ذكذكتسئµ University and ذكذكتسئµ State College Orange partner to offer leadership degree pathway
ذكذكتسئµ University and ذكذكتسئµ State College Orange (LSCO) have announced a new partnership aimed at expanding leadership education opportunities for LSCO students. The collaboration brings leadership courses directly to the LSCO campus, offering Orange County and surrounding area students a seamless pathway to continue their education at ذكذكتسئµ University.
This partnership allows LSCO students to take advanced leadership courses at their local campus, with the coursework counting toward a ذكذكتسئµ University bachelor’s degree in leadership, pending approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
LSCO President Tom Johnson expressed his pride in the partnership and his deep ties to the region, saying, “I’m so pleased that this is happening. The Golden Triangle is my home. I was born just down the road, about 15 miles away, and my family’s been here for generations. ذكذكتسئµ has meant so much to the families, industries, workers, and business people in our community. When they come to our town, they see what our college and university stand for: hard work and the opportunity to go as far as you want in life.”
ذكذكتسئµ University President Jaime Taylor emphasized the significance of the initiative in building regional success, stating, “By preparing future leaders with leadership courses, we’re not just educating students, we’re fostering a stronger, more resilient community.”
Dr. Taylor also shared his personal connection to the vision for this program. “The very first weekend I was in town, Dr. Johnson invited me and my wife out to lunch. It was a great welcome to the region, and one of the first things he talked about was his desire to offer a four-year program here. We both started at schools like ذكذكتسئµ State College Orange. I had a two-year degree, worked in a factory, and wanted to pursue an advanced degree. This type of program would have been the perfect fit for me if it had existed back then. Most students here, as President Johnson said, go straight to work, equipped with the skills needed to be professionals in their fields. This degree now offers them leadership skills to take them to the next level.”
Dr. Taylor also expressed his excitement about Dr. Brad Mayer, who will serve as the director of the new program.
“Dr. Mayer came to me with this idea, and I was thrilled. It’s exactly what our students need—an opportunity to develop leadership skills that will propel them forward in their careers. I’m excited to see this vision come to life, and I deeply appreciate President Johnson for his energy and persistence in making this happen.”
Dr. Johnson reflected on his tenure at LSCO, noting the progress made toward expanding educational opportunities for the community.
“I only have 58 days left before retirement, so I was determined to make the most of it. One of the things I’m most proud of is a vision I had early on—giving students in rural areas outside Beaumont, particularly those who’ve worked in plants, the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree. This has been a dream of mine since I arrived, and we’re seeing it come to life today.”
He added that the partnership is part of a broader growth at LSCO, pointing to the increasing number of graduates.
“When I got here, we had 99 graduates in the spring, and this year, we’re expecting over 400. Our students come to ذكذكتسئµ State College Orange, they graduate, and they’re eager for more. One of the most common comments I hear is, ‘I wish I could get my bachelor’s degree here.’ Thanks to President Taylor, that’s now possible. He shares my vision to remove barriers, work together for the common good, and provide our community with the education it deserves.”
The collaboration reflects both institutions’ commitment to student success and regional growth. LSCO Provost & Executive Vice President Dr. Wendy Elmore added, “This partnership with ذكذكتسئµ University underscores a deep devotion to higher education in our community. Together, we’re removing barriers and providing access to a successful and fulfilling future.”
This expanded access to higher education is expected to have a lasting impact on students, enhancing career readiness and contributing to the growth of the Southeast Texas region.