Dr. Thomas Johnson was installed as President of Lamar State College-Orange Tuesday at the Shahan Events Center.
A full house including Dr. Johnson’s family and his 92 year old father (below), faculty and staff, elected officials, members of the board of regents, and more were on hand to see LSCO welcome its first new President in two decades after the retirement of Dr. Mike Shahan.
After the invocation from Rev. Ronnie Crockett and the National Anthem from Janet Lemon, the crowd was addressed by Tyler Junior College Chancellor Dr. Michael Metke, SGA President Dylan Miller, Faculty Senate President Eric Owens, and Staff Advisory President Cindy Wyles. Father Sinclair Oubre provided the benediction.
Texas State University Chancellor Dr. Brian McCall (right), after presenting Johnson with the Chain of Office, said all the official pleasantries but then added, while you’re making LSCO the best it can be, “have fun.”
Johnson, a Port Arthur native, announced that he was “home” in East Texas. He has spent the last 12 years at Tyler Junior College and before that he retired after 20 years with the Houston Police Department.
Dr. Johnson’s message to the audience was of “hope and opportunity.” The same hope and opportunity that he received to get where he is today. And the importance of a two year college to help provide that hope and opportunity.
Dr. Johnson ended his speech with an acronym. Students F.I.R.S.T..
First Class Education
Improving Lives
Respect
Service to Community
Tradition of Excellence
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