(HUNTSVILLE) – Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall has named Dr. Betty Reynard, vice president for academic affairs at Lamar Institute of Technology, sole finalist in the Lamar State College-Port Arthur presidential search. Dr. Reynard was selected following an internal search that began last year. She will succeed Dr. Sam Monroe, who is retiring Aug. 31 after 49 years of service to the college, including 40 as its chief executive officer.
"Dr. Reynard has been a part of the TSUS and Lamar families for many years,” said Chancellor McCall. “She has lived and worked in southeast Texas for nearly 50 years and—having worked her way up through our System as a student, faculty member and administrator—she has developed a strong commitment to the students and communities we serve.”
Dr. Reynard earned an associate of applied science degree in dental hygiene, a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in educational administration from Lamar University. She earned her doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Houston.
Dr. Reynard began her career in 1979 as a faculty member at Lamar University. She moved to Lamar Institute of Technology as a program director and assistant to the vice president for academic affairs. In 2007, she became LIT’s vice president for academic affairs.
As Lamar Institute of Technology’s chief academic officer, Dr. Reynard has overseen LIT’s academic and technical program planning and review, curriculum development, academic standards, technical standards, workforce training programs and policies. She led LIT’s efforts to develop a Quality Enhancement Plan (PASS Program) and new academic programs, including the institution’s pharmacy technician program and academic associate degree. She was recently appointed to the Board of Trustees for the American Technical Education Association. She and her husband, David, reside in Beaumont.
Dr. Reynard will assume the role of president Sep. 1, 2014, following the TSUS Board of Regents' vote on her appointment. By law, a candidate for president of a public college or university must remain the sole finalist for 21 days before a governing board can confirm the appointment.
Dr. Monroe praised the selection. "I have known Dr. Reynard for some time. She is an experienced higher education executive, one who brings many strengths to the position," he said.
“Dr. Monroe has served as president of an institution dedicated to improving the quality of life for people,” said Dr. Reynard. “The impressive evolution of Lamar State College-Port Arthur is a direct result of his iconic leadership. My goal will be to build upon Dr. Monroe’s legacy in every possible way.”
Lamar State College-Port Arthur, an open-access, comprehensive public college founded in 1909, is one of the Texas State University System’s eight member institutions.