Officials from Lamar State College-Orange met Tuesday with Nacogdoches High School about a growing partnership between the two institutions that will result in more dual credit opportunities for NHS students.
Because of existing agreements with Lamar already in place, Nacogdoches High School students can earn college credit with Lamar in cosmetology.
“These are great opportunities,” said Shawn Lucena, Director of Career and Technical Education Shawn Lucena for Nacogdoches ISD. “There’s no cost for students to take advantage of this, and those who go all in can finish high school with 30 or more credit hours towards college.”
Lamar State College – initially an extension of Lamar University in nearby Beaumont – is affiliated with the Texas State University System and specializes in CTE classes and certifications, Lucena said
The agreement for cosmetology included getting Nacogdoches High School faculty credentialed to teach the courses – which means there are no tuition fees for NHS students.
Tuesday’s meeting included Lucena and high school administrators Associate Principal Claire Bray and Lead Counselor Dottie McClain.
Lamar State officials included, Dr. Wendy Elmore – VP and Provost; Dean Patty Collins – Institutional Effectiveness and Educational Support; Dean Robyn Burdette – Transfer and Public Service Programs (GenEd Core/CJ/Cosmetology,etc); Dean Mandee Tucker – Nursing and Allied Health Programs (Medical Assisting, Pharmacy, EMT, etc.); Dean Richard Davis – Industry and Manufacturing (welding, HVAC, etc.); Victor Wheeler – Director RETCA Grant and Dual Credit Liaison for the Polk County and surrounding areas; and Alicia Lloyd – Associate Dean of Off Campus Instructional Services.