Lumberton and Hardin County residents soon will have much greater access to higher education, thanks to a joint venture between Lamar University and Lumberton Independent School District.
Lamar will begin offering bachelor's-level courses on the Lumberton High School campus beginning Aug. 23.
Lamar President James Simmons and Lumberton ISD Superintendent Ron Sims joined in making the announcement on the Lumberton High School campus where the classes will meet.
The university will offer 10 courses this fall and in subsequent semesters, beginning with a rotation of core courses and expanding with additional upper-level classes and electives chosen to meet student needs. The classes will be from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday and will follow the university's regular semester schedules, with classes offered in the fall, spring and extended summer session.
The initial course offerings that form the core curriculum are Developmental Algebra 1, Public Speaking, General Geology I, U.S. History 1: 1763-1877, College Algebra, General Psychology, English Composition I, Art Appreciation, Criminal Justice-Alcohol Related Crimes and Humanities 1315 - Introduction to the Arts I.
The classes "will be available to anyone who wants to enroll at Lamar University," Sims said, emphasizing the convenience of the location for residents of Lumberton and the vicinity.
"These classes will provide an opportunity for the citizens of Lumberton and surrounding areas to pursue bachelor's degrees without leaving their community," said Paula Nichols, associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and director of the Center for Distance Education. "We are grateful for the support of Lumberton ISD and the excellent facility on the high school campus."
The offerings will allow individuals to meet their aspirations for higher education without commuting and while maintaining their employment and family responsibilities, Nichols said.
"I think its going to be terrific for the citizens of Lumberton, Hardin County and all of Southeast Texas because it will greatly increase the access to a higher education for people who are desiring it and who live north of our campus," Simmons said.
"We recognize that the 22-mile commute to classes is a potential barrier to earning a degree," Nichols said. "Especially for those who have already driven to work and have a family at home. Offering classes in Lumberton will make college far more affordable and accessible."
"For many individuals this will mean access to higher education even if they enter the work force immediately after high school graduation," Nichols said.
To help individuals register for enrollment and select courses, a Lamar University representative will be on the Lumberton High School campus from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, beginning after Memorial Day.
"We are pleased and excited to partner with Lumberton ISD in offering college opportunities for the citizens of Lumberton and Hardin County," said Stephen Doblin, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Lamar. "Lumberton has an outstanding school system, and we believe that this partnership will extend that solid educational foundation in the community."
More than 71 percent of the Hardin County population age 25 and older have high school diplomas, but do not have bachelor?s degrees. The state average for individuals with high school diplomas is 52 percent. "Clearly, Hardin County has been an underserved region of the state," Nichols said. "We believe this partnership will open new doors of opportunity for many Hardin County residents."
For more information on Lamar University, visit www.lamar.edu on the Internet, or call the Center for Distance Education at (409) 880-1847.
"Our students will benefit, but our area will benefit as well," Sims said. "This is a win/win situation for our community and Lamar University."
