(PORT ARTHUR) – Dr. Betty Reynard announced today that she will retire as president of Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) at the end of the fall semester. Reynard, who has served as president since 2014, has guided LSCPA through a period of remarkable growth, innovation, and community partnership. Her last day as president will be December 31, after which she will serve as a special advisor to the Texas State University System administration.
“Working with the LSCPA faculty and staff for 11 years has been incredibly exciting and rewarding,” said Dr. Reynard. “Together, we have expanded educational opportunities and experiences for so many. And, as I retire, I do so with confidence that the future of LSCPA is bright.”
Under Dr. Reynard’s leadership, LSCPA has launched more than a dozen new certificate and degree programs, ranging from liquefied natural gas operations to pharmacy technician – all strategically aligned with regional workforce needs.
Reynard oversaw the expansion and improvement of the LSCPA campus, adding three new buildings, including the Umphrey Industrial Technology Center and the Industry Training Facility. One of her most notable achievements is the construction of LSCPA’s Allied Health & Sciences Building, a modern facility housing nursing, allied health, and science programs. Opened earlier this year, the 60,000-square-foot complex stands as a symbol of LSCPA’s commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers.
During Reynard’s presidency, LSCPA achieved record enrollment, surpassing 5,000 students this fall, the highest in the college’s history. Much of this success stems from her focus on dual credit partnerships with local school districts, giving high school students early access to college courses and career pathways.
Since her arrival in 2014, Reynard has secured approximately $37 million in competitive grants to enhance workforce training programs, expand simulation equipment, improve facilities, and support student success initiatives. These funds have helped transform LSCPA’s instructional capacity and strengthen its position as a leader in workforce and technical education.
Reynard has built strong relationships with business, industry, and community partners to support student success. Through her leadership, the college established the LSCPA Foundation, which now provides scholarships, program funding, and capital project support. Her ability to inspire community investment has resulted in major philanthropic gifts, including a $1 million donation from A. Morris Albright.
“Betty Reynard has led Lamar State College Port Arthur with vision, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to student success,” said Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall. “Her leadership has strengthened the college, enriched the community, and set a lasting example of excellence in public higher education.”
Reynard’s career in higher education spans more than four decades. She began her journey in 1979 as a dental hygiene instructor at Lamar University, where she advanced through multiple academic and administrative roles. She later served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Workforce Technology at Lamar Institute of Technology before being appointed President of LSCPA in 2014.
Chancellor McCall will announce details regarding the presidential leadership transition in the coming days.
About Lamar State College Port Arthur
Lamar State College Port Arthur is an open-admission, two-year institution within the Texas State University System, offering academic transfer programs, workforce training, and dual credit opportunities. The college is committed to student success, industry partnerships, and supporting the educational and economic advancement of Southeast Texas.
About the Texas State University System
The Texas State University System is the state’s first university system, with seven institutions serving more than 102,000 students from far West Texas to the Gulf Coast. Established in 1911, the mission of TSUS is to provide high-quality, affordable degree and credential programs to meet the needs of Texas’ diverse and fast-growing economy.