S2: E7 | Beyond Orange: Building Pathways for Gators

What does life in the military teach you, and how does that experience stay with you long after you take off the uniform?In this special Veterans Day episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester sits down with Brenna Wheatley, LSCO’s Institutional Research and Effectiveness Specialist, to talk about her nine years of service in the United States Navy.Brenna shares what led her to enlist after high school, her experiences traveling and serving overseas, and the friendships and camaraderie she still misses today. From being stationed in Italy to deploying to Iraq and working as a Master-at-Arms, she reflects on the experiences that shaped her both personally and professionally.She also talks about using her GI Bill to continue her education, finding her way back to LSCO, and the unexpected path that brought her from student worker to full-time employee. Plus, she offers advice for anyone considering military service, emphasizing the importance of doing your research, preparing yourself and not letting others talk you out of pursuing something you want.Join us as we recognize the experiences, sacrifices and stories of those who have served.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 an LSCO education becomes the starting point for something bigger?In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester sits down with Kristin Walker, Associate Vice President of Statewide Partnerships, to explore how LSCO is creating new opportunities for students through partnerships across Texas.Kristin breaks down LSCO’s growing partnership with Texas State University, including pathways that allow students to take classes on the San Marcos campus while continuing their education through LSCO. She also shares how students can use workforce and applied science programs to prepare for careers in fields like hospitality management, construction management, cybersecurity and IT, and graphic design.Plus, Kristin talks about LSCO’s newest partnership with the Institute at Rockwall, how dual credit expands access to higher education, and why hands-on experience and one-on-one advising can make such a difference for students.From Orange County to San Marcos, Rockwall and beyond, LSCO is building pathways to help students figure out what’s next.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.

Halloween fun, creative costumes and a whole lot of Gator spirit! 🎃In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester sits down with Staff Senate members Crystal Compton, Cindy Wyles, and Jessica Jaeger to talk all things Octoberfest. From favorite costume contest memories to the event’s growth over the past 21 years, they share what makes this community tradition so special.Hear how Lamar State College Orange brings families, student organizations and local businesses together for a safe, fun evening filled with games, treats, activities and plenty of Halloween spirit. Plus, find out why former attendees returning with their own children is one of the most rewarding parts of the event.Whether you’re bringing little ones for trick-or-treating or just looking for a fun way to connect with the community, LSCO's Octoberfest has something for everyone.Visit the event on Thursday, October 29 from 5–7 p.m.Come for the candy, stay for the community, and celebrate Halloween the Gator 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.

After 23 years at LSCO, Suzanne Baker is stepping into a new role and a new chapter in her career.In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester sits down with Suzanne to talk about her journey from nursing student and practicing nurse to faculty member, simulation instructor and now LSCO’s new Registered Nursing Program Director.Suzanne reflects on how LSCO and the nursing program have changed over the years, the students who have shaped her experience, and what she hopes to bring to the program in her new role. She also shares her goals for continuing the nursing program’s legacy, supporting faculty and students, and preparing the next generation of nurses.For students who may be nervous about entering nursing, Suzanne has an important message: believe in yourself, use the resources available to you and don’t be afraid to reach out for support.After more than two decades at LSCO, Suzanne is ready to help lead the nursing program into its next chapter.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 you stop being just a student and start becoming part of the campus community?In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester talks with Chloe Abshire, LSCO’s Student Government Association president and a current student ambassador. Chloe shares her unique journey from being homeschooled and starting at LSCO as a 16-year-old dual credit student to becoming an involved student leader on campus.Chloe talks about what inspired her to join SGA, what it’s like planning events for students, balancing leadership with her academics, and how becoming involved helped her feel like she truly belonged at LSCO. She also shares her experience as a student ambassador and how she helps new students find their footing on campus.From Student Appreciation events and Area 51 parties to building friendships, networking with faculty and preparing for her future, Chloe explains why getting involved can make your college experience so much more meaningful.Her advice? You only have two years. Make them count.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 help a student find their place at LSCO?In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester sits down with Bayleigh Smith, LSCO’s new Director of Admissions and Recruiting, to get to know the person behind the role. Bayleigh shares her journey through higher education, what brought her to LSCO, and why creating a welcoming and supportive experience for students is so important to her.She also talks about her work with Student Government Association, upcoming campus events, the new Gator Insider newsletter, and the many ways students can get involved on campus. Plus, we get to know Bayleigh outside of work, from her love of reading and binge-watching TV to her favorite kind of food: concession food.Her advice to students is simple: don’t be afraid to take that next step. Whether that means getting involved, attending an event or simply stopping by her office to ask for help, you never know where that step might take you.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’s it really like to be the person behind Tilly the Gator?In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester sits down with LSCO student Isaiah Dumas to talk about how he found his place on campus, got involved with Student Government Association, and eventually stepped into the Tilly costume.Isaiah shares what brought him to LSCO, how getting involved helped him find a community, his experience advocating for fellow students through SGA, and what it’s like connecting with the community as Tilly. For Isaiah, being Tilly is more than wearing the costume. It’s about the passion and joy that comes from making kids smile.Whether you’re already involved on campus or still trying to find your place, Isaiah has one simple message: make new friends, get involved and enjoy your time in college.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 if the support you need to keep moving forward is already on campus?In this episode of Gator Bites, Elaina Forester sits down with Erin Tarver to talk about LSCO’s Gator Food Pantry and Clothing Closet. From food assistance and professional clothing to work boots and interview-ready outfits, these resources are here to help students meet everyday needs and take their next step toward their goals.Erin also shares how students and community members can volunteer, donate and access these resources, plus why sometimes a little help can go a long way.Whether you’re a student looking for support or someone who wants to give back, there’s a place for you at the Gator Food Pantry and Clothing Closet.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.

In this special graduation edition of Gator Bites, LSCO graduates Zoey Royer, HeavenLeigh Hughes, Lucia Liu, and Reid Burman reflect on the experiences that shaped their college journey and prepared them for what comes next.From balancing jobs, leadership roles and demanding coursework to finding friendship, confidence and community, these students share honest conversations about growth, perseverance and discovering new passions along the way. They discuss how LSCO helped them develop professional skills, leadership experience and the support systems that made a lasting impact on their lives.As commencement approaches, the group looks ahead to transfer plans, future careers and the goals they hope to accomplish in the years ahead while carrying their orange pride with them into the 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.

In this episode of Gator Bites, we’re diving into Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year college students, and a powerful force for student success at Lamar State College Orange.Host Daniel McLemore sits down with PTK faculty advisors Jessica Williams and Byron Lumpkin to explore how the Alpha Nu Gamma chapter is helping students grow beyond the classroom. From leadership development and community service to scholarships and national recognition, PTK offers opportunities that extend far beyond academics.Whether you’re a student considering joining or just curious about what PTK really offers, this conversation highlights how finding the right community can transform your entire college experience.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.