Jefferson County designates annual Southeast Texas Energy Day, names LU host

Jefferson County Commissioners Court has designated the second Friday of October as Southeast Texas Energy Day, recognizing the region's historic and continuing impact on the global energy industry and naming Lamar University (LU) as the annual host.

The designation highlights LU's leadership in energy education, including the launch of its Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Energy Management - the first AACSB-accredited DBA program of its kind focused specifically on energy management.

The proclamation, presented Tuesday, Sept. 22, recognizes Southeast Texas as a foundational energy region whose influence continues through refining, petrochemical manufacturing, energy logistics and emerging energy enterprises.

The designation comes as Southeast Texas marks the 125th anniversary of the Spindletop oil discovery, which transformed Beaumont into an international center of oil production and helped establish the modern petroleum industry.

Dr. Joby John, dean of Lamar University's College of Business, said the university will bring together energy professionals, industry leaders, and academic representatives for annual Southeast Texas Energy Day activities beginning Oct. 9, with the celebration continuing on the second Friday of October each year.

"We will be hosting a series of academic activities at the university," John said. "We will be inviting representatives from all over Texas and indeed from all over the country and the world to come in as we proclaim Energy Day for Southeast Texas."

At the center of Lamar University's role in Southeast Texas Energy Day is its newly launched Doctor of Business Administration in Energy Management, an interdisciplinary doctoral program designed to prepare experienced researchers and executives to address complex challenges facing the global energy sector. The program connects Southeast Texas' historic energy leadership with the future of the industry by combining advanced business strategy, energy management expertise and applied research focused on real-world challenges.

John said the university's new doctoral program, combined with the anniversary of Spindletop, presented an opportunity to establish an annual observance recognizing Southeast Texas' place in the energy industry.

"The 125th anniversary of Spindletop provides a historic opportunity to celebrate where the modern energy industry began, while the launch of Lamar University's Doctor of Business Administration in Energy Management represents where the industry is heading," John said. "This program brings together experienced professionals, academic expertise and applied research to help address the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of energy."

The proclamation recognizes Lamar University's longstanding contributions to the region through engineering education, research and industry partnerships, as well as its expanding role in executive education and energy management.

As the designated host, the university will serve as a regional center for discussions connecting the origins of the energy industry with its future through education, applied research and leadership development.

"We are putting our stake in the ground and claiming that as Southeast Texas Energy Day," John said.

The annual observance will recognize Southeast Texas' role in shaping the global energy economy while creating a lasting platform for collaboration among Lamar University, industry leaders and the community. Through initiatives such as the Doctor of Business Administration in Energy Management, LU aims to continue developing the next generation of energy leaders and advancing applied research that supports the future of the industry.

Lamar University will host a Southeast Texas Energy Day proclamation celebration on Friday, Oct. 9, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the campus Welcome Center, where university leaders will highlight the energy industry's economic impact and welcome the inaugural DBA in Energy Management cohort.