Dr. Thomas Johnson, Lamar State College Orange President since October 2018, has told KOGT that 2025 will be his last with the school.
“I’m about to turn 63 and there’s still some things me and my wife Karen want to do,” he said. “I’ve spent 42 years in public service and it’s time to do something else.” Johnson worked for Congressman Charlie Wilson, spent 20 years in law enforcement, and worked at Tyler Junior College before replacing Dr. Michael Shahan at LSCO after he retired.
Johnson will stay through August so he’ll oversee two more graduations and the completion of the LSCO Welcome Center located in the former First Baptist Church on Green Ave. LSCO recently cut the ribbon on their new 55,000 square foot Academic Building after demolishing an old bank building that had become an eyesore.
“I had a 10 year plan and we’ve pretty much accomplished it in seven years,” he said. “I’m so proud of my team, the staff, and the students. We’ve seen record increases in enrollment and graduates. We’ve also added 20 new vocational programs.”
Under Johnson’s tenure, LSCO also opened a satellite campus in Hardin County and partnered with LSC-Port Arthur and LIT to open a campus in Livingston. LSCO also started a bass fishing team that has had national success. He brought an identity to the school by introducing Tilley, a gator mascot. And they created an outdoor plaza on campus and named it after the late Orange blues man Gatemouth Brown.
Orange will miss the Johnsons. Dr. Tom’s wife Karen was also involved in the community, working with the United Way, OCARC and Orange Christian Services. “We love Orange and appreciate the people and businesses we’ve worked with over the years.”
Social Media