Lamar State College–Orange
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Lamar State College–Orange is a community college located in Orange, Texas. It currently serves around 2,000 students.
[edit] History
Opened in the fall of 1969 as an extension of Lamar University, LSC-O first held classes in a closed elementary school. Two years later, the Texas Legislature authorized the branch campus to offer two-year degrees to the residence of Orange City and the surrounding region. That same year, fire destroyed the former elementary school, but local citizens banded together to purchase another closed building, which became its current home at 410 Front Street. In 1991, Lamar University–Orange the ability to grant its own degrees, and in 1995, the school became a constituent member of the Texas State University System. In 1999, the school was granted further autonomy by the state legislature and renamed to Lamar State College–Orange and $10 million in funds was allocated for campus improvements including a main building and a central plant. The man most responsible for the growth and development of Lamar University State College was Dr. Joe Ben Welch whose tireless efforts in gaining funds and better facilities must be acknowledged. Also, several of the initial faculty members became very distinguished and well know throughout the United States. Dr. James C. Ronning who was on the first faculty published many research articles and became a certified & licensed psychologist. Dr Ronning was appointed to the State Panel of Social Security Disability Examiners, was author of one novel "Against the Rain" and one self help book "Yes You Can". He wrote the column "Our Lives" for Houston Community Newspapers from 1984-1992. Dr. Ronning also became an adjunct professor of psychology at The University of Texas while founding and becoming CEO of a consulting company Psychometrics. Dr. Shelly Thrasher was named Professor Emeritus and is on the board of several organizations that promote the accomplishments of women in the arts and professions. Dr. Robert Peebles and Max Daniels who were also on the original faculty received numerous rewards for teaching excellence. It was through the efforts of Dr. Welch and the above faculty members whose superior leadership,teaching and sacrifices helped make this original "two year extension center" into an official branch campus of Lamar University at Beaumont. It was renamed Lamar University at Orange with Dr. Joe Ben Welch rising to the title of President. Dr. Joe Ben Welch must be recognized as the true "founder" of Lamar State College-Orange. Without him Lamar University would probably have never had any type of presence in Orange, TX.
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