The University has seen some extensive remodeling projects in the last eight years, including the Setzer Student Center and the Quadrangle. Due to his late wife Nancy’s influence, the University is now home to numerous art installations, both outside and in the new and remodeled buildings. He urged those who have not visited the campus, or have not done so in years, to come and see the changes and the world-class artwork. He highlighted the 2-story mural by Dixie Friend Gay in the Science and Technology Center, which he said is most impressive viewed from the 2nd floor railing. Nancy’s legacy also lives on in the South Park Community Garden, which has been recently remodeled with elevated garden beds, a pergola, and new benches.

Being a part of the surrounding community is an important part of the mission of the University. Again, with the impetus and leadership of Nancy Evans, along with Norman Bellard and our own Rotarian Teresa Simpson, the N.E.S.T. Program was born. Starting at Pietzsch-MacArthur Elementary School in the adjacent South Park neighborhood, a room of the school was transformed into an innovative learning lab for the students, giving them a place that combines whimsy and technology to inspire the love of learning. There are now three learning labs in place in BISD, with funding in place for the remaining nine elementary schools. As each N.E.S.T. costs about $15,000 to build, and all the funding is raised through private donations, Dr. Evans and Nancy Evans are leaving behind quite a legacy that touches young students’ lives throughout our city. Dr. Evans was also instrumental in setting up the Greater South Park Neighborhood Coalition, a group of Lamar professors and staff and community leaders who are working together to improve the lives of South Park residents. Dr. Evans feels that Lamar should be not only a world-class university, but a world-class neighbor.

One of Dr. Evans’ objectives was to create a new “front door” for the University. With the construction of the Reaud Administration and C.I.C.E. buildings at the intersection of Jim Gilligan Way and Rolfe Christopher Drive, it made sense for this to be the main entrance to the campus. However, the Martin Marietta concrete plant near the intersection and the lack of easy access off Highway 69 hampered that vision. With hard work and the cooperation of the Texas State University System, the land on which the concrete plant stood was purchased and the plant was moved. With even more arduous persistence on the part of Dr. Evans and others, TXDOT finally agreed to move the M.L.K. Parkway exit back so that Rolfe Christopher Drive could be accessed more easily. With the completion this year of the Welcome Center, Lamar University now has an entrance to the campus surrounded by well-maintained athletic fields and green grass with not a concrete or chemical plant in sight.

Lamar University Athletics will participate in the Western Athletic Conference starting in the upcoming school year. This move, initiated by Dr. Evans, will give the Lamar University brand exposure in six additional states, and pairs the University with other institutions with increasing enrollments in rapidly growing areas. The Study Abroad Program gives students a chance to participate in faculty-led programs in an average of 15 countries per year. Now that COVID restrictions are being lifted the program can resume. Under Dr. Evans’ leadership, the number of students taking advantage of these essential learning opportunities has quadrupled. Lamar has for years been a diverse institution that is welcoming to all students. In recognition of that commitment to all, Dr. Evans elevated the head of the Division of Global Diversity, Inclusion and Intercultural Affairs to a Vice President status and formed the President’s Taskforce on Diversity, Inclusion, Access, and Equity. With a large international student population as well as a diverse domestic enrollment, these moves were a natural progression for the University and not a knee-jerk reaction to events of 2020.

With an eye on the future, Dr. Evans led the University to create new Centers of Study, including the Centers for:

• Advances in Port Management
• Advances in Water and Air Quality
• History and Culture of Southeast Texas and the Upper Gulf Coast
• Education Innovation and Digital Learning
• Midstream Management and Science

Each of these centers conducts needed research and offers an educational opportunity unique to Lamar University and essential for the future advancement of our local environment and economy.

Since Dr. Evans began his tenure as President in 2013, enrollment has increased 14.1%, with the incoming fall class expected to top 18,000 students. Since 2013, Dr. Evans has conferred 17,280 graduate degrees, 13,160 undergraduate degrees, 2,515 certificates/post-baccalaureate degrees, and 713 doctoral degrees. That is over 34,000 hands shaken, pictures taken, and lives changed. In the past 8 years alone, the 4-year graduation rate has increased by 5.4%, the 6-year graduation rate has gone up 4.18%, and the 1st year retention rate – an extremely important measure in an institution with as many 1st generation students as Lamar - has increased 7.7%. Lamar University is near completion on a Strategic Plan that will guide the institution for the next 5 years and keep up and add to that standard of success which has been established.