Lamar University

10/08/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2025 12:39

Lamar University Office of Alumni Affairs announces 2025-2026 Alumni Advisory Board

Lamar University is proud to welcome its latest cohort of Alumni Advisory Board members, who will serve three-year terms in support of the university and the Office of Alumni Affairs. These dedicated alumni bring a wealth of professional experience and a deep passion for their alma mater as they serve as advisors, advocates and ambassadors for LU.

The Lamar University Alumni Advisory Board has elected Christopher Graham ('90) of Kingwood to serve as 2025-26 president. Emily (Everett) Allen ('98, '04) of Sour Lake will serve as past president, and Hetty (Green) Brown ('79) of Beaumont will serve as president-elect.

New members of the board are Elise Broussard ('20, '22) of Beaumont; Lance Broussard ('97) of Spring; Dakota Doman ('08, '11) of Houston; Lachelle (Lavalais) Edwards ('14) of Port Arthur; Becky Fussell ('82) of Nederland; Kristin Hampton ('10) of Fannett; Gwendolyn (Johnson) Lacy ('72) of Beaumont; John Morrell ('07) of Beaumont; Vanlam Nguyen ('01, '03) of Beaumont; Anna Sigur ('19, '22) of Beaumont; and Richard Valley ('70) of Houston. The dean of the College of Education and Human Development, Dr. Johnny O'Connor, will serve as the 2025-26 dean's representative on the board.

Returning board members include Yolanda (Johnson) Avery ('86, '91); Usha (Balaratnam) Beckman ('87); James Bienvenu ('11); Sam Blanda ('08); Hetty (Green) Brown ('79); Thomas Davis ('15); Celena (Champagne) Green ('99); Judy (Walker) Linsley ('67, '77); Donta Miller ('18, '21); Dennis Moncla ('89, '94); Danielle (Hudson) Sutton ('08); Caralee (McDonald) Thompson ('95); Travis Walker ('24); and Shawn Webb ('03, '12), all of Beaumont.

Other returning board members include Elise Becker ('05, '12) of Bridge City; Elohor (Okene) Jackson ('20) of Groves; Matthew Minick ('11) of Kountze; Jeff Darby ('88) of Nederland; Ryan Dollinger ('14) of Ogden, Utah; Tatiana Morales Owens ('93, '07, '14) and Terry Savoy-Hadley ('95) of Port Arthur; Darren Erwin ('21) of Silsbee; and Johnny Alfred III ('05) of Sugar Land.

The Alumni Advisory Board plays a vital role in fostering Cardinal pride across communities and works to strengthen connections among alumni, students and the broader university family. By sharing their time, insights and leadership, board members help shape meaningful alumni engagement and uphold the traditions that define the Lamar University experience.

"I'm excited to collaborate with this group of enthusiastic and accomplished individuals," Shannon Figueroa, director of alumni affairs said. "Together, we will focus on advancing the university's mission, enriching the alumni experience, celebrating our traditions and deepening alumni connections with our student body."

Lamar University published this content on October 08, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 08, 2025 at 18:39 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]