlanc, a senior in multidisciplinary studies, as January's First Generation Student of the Month.

�鶹AV earned high national and statewide rankings from University HQ for its online and on-campus programs, including top placements in criminal justice, clinical psychology, computer programming, and human resources.

The �鶹AV College of Education and College of Arts and Sciences, in partnership with Jefferson County, are launching the F.O.R.M. Program in January 2025 to support first-time juvenile offenders aged 13 to 16 with academic resources, mentorship, and career opportunities to reduce recidivism and help them build a better future.

The Spindletop Boomtown Museum will commemorate the 124th anniversary of the historic Spindletop Oil Boom on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025.

Zeppelin University student Luis Lemmen found his perfect fit at �鶹AV, where he embraced Southern culture and gained valuable hands-on journalism experience.

�鶹AV earned national recognition in 2025 from Intelligent.com for its exceptional online and accelerated education programs, with top rankings in categories such as Gifted and Talented Education, Quickest Online Bachelor’s Degrees, and Fastest Online Finance and Criminal Justice Degrees.

Maddie Sims, a senior at �鶹AV, has revitalized the �鶹AV Press as its editor, channeling her lifelong passion for writing into leadership, growth, and mentorship.

Blake Wilson, a junior majoring in Management Information Systems with a concentration in Enterprise Systems, has been named �鶹AV's First-Generation Student of the Month for December.

�鶹AV faculty and staff lent their support to this year’s ToyFeast, a community-wide initiative aimed at providing food, toys, and monetary donations to benefit Southeast Texas families during the holiday season.

�鶹AV celebrated its fall commencement on Thursday, Dec. 12, and Friday, Dec. 13 at the Montagne Center, honoring the achievements of more than 2,500 graduates.