How do you balance classes, parenting, and everything in between? In this episode of Gator Bites, host Daniel McLemore talks with Jessica Moore, LSCO’s Student Government Association Vice President and founder of a potential new student parent organization. Jessica shares her story of perseverance, community, and the challenges of raising a child while pursuing her degree — and how she’s helping other parents find strength, support, and success along the way.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.

What happens when education meets community? In this episode of Gator Bites, host Daniel McLemore sits down with Polk County Center instructors Heidi Kelly, Vic Wheeler, and Jessica Fant to discuss the impact of bringing higher education closer to home. From nursing and history to business and Spanish, these passionate educators share how access, community, and opportunity are shaping the lives of students in Livingston and beyond.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.

What does it mean to find your voice in college? In this episode of Gator Bites, host Daniel McLemore sits down with SGA President Joshua Taylor and senators Reid Burman and HeavenLeigh Hughes to talk about leadership, campus involvement, and community at LSCO. From funny behind-the-scenes stories to real lessons on confidence and connection, this episode dives into how student leaders are shaping campus life while finding their voices along the way.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.

What does it take to turn opportunity into impact? In this episode of Gator Bites, host Daniel McLemore sits down with Joshua Taylor, President of LSCO’s Student Government Association and past Chair of the Texas State University System’s Student Advisory Board. From boosting student worker wages to building community on a commuter campus, Josh shares how leadership, courage, and action come together to create lasting change and how LSCO students truly embody Your Future. Our Focus.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.

What does it take to be part of history? In this episode of Gator Bites, host Daniel McLemore talks with students of the very first Registered Nursing cohort at LSCO’s Polk County Center. From career changes and lifelong dreams to the power of learning close to home, these students share what motivates them, how they’re growing through hands-on training, and why nursing truly is a calling of the heart.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.

How do products get from warehouses to your doorstep, and who makes it all happen? In this episode of Gator Bites, we sit down with Hilda Marcel, Program Director of Logistics at LSCO. From Amazon’s game-changing strategies to the role of AI in modern supply chains, Hilda shares her passion for teaching logistics and preparing students for careers in an industry that never stops moving.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.

How do you prepare students for success in the world of finance? In this episode of Gator Bites, host Daniel McLemore talks with Ryan Holland, Department Chair of Finance, and Chris Kovatch, Banking Instructor and Vice President of Commercial Lending at Rave Credit Union. Together, they share how LSCO’s new Banking program equips students with real-world skills, industry insight, and the confidence to thrive in a growing financial sector.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.

From answering 911 calls to securing grants that change lives, Jillian Bland has built a career around helping others. In this episode of Gator Bites, host Daniel McLemore talks with Jillian about her journey from police dispatch to LSCO’s Workforce Department. Hear how her unique background, passion for progress, and work with statewide grants are creating hands-on opportunities and hope for students and businesses alike.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.

How do students turn vision into action? In this episode of Gator Bites, host Daniel McLemore sits down with Zoey Royer, president of LSCO’s brand-new FBLA chapter, and faculty advisor Ryan Holland. From leadership development to national competitions, discover how these Gators are building confidence, connections, and careers while making a big impact on campus today.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.

What happens when the host becomes the guest? In this special episode of Gator Bites, the mic is flipped on Elaina Forester as she shares her journey from LSCO student and ambassador to intern and storyteller. Joined by the Marketing and Communications team, Elaina reflects on launching the podcast, the lessons she’s learned behind the scenes, and how her experiences at LSCO are preparing her for a future career in journalism.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.

What does it mean to be a student leader at LSCO? In this episode of Gator Bites, host Elaina Forester sits down with Kendra De La Fuente, Director of Advising and Recruiting, to explore the Student Ambassador program. From campus tours to community events, discover how these outstanding students lead with service, represent Gator pride, and help transform lives on and off campus.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.

Ever wondered what it’s like to step into the world of crime scenes and investigations—Gator style? 🐊 In this episode of Gator Bites, host Elaina Forester sits down with Hallie Gates, Department Chair of Criminal Justice at LSCO, to talk about the brand-new Forensic Science program. From fingerprints to blood spatter to cybercrime, discover how LSCO is giving students the hands-on experience they need to crack the case and launch exciting careers in criminal justice.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.

Join Dr. Wendy Elmore, Lamar State College Orange’s newly appointed president, as she shares her background, leadership approach, and vision for the college’s future.

About Lamar State College Orange:
Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) is a two-year, state-supported institution located on the banks of the Sabine River in Orange, Texas. As part of the Texas State University System, LSCO is committed to transforming lives and communities through the continual pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence. Serving more than 5,500 students, the College offers associate degrees and certificates in academic, technical, and workforce fields, providing new and unique opportunities for growth and success. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and innovation, LSCO serves a diverse student population, including a high percentage of first-generation college students. Through strong community partnerships, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative student support services, LSCO is the bridge connecting those it serves to a bright, Orange future.