Lamar University celebrates inaugural Southeast Texas Energy Day

Lamar University's College of Business hosted the inaugural Southeast Texas Energy Day celebration Friday, Oct. 9, at the LU Welcome Center, bringing together university leadership, local officials and industry representatives to recognize the region's contributions to the energy industry and its role in shaping the sector's future.

The celebration followed proclamations issued by Jefferson County Commissioners Court and the City of Beaumont designating the second Friday of October as Southeast Texas Energy Day. The annual observance recognizes the region's economic significance while highlighting Lamar University's expanding role in energy education, research and workforce development.

Dr. Joby John, dean of the College of Business, opened the event by thanking university officials, community leaders and industry partners for their support of the initiative.

"The second Friday of every October will be celebrated as Southeast Texas Energy Day," John said. "This is a very special day. It's the first of several to come in the future."

John said the designation provides an opportunity for Southeast Texas to recognize its place in the history of the energy industry while looking toward future developments.

"We're here to celebrate this proclamation, to take ownership of energy and our place in the history as well as the future of energy," John said.

The designation coincides with the 125th anniversary of the 1901 Spindletop oil discovery, which transformed Beaumont into an international center of oil production and helped establish the modern petroleum industry.

John emphasized the region's continued importance to the global energy sector, citing its concentration of refineries, petrochemical facilities, liquefied natural gas export terminals and transportation infrastructure.

Lamar University President Jaime Taylor discussed the university's historical relationship with the energy industry and its responsibility to prepare future generations of professionals.

"This region has revolved around energy for over 125 years," President Taylor said. "The reason why Beaumont is the town it is today is because of energy."

President Taylor noted that Lamar University, founded in 1923, has maintained close ties to the industries that drive Southeast Texas' economy. He highlighted the contributions of university graduates working in engineering, science, technology and transportation, including leadership positions at the region's major ports.

"The reason why Lamar University is here, started in 1923, was to support this industry and support those industries that support that industry," President Taylor said.

Looking ahead, President Taylor discussed the importance of maintaining the region's position in the energy industry while preparing for emerging opportunities.

"This is one of the things that we want to do here at Lamar University, is look towards the future," President Taylor said. "I'm hoping it continues to be the center for the oil industry for years to come."

Beaumont Mayor Roy West, who joined university leadership in celebrating the proclamation, spoke about the economic opportunities the energy industry has created for Southeast Texas residents since the discovery of oil at Spindletop.

"1901 was so significant for Beaumont and Southeast Texas and the world," West said. "It has connected Beaumont and Southeast Texas to the rest of the world and has created so many employment opportunities."

West said continued economic development depends on partnerships among local government, industry and educational institutions, particularly in preparing young people for careers in the region.

"We want to continue to expand those, and that is done through this educational process and bringing them up through Lamar as well to train our workforce," West said.

A central focus of the celebration was Lamar University's new Doctor of Business Administration in Energy Management, the first AACSB-accredited DBA program specifically focused on energy management.

The program is designed to prepare experienced professionals and executives to address complex challenges in the energy sector through advanced business strategy, applied research and leadership development.

West praised the university's efforts to expand its academic offerings to meet industry needs.

"I'm so excited about our Doctor of Business Administration in Energy," West said. "I love how cutting edge Lamar is, and I'm sure it will continue with that."

Members of the program's inaugural cohort attended the celebration and were recognized during remarks from university leadership.

Provost Dr. Brett Welch welcomed the doctoral students and discussed the academic and professional value of earning a terminal degree. He emphasized the program's focus on complex problem-solving, research and the perseverance required to complete doctoral studies while balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

"It's not just more assignments. It's the complexity of those assignments," Welch said, explaining the distinction between undergraduate, graduate and doctoral education.

Welch also acknowledged the personal commitment required to pursue a doctorate, recognizing the support students receive from their families and colleagues.

"It's a huge sacrifice to step into this," Welch said. "When you earn it, it's not just you that earns it. It's your loved one that earns it."

He welcomed the inaugural cohort and encouraged students to help shape the program as it continues to develop.

The event also recognized support from industry partners Entergy Texas, the celebration's platinum sponsor, and Port Arthur LNG, its gold sponsor. Their involvement reflected the collaboration between the university and regional energy companies in supporting educational opportunities and workforce development.

As the designated annual host of Southeast Texas Energy Day, Lamar University plans to continue the celebration each October through academic activities and engagement with industry representatives and community partners.

The initiative builds on the university's longstanding relationship with Southeast Texas' energy sector while creating new opportunities to connect the region's industrial history with its future workforce and leadership needs.