Lamar University launched its new Cardinal Champions program, Aug. 20. The program aim to reach out to Southeast Texans and inform them about Lamar University’s programs and share facts about the on-campus community.
“Cardinal Champions are community ambassadors,” John Rollins, associate director of community relations & public affairs, said. “They are individuals who we have selected, who are going to help us go out and champion Lamar in the local community — whether that’s attending student events to support the students here at Lamar or helping increase awareness of programs or sporting events, art events that help us get the word out to the local community.”
The program is made up of 35 members from across Southeast Texas, as well as one representative from each of LU’s academic colleges.
Education professor Mamta Singh is one of the representatives.
“I was honored and excited to receive an invitation from Mr. Rollins informing me that I had been selected as a member of the inaugural Cardinal Champions cohort,” Singh said. “Being chosen as a Cardinal Champion is especially meaningful because Lamar University has been central to my professional mission as a science educator and teacher educator.
“Through my work with future teachers, the Becky & Chuck Mason STEM Summer Teaching Internship Program, and other grant funds-supported teacher preparation initiatives, I have witnessed firsthand how Lamar empowers students to become educators, leaders, and change agents in their communities.’”
Watching students grow in confidence, develop their teaching skills, and positively impact K-12 learners is inspiring, Singh said.
“Serving as a Cardinal Champion allows me to share those success stories and highlight the important role Lamar plays in preparing the next generation of educators, and strengthening our region’s workforce. I am proud to help showcase the university’s commitment to student success and its lasting impact across Southeast Texas and beyond.”
Being a Cardinal Champion means to be a credible voice for Lamar University, in the networks on campus or at events in the greater area of Southeast Texas, Rollins said, adding that the program will help bridge the gap between Lamar University and the local community.
LU President Jaime Taylor said he hopes Cardinal Champions will raise the visibility of the positive impact the university has in the community.
“It’s really important that people understand what Lamar is doing,” Taylor said. “I mean, Lamar has produced some great leaders in the community, but really all over Texas and all over the world.”
Taylor said he hopes the Cardinal Champions program will more people excited about Lamar and opportunities the university has to offer.
For more information, visit lamar.edu/marketing-communications/cardinal-champions.com.