Lamar University commemorates legacy of Dr. George E. McLaughlin

Lamar University mourns the passing of Dr. George E. McLaughlin, Jr., a distinguished educator, administrator, and mentor whose five-decade career in higher education paralleled the growth of the university. Dr. McLaughlin, 91, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 9.

Born on Oct. 19, 1933, in Beaumont, Texas, Dr. McLaughlin earned a Bachelor of Science in History from Lamar University in 1956. As a student, he was an active member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. After graduating, he served two years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Intrepid, showcasing the leadership and dedication that would define his career.

Dr. McLaughlin’s long relationship with Lamar University began in 1958 when he returned to his alma mater. Over the next 50 years, he held nearly a dozen administrative roles, including Chancellor of the Lamar University System and Regents’ Professor of Education. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the university, particularly in attracting top faculty and advancing Lamar’s commitment to providing students with the highest quality educational experience.

“George McLaughlin’s tenure as Chancellor of the Lamar University System had an outsized impact on Lamar University,” Juan Zabala, vice president of university advancement said. “Among his many accomplishments, under McLaughlin’s leadership, Lamar University set a course to bring the nation’s top faculty to provide our students with the most advanced educational experience possible. While he was Chancellor, the first five academic chairs were established, forever changing the trajectory of experiential learning at his alma mater.”

Beyond his work at Lamar, Dr. McLaughlin earned a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Texas, as well as certificates from Michigan State University and Harvard Business School. He was appointed as a Fulbright Scholar and served as a professor-in-residence at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2001-2002. He also partnered with Best Associates to develop online universities worldwide.

Dr. McLaughlin’s legacy lives on through his mentorship of countless students, faculty, and staff, whose lives were enriched by his guidance. Lamar University extends its deepest condolences to the McLaughlin family and honors his profound impact on the institution.

To honor his legacy, the McLaughlin family requests that donations be made in his memory to the Lamar University Foundation. Contributions may be sent to PO Box 11500, Beaumont, Texas 77710, or made online at https://www.lamar.edu/give.