Ms. Paula “Polly” McNeel
Assistant Director of Scheduling, Operations, & Event Services
of the Setzer Student Center
Began working at Lamar University in 2001
Interviewed by Lizbeth Sanchez on 03/01/2023
‘The first thing it did was as a mom of three kids, it provided a stable income, and most importantly it provided insurance for my children. Two of my children went to school here. I have a niece and a nephew who went to school here also. By getting a job at Lamar, I was able to continue my education also. Then I was able to help my children, my nieces, and my nephew with their FAFSA and all that stuff. With me being here on campus, I was able to be a support for my niece, sometimes she rode to school with me. She would come by the office, I'd take her to lunch, and I helped introduce her to different clubs and organizations. It was perfect timing. I also have a nephew that graduated from Lamar. He and his wife are both educators in the master's program.’
‘One thing I’ve seen being here 22 years, is seeing the campus grow, it’s been exciting. I was here through the shutdown of the old Setzer Center and the remodel. I was here when they remodeled the Recreation Center. If you look at the landscape 22 years ago, it's totally different the way it looks now. Lamar campus has expanded. It has grown. We’ve got way more new buildings, more programs. They brought on Construction Management several years ago. I've got to see a lot of change and a lot of growth, which is exciting because I have grandchildren and I hope one of them will come to school.’
‘One thing I’ve seen being here 22 years, is seeing the campus grow, it’s been exciting. I was here through the shutdown of the old Setzer Center and the remodel. I was here when they remodeled the Recreation Center. If you look at the landscape 22 years ago, it's totally different the way it looks now. Lamar campus has expanded. It has grown. We’ve got way more new buildings, more programs. They brought on Construction Management several years ago. I've got to see a lot of change and a lot of growth, which is exciting because I have grandchildren and I hope one of them will come to school.’