Lamar University welcomes largest Smith-Hutson Scholars cohort in program history

Lamar University (LU) has welcomed 45 new students to the Smith-Hutson Scholars Program for the 2026-27 academic year, marking the largest incoming cohort in the university's history as the program celebrates 15 years of partnership with LU.

Established at LU in 2012, the Smith-Hutson Scholars Program provides financial assistance and academic support to students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Funded by an anonymous donor, the program currently supports more than 100 students at LU and has a network of 170 alumni.

"Welcoming the largest cohort of Smith-Hutson scholars to Lamar University is exciting because we are bringing together students from every college and a wide variety of majors," Janea Nelson, outreach scholarship coordinator said. "One of my favorite parts of the program is watching students grow, discover their strengths, and develop a vision for who they want to become after college."

The scholarship, combined with other grants and financial aid, covers approximately 90% to 95% of a recipient's university bill. Scholars also receive a book stipend each semester, helping reduce the financial burden of pursuing a college education.

Beyond financial assistance, the program emphasizes academic achievement, personal development and career readiness. Students are encouraged to develop leadership skills, establish professional goals and build a foundation for success beyond graduation.

"As new scholars, we meet students who are excited, nervous, and ready to work on their education and create goals for their future," Nelson said. "When they graduate, we see confident, educated leaders who are prepared to make a difference in their chosen fields. That transformation is what the Smith-Hutson Scholars Program is all about."

LU is one of five institutions participating in the program, which serves students from a variety of academic disciplines and backgrounds. Prospective scholars participate in a competitive selection process that includes interviews with representatives of the Smith-Hutson Foundation.

This year's incoming class represents communities across Southeast Texas and beyond, with students pursuing degrees in engineering, nursing, education, business, the sciences and other fields.

The 45 new Smith-Hutson Scholars*, listed with their hometowns and areas of study, are:

Grace Waites
Hometown: Buna, TX
Major: Speech and Hearing Sciences Alexis Tyler
Hometown: Jacksonville, TX
Major: Nursing Daniel Vinh Trang
Hometown: Castroville, TX
Major: Nursing Aubrey Thomas
Hometown: Alpine, TX
Major: Psychology Paisley Sticker
Hometown: Port Neches, TX
Major: English Sol Trejo
Hometown: Beaumont, TX
Major: Nursing Sarah Stein
Hometown: Nederland, TX
Major: Nursing Cheyenne Steele
Hometown: Baston, TX
Major: Hospitality Management Kaitlynn Spears
Hometown: Port Arthur, TX
Major: Nursing Brynlee South
Hometown: Orange, TX
Major: Psychology Violet Peveto
Hometown: Buna, TX
Major: Education - EC-6 Isaac Mendez
Hometown: Houston, TX
Major: Athletic Education Abby McKinley
Hometown: Lumberton, TX
Major: Nutrition - Diatetics Tori McDonald
Hometown: Lumberton, TX
Major: Accounting

Cesar Luna
Hometown: Beaumont, TX
Major: Civil Engineering

Synia Lumpkin
Hometown: Houston, TX
Major: Nursing Mariana Lopez-Maldonado
Hometown: Lumberton, TX
Major: Biology - Pre-PA Rhett Land
Hometown: Nederland, TX
Major: Biology Pre-Med Colton Kizima
Hometown: Houston, TX
Major: Computer Game Developement Madison Keys
Hometown: Beaumont, TX
Major: Chemical Energineering Bre Jones
Hometown: Anahauac, TX
Major: Psychology Jason Janak
Hometown: Winnie, TX
Major: Accounting McKynna Jackson
Hometown: Groves, TX
Major: Criminal Justice Madi Homuth
Hometown: Groves, TX
Major: Nursing Julia Herrera
Hometown: Port Arthur, TX
Major: Nursing Janiylah Herbert
Hometown: Humble, TX
Major: Accounting Journey Jackson
Hometown: Glenn Heights, TX
Major: Psychology Mary Henry
Hometown: Crosby, TX
Major: Biology - Pre Optometry Keegan Hebert
Hometown: Nederland, TX
Major: Mechanical Engineering Kace Hebert
Hometown: Nederland, TX
Major: Construction Management
Emily Hatcher
Hometown: Lumberton, TX
Major: Biology - Pre Vet Odes Gordon
Hometown: Mauriceville, TX
Major: Mechanical Engineering Channing Francis
Hometown: Nederland, TX
Major: Education

Railey Fletcher
Hometown: Vidor, TX
Major: Phsychology

Joseph Doyle
Hometown: Missouri City, TX
Major: Mechanical Engineering Carson Davies
Hometown: Onalaska, TX
Major: Electrical Engineering

Rown Catarino
Hometown: Galveston, TX
Major: Mathematics

Natalie Black
Hometown: Orange, TX
Major: Kinesiology

Amiya Bell
Hometown: Houston, TX
Major: Social Work

Aniya Bell
Hometown: Houston, TX
Major: Social Work

Julian Asevedo
Hometown: West Orange, TX
Major: Computer Engineering

Emma Bates
Hometown: Port Neches, TX
Major: Education

Majorie Bitong
Hometown: Kountze, TX
Major: Computer Science

Kyrie Cavallini
Hometown: Houston, TX
Major: Nursing

Nelson said the program's focus extends beyond helping students earn a degree to preparing them for the responsibilities and opportunities they will encounter throughout their lives.

"If I had to describe the Smith-Hutson program in one word, I would say 'prepare,'" Nelson said. "We aim to prepare our students to be successful, not only in their career but also in their life and who they want to be known as. Our program culture fosters integrity, confidence, service, and leadership."

As the program marks its 15th year at LU, its growing alumni network continues to offer opportunities for former scholars to remain involved. Alumni are encouraged to participate in program events, serve on scholarship interview panels and connect with current students.

Applications for the Smith-Hutson Scholars Program open annually Oct. 1 and close Feb. 1, with interviews conducted in April. Incoming freshmen and transfer students with at least 60 credit hours applicable to their degree plans are eligible to apply.

For Nelson, the anniversary represents both the program's accomplishments and its potential to continue supporting future generations of students.

"The Smith-Hutson scholarship program has been at Lamar for 15 years, and they are positively impacting lives every day," Nelson said. "As we celebrate this milestone, I am excited to see the opportunities, growth, and impact the next 15 years will bring."

*Not pictured is nursing major Mikayla Tate from Baytown, TX.