De La Rosa relishes role as Dean of Students
Elizabeth De La Rosa is on a mission. As the newly appointed Dean of Students at Lamar University, she brings not just experience, but an enthusiasm for student life and engagement.
Her energy is already reshaping campus culture as she strives to ensure that every student feels heard, connected and empowered to make the most of their college experience.
At Lamar, De La Rosa saw an opportunity to have a direct and lasting impact on students throughout their collegiate journey. Coming from a community college with a student body of 40,000, she saw Lamar’s 18,000 population as a chance to work more closely with students, guiding them from their first year through graduation.
“I wanted a role that would challenge me and allow me to take my experience and formal education to the next level,” De La Rosa said. “Lamar provided the perfect opportunity to bridge the gap between students and administration, ensuring we move toward student success together.”
De La Rosa said one of her goals is to create more opportunities for students to connect, participate and thrive. She envisions a campus where events are not just accessible, but also compelling enough to draw students in and make them feel like an integral part of the university community. However, she acknowledges that many students simply don’t know where to start when it comes to engagement.
“There is so much to do, but many students don’t always know where to look,” she said. “I want to make sure students are aware of all the opportunities available to them, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and try something new. When I was in college, there were so many things to do on campus that I wasn’t able to do otherwise, and this is something that I want to give to Lamar students.”
De La Rosa emphasizes the importance of spreading awareness about campus events and services, ensuring that students recognize and take advantage of the numerous opportunities available to them. Whether it’s leadership workshops, student organizations or social events, she said she wants students to feel empowered to step out of their comfort zones.
“I encourage students to explore LU Hub, check social media, and take a chance on something new,” she said. “You never know what you’ll discover or who you’ll meet. When I was in college I met so many people that ended up being my life-long friends.
Beyond campus events, De La Rosa said she is also passionate about strengthening the relationship between Lamar University and the Beaumont community, seeing great value in creating partnerships between students and local organizations and creating opportunities for professional growth and civic engagement.
“Building strong ties with the Beaumont community benefits everyone,” she said. “Whether it’s service projects, internships, or community events, I want our students to be involved and for the community to see Lamar students as an asset.”
Communication is another cornerstone of De La Rosa’s leadership style. She actively encourages students to voice their ideas, concerns and aspirations. Whether through student government or direct conversations, she wants to ensure that every student feels heard. The role of Dean of Students isn’t just about policy, she said, it’s about building bridges between students and administration.
“My role is to listen and advocate,” she said. “Without student input, I can’t effectively address what matters most to them.”
De la Rosa’s approach isn’t just about making campus life more exciting; it’s about preparing students for life beyond Lamar. She said she believes stepping out of one’s comfort zone, attending events, joining organizations and engaging with the community can shape future success.
Safety and security are also a top priority, she said, ensuring that students not only enjoy their time at Lamar but also feel secure and supported.
“My biggest goal in this first year is visibility,” she said. “I want students to know who I am, where to find me, and that I’m here to help. If I can’t personally assist, I’ll make sure they find someone who can.”
With De La Rosa at the helm, Lamar University is entering a new era of student engagement — one where opportunities are abundant, voices are amplified, and every student feels a sense of belonging.
Visibility and relationship-building are key aspects of her first year, she said, ensuring that students, faculty and the community know they can rely on her for support and guidance.
“The possibilities are endless — you just have to take the first step,” she said.