Gator Bites

Lamar State College Orange

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‘Gator Bites’ gives an authentic, inside look into Lamar State College Orange, dedicated to elevating Gator voices, spotlighting campus life, and fostering meaningful conversations that connect, inform, and inspire the Gator community. Through engaging interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and real talk about college life, we aim to build a stronger, more connected campus culture.

5D AGO

S1: E:16 | Meeting You Where You Are: Workforce Pathways at LSCO

What if education worked around your life and not the other way around? In this episode of Gator Bites, host Daniel McLemore sits down with LSCO’s Workforce and Continuing Education team, Kristin Walker, Michelle Hammerly, and D’Wayne Shaw, to unpack how workforce programs create fast, flexible pathways into new careers. From short-term credentials and employer partnerships to upskilling, reskilling, and lifelong learning, this conversation explores how LSCO is meeting students exactly where they are and helping them take confident next steps toward their goals. 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.

26 min
JAN 12

S1: E15 | Built to Last: Inside LSCO’s New Machine Shop Program

What happens when industry demand meets hands-on education? In this episode of Gator Bites, host Daniel McLemore sits down with Sean McFarland, Howard Bailey, and Alex Spell to explore LSCO’s new Machine Shop program launching this spring. From the nationwide shortage of skilled machinists to six-figure career pathways and stackable credentials, this conversation dives into why manual machining is making a comeback and how students can turn precision skills into lifelong careers right here in Southeast Texas. 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.

35 min
11/24/2025

Credit for Service: Empowering Texas’ Juvenile Justice Workforce

How can education strengthen public service? In this special episode of Gator Bites, President Wendy Elmore sits down with Chris Ellison, Director of Program Development and Training for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, to discuss an innovative partnership transforming the TJJD workforce. Together, they explore how LSCO is helping new hires and long-time employees earn college credit, pursue certificates and associate degrees, and even move toward bachelor’s pathways all through training they've already completed. Discover how collaboration between education and public service is creating career opportunities, improving employee retention, and empowering those who serve Texas youth. 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.

9 min
11/11/2025

S1: E13 | Balancing Books and Bedtime: The Journey of a Student Parent

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.

14 min
11/03/2025

S1: E12 | Access, Community, and Opportunity: LSCO in Polk County

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.

18 min
10/27/2025

S1: E:11 | Finding Your Voice: Inside Student Leadership at LSCO

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.

26 min
10/20/2025

S1: E10 | Your Future. Our Focus: Student Leadership in Action

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.

21 min
10/15/2025

S1: E9 | The Heart of Nursing: LSCO’s First RN Students in Polk County

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.

11 min

4

out of 5

4 Ratings

‘Gator Bites’ gives an authentic, inside look into Lamar State College Orange, dedicated to elevating Gator voices, spotlighting campus life, and fostering meaningful conversations that connect, inform, and inspire the Gator community. Through engaging interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and real talk about college life, we aim to build a stronger, more connected campus culture.

Creator

Lamar State College Orange
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

16
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Lamar State College Orange
Show Website

Gator Bites