LU alumni, students recognized among Southeast Texas 40 Under 40 honorees

Lamar University (LU) alumni, students and employees are among the Southeast Texas professionals recognized through the 40 Under 40 program, highlighting the contributions of LU graduates and members of the university community across the region.

The annual recognition, presented by the Southeast Texas Young Professionals Organization, Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce and Beaumont Enterprise, recognizes young professionals for their achievements in their careers and communities.

The LU-affiliated honorees include 21 alumni, two current students and two LU employees. Their backgrounds span engineering, criminal justice, psychology, communications, education, business, history and other fields.

Lamar University alumni:

• Tyler Downs - 2017 B.S. in mechanical engineering
• Chase Engman - 2015 B.S. in political science
• Magan Bonner - 2015 B.S. in criminal justice; 2025 M.Ed. in clinical mental health counseling
• Robyn Hancock - 2018 M.S. in criminal justice
• Christavia James - 2011 B.S.in psychology; 2017 M.Ed. in clinical mental health counseling
• Rainey K. Knox - 2023 B.A. in history
• Ashlynn Lalonde - 2011 B.S. in communication
• Holley Legendre - 2017 B.S. in family and consumer sciences-fashion retail merchandising
• Jasmine Lopez - 2013 B.A.A.S
• Brandi Lopez - 2020 B.S.W in social work
• Avery Murdock - 2019 B.S. in exercise science and fitness management
• Meagan Phillips - 2013 B.S. in communication-corporate
• Christan Pipes - 2019 B.S. in psychology
• Jaquor Pugh - 2023 B.S. in university studies; 2025 MBA
• Allysa Rollins - 2025 B.S. in management accounting and analytics; 2025 MBA in management
• Laurel Rugg - 2017 B.S. in family and consumer sciences-family studies; 2021 M.Ed. in counseling and development
• Blake Smith - 2021 B.S. in civil engineering
• Brintney Van Houten - 2019 B.A. in history
• Brian Williams - 2025 B.S. in industrial engineering
• Jermaine Wilson - 2023 B.S. in electrical engineering

Lamar University employees and students include:

• Kierra Bridgewater-Flanagan - 2020 M.Ed. in clinical mental health counseling; assistant director of counseling services at Lamar's Student Health Center
• Kirk Hinson - Lamar University police officer; currently pursuing a B.A.A.S
• Starr Lee-Alvarez - current Lamar University student majoring in interdisciplinary studies

The 40 Under 40 recognition reflects the impact Lamar University graduates and members of its campus community are making throughout Southeast Texas and highlights the university's role in preparing professionals who contribute to their communities.